A framework of sustainability refurbishment assessment for heritage buildings in Malaysia

In view of the increasing initiatives of carbon emission reduction required by various countries, existing buildings often serve an important target in reducing energy consumption through building refurbishment to achieve sustainability. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to heritage buildings although previous studies claimed that energy consumption in heritage buildings can be reduced through refurbishing. How green assessment can be incorporated into heritage buildings remains unclear. Most of the existing assessment schemes focused on existing domestic and non-domestic buildings. There is lacking of a refurbishment assessment scheme targeted on heritage buildings. Hence, the aim of this study is to propose a framework that can be used to assess the refurbishment of heritage buildings which integrate the important assessment dimensions such as environmental, social, economic, heritage and conservation. This study compares eleven prominent assessment schemes such as BREEAM, LEED, BEAM Plus, CASBEE, GBLS, HQE, GBI, Green Mark, MyCrest, Green Star, and GBC Historic building. Fifteen assessment themes were identified that are related to refurbishment: management, transport, energy, indoor environmental quality, material, water, sustainable site, waste, innovation, pollution, culture, social, economic, quality of services and heritage value. Most of the assessment schemes focus on the assessment on environmental aspects, less attention given to economic, social and heritage aspects. None of these existing assessment schemes integrate all the relevant assessment themes for heritage buildings refurbishment. A framework for the development of a refurbishment scheme for heritage buildings is proposed in the next stage. The findings of this study could refer by the policy makers for formulating relevant guidelines and policies for ensuring best refurbishment practices for heritage buildings. This research could potentially transform the Malaysian heritage industry in conserving and refurbishing existing heritage buildings by improving environmental sustainability, cut carbon emissions and enhancing building conditions. This in turn could help in achieving the sustainability goal of the country as stipulated in the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).