Investigating skill gaps in green building skills for energy efficiency

Abstract

Shortage of green skills has become a major constraint to energy efficient building programs and policies of Malaysia and many Asian countries. Yet, studies aimed at green skills are rare. Relying on an online survey of 99 professionals accredited by the Malaysian Green Building Index (GBI) this study seeks to: [1] identify the necessary green skills required for design and delivery of energy efficient building; and [2] identify and capture areas of skill gaps based on available and future green skills needs. Our preliminary result reveals that generally, available energy efficient green skills in Malaysia are below average. The highest skill gaps were found to be in the areas of energy efficiency maintenance for HVAC system, competence in use of diagnostic tools to measure building energy efficiency, carbon storage and capture in buildings and competency of architects/ builders in passive designs and installation.