Moving towards green university: a method of analysis based on multi-criteria decision-making approach to assess sustainability indicators

Increase of greenhouse gases surrounding the earth has recently put the world in a dangerous condition. Thus, the term green building technology has progressively been used to control sustainability matters and to develop standards that can control carbon emissions and energy consumptions. University buildings are not excluded from the energy conservation problems due to their population and activities. Consequently, this study intended to find and prioritize the criteria, sub-criteria, and the associated indicators based on their level of importance in assessing green building universities in Malaysia. Based on the green building index (GBI), the most well-known sustainability rating system for buildings in Malaysia, the criteria and their associated indicators were identified. A panel of experts in consultation and implementation of green buildings in Malaysia was selected for data collection purposes. Criteria and their associated indicators were ranked based on their level of significance using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Results showed that indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency were the most significant criteria while the innovation was the least important criteria in evaluating green building universities. Findings of this research provide new knowledge for stakeholders involved in the implementation of green building in universities.

Automated summary

This study evaluated green building universities in Malaysia using the green building index and found that indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency were the most important criteria, while innovation was the least important. These findings provide new knowledge for stakeholders involved in the implementation of green building.