Operation and maintenance capabilities for effective energy efficiency interventions in Klang Valley office buildings

Purpose This study aims to examine how operation and maintenance (O&M) capabilities influence the effectiveness of energy efficiency (EE) interventions in office buildings of Klang Valley. It moves beyond treating O&M as a set of isolated maintenance activities by examining the technical, monitoring, organisational and manpower conditions required to sustain EE outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design was adopted using semi-structured interviews with ten facilities management professionals involved in managing office buildings in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis and compared with the literature to refine the themes and develop a conceptual framework. Findings The findings indicate that inspection-based and time-based maintenance remain dominant, while condition-based, predictive and occupancy-responsive practices are less widely adopted. EE outcomes were stronger where O&M practices were supported by energy monitoring, management commitment, staff capability and sustainability-oriented culture. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to Klang Valley office buildings and interview-based qualitative evidence. The proposed O&M capability framework should be tested through wider quantitative and longitudinal studies using building-level energy data. Originality/value The study contributes by explaining how O&M capabilities act as the operational mechanism linking EE interventions to sustained building performance. The framework positions O&M as a performance-enabling capability rather than a routine support function.