CARBON NEUTRAL
Table 2. Challenges of going carbon neutral for healthcare facilities in Malaysia.
CHALLENGE Financial
Constraints
Technological Limitations
Infrastructure Limitations
Regulatory Framework
Behavioural Change
Supply Chain Challenges
DESCRIPTION
Limited budgets or funding constraints may hinder investments in green technologies, energy-efficient infrastructure, and sustainable practices.
Constraints or lack of availability of certain green technologies or renewable energy sources in the local market may impede efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Existing healthcare infrastructure may not be designed to accommodate renewable energy sources or energy-efficient systems, making retrofitting complex and costly.
Insufficient support or incentives from regulations and policies governing healthcare facilities may hinder the transition towards carbon neutrality.
Resistance to change, lack of awareness, or reluctance to adopt new practices among staff, patients, and visitors can impede progress towards sustainability goals.
Ensuring that suppliers adhere to sustainable practices and provide environmentally-friendly products can be challenging, particularly if alternative options are limited or costly.
Data Availability Limited availability of data or inadequate monitoring infrastructure can hinder efforts to accurately track progress towards carbon neutrality and identify areas for improvement.
Dr
Muhammad Syukri Imran Abdullah
Dr Muhammad Syukri Imran Abdullah P.Eng, B.Eng. Civil Environmental Engineering, M. Eng. Civil Engineering, Ph.D. in Energy Efficiency. ASEAN Chartered Professional Engineer, registered professional engineer with BEM Malaysia and registered professional technologist (Green Technology) with MBOT Malaysia. He is also accredited LEED AP (O&M) by USGBC, certified professional in M&V by MGTC. He has 20 years’ experience in healthcare engineering, facility management, civil engineering design, and projects management, including green building and sustainability program. Currently a fellow of Institute Sustainability and Renewable Energy and fulltime lecturer in the Engineering Faculty, University Malaysia Sarawak, focusing on R&D opportunities in healthcare settings.
demands. Furthermore, the varying conditions and infrastructure across different regions add complexity to standardising green building practices nationwide, making it more difficult to achieve uniform certification across all facilities. Despite these challenges, MoH remains dedicated to expanding its green building certifications, recognising the long-term benefits for both the environment and public health. At the same time, raising awareness among occupants of MoH buildings and the wider public emerges as another pivotal task. Despite the growing global emphasis on sustainability, many remain oblivious to the importance of green transformation and sustainable practices. Educating stakeholders about the environmental, health, and economic benefits of adopting green initiatives is paramount. Through comprehensive educational campaigns, workshops, and outreach programs, the significance of embracing sustainability can permeate MoH facilities and communities nationwide. By engaging staff, patients, visitors, and the broader community, Malaysia can foster a culture of sustainability and pave the way for widespread adoption of green practices. In tandem with environmental conservation and awareness-building efforts, the challenge of creating safe and healthy built environments looms large. Striking a delicate balance between sustainability and occupant wellbeing is imperative. Improving indoor air quality, minimising noise pollution, optimising lighting, enhancing
ventilation, and regulating thermal conditions are crucial aspects of this endeavour. By integrating green building practices with evidence-based design principles and cutting-edge technologies, Malaysia can achieve sustainable healthcare facilities that prioritise safety, health, and environmental stewardship. Through collaboration among architects, engineers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders, Malaysia can chart a path toward a future where healthcare infrastructure serves as a beacon of sustainability, resilience, and holistic wellbeing for all. Considering Malaysia’s healthcare infrastructures
are scattered across varied regions and landforms in Malaysia, spanning rural, urban, and suburban areas, some facilities still do face some or more challenges as shown in Table 2 towards carbon neutral healthcare facility. The diverse landscape of Malaysia presents unique challenges for healthcare facilities in their journey towards carbon neutrality. In rural areas, healthcare facilities may encounter difficulties due to limited budgets and funding constraints, making it challenging to invest in green technologies or sustainable practices. Additionally, technological limitations may arise in remote regions, where access to certain green technologies or renewable energy sources may be limited.
Energy and environments In urban and suburban areas, existing healthcare infrastructure may not be designed to accommodate renewable energy sources or energy-efficient systems, posing challenges for retrofitting and upgrading facilities. Furthermore, effort in implementing strategies and administering policies governing healthcare facilities may vary across regions, leading to inconsistencies in support for sustainability initiatives and carbon reduction efforts.
Pathways and actions necessary to accomplish its carbon reduction goal by 2050 (MoH, 2023).
34 Health Estate Journal November 2025
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