Contributory factors of delay in green building projects in Malaysia
Despite the heightened focus on environmental sustainability in green construction, there is a limited number of research has been conducted to analyse such projects especially in the aspect of delay. Delay can be defined as the late completion of work beyond the planned schedule. Previous studies have concluded that green construction projects are likely to experience delay compared to traditional construction projects. Thus, this study aimed to identify the contributory factors of delay and their impact on the completion of green building project as well as identifying the way to minimize the delay. Literature review was conducted to get a broader perspective on the causes, effects and ways to minimize delay in green building project. A questionnaire survey was developed based on data obtained to rate the level of significance of factors, effects and ways to minimize delay. The field survey conducted includes experienced clients, consultants and contractors in green building project in Malaysia. Relative Importance Index method was used to determine the ranking of different factors, effects of delay and way to minimize delay from the different group of respondents. Three factors that significantly cause delay in green building projects are slow decision making involving all project team, late in revising and approving design documents by consultant and delay in progress payment by client. Cost overrun, time overrun and litigation are rated as the most common effects of delay in green building projects. The three most effective ways to overcome the delay in green building projects are checking contractors' resources and capabilities before awarding the contract; managing site effectively; and managing financial resources and plan cash flow of contractor by utilising progress payment. The findings will guide efforts to improve the performance of green building project in Malaysia by assisting construction key players in providing a better ways and methods in delivering green building projects effectively.