Sustainability practices among quantity surveying professionals in Malaysia

Purpose Quantity Surveying (QS) professionals are strategically positioned to influence sustainable outcomes through cost planning, procurement, and lifecycle evaluation, yet their contributions are constrained by competency and systemic challenges. This study examines the evolving sustainability-related roles of QS professionals in Malaysia, identifies key barriers limiting effective engagement, and proposes strategies to strengthen QS-led sustainability practices. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was adopted using a two-phase approach. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines to synthesise existing evidence on QS roles, competencies, and sustainability Challenges. This was followed by semi-structured interviews with seven QS professionals in Kuala Lumpur, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Findings The findings indicate that QS roles are expanding beyond traditional cost control. However, effective implementation is hindered by limited sustainability knowledge and training, high upfront costs, time constraints, insufficient regulatory support, and resistance to organisational change. These interrelated barriers restrict QS professionals’ ability to embed sustainability consistently within project delivery. Research limitations/implications The study is based on a small qualitative sample, limiting generalisability. Future research should adopt mixed-method approaches and larger datasets to validate and extend the findings. Originality/value This study provides empirical insight into QS sustainability competency gaps in Malaysia and highlights the profession’s strategic role in advancing low-carbon construction.