Sustainable Construction and Climate Change Mitigation: Insights from China, Malaysia, South Africa, and Peru

Abstract

The building industry is central to climate change mitigation because it generates substantial energy use and carbon emissions across the full building life-cycle, from material production to operation. Passive and energy-efficient designs, renewable energy integration, use of low-carbon and reusable materials, digital optimization, and circular waste management can minimize operational and embodied emissions, and climate-responsive design can enhance heat, water stress, and other environmental resilience. This study explores sustainable construction practices and climate change mitigation strategies in four different economies: China, Malaysia, South Africa, and Peru. Based on questionnaire data collected from professional engineering and green building networks associated with the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), the study applies thematic analysis to compare national priorities and strategies. The findings show that each country pursues sustainability according to its resources, development needs, environmental challenges, and technological strengths. China and Malaysia emphasize energy-efficient design and digital building systems, South Africa focuses on climate-responsive design and material recovery, while Peru prioritizes bio-based materials and local solutions. Overall, renewable energy, circularity, resource optimization, and digital technologies emerge as key trends in advancing low-carbon, climate-resilient construction.