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Life cycle assessment (LCA) is considered to be the most systematic methodology that is widely used in the area of energy analysis. However, embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC) analysis requires significant time and effort to ensure the reliability of the LCA results. Therefore, a more comprehensive model of conducting the energy analysis is required to provide more realistic EE and EC analysis in turn. Hybrid LCA has been identified as the best model in improving the completeness of EE and EC inventory data. However, such a benefit was not empirically verified extensively, especially in the Malaysian construction industry. This paper demonstrates an extended application of hybrid LCA to Malaysian building design systems, and further investigates the completeness of the model. Finally, the potential for EE and EC reduction through the allocation of low EE and EC intensities of alternative materials, products or components has been evaluated. The results revealed that the hybrid LCA improved the completeness of the EE and EC inventory data compared with other models. By using low EE and EC intensity materials, products or components, a total EE and EC reduction of 43% and 41%, respectively was achieved. The results showed that the proposed methodology can assist designers practically during the early stage of the design process in the Malaysian construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the Paris Accord to cap global temperature rise to1.5°Celsius over the next 100 years, Malaysia submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) seeking to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, which was changed to 2050 following the Marrakech Proclamation in 2016. This paper analyzes the implications of Malaysia's INDC and an additional proposal of continuing further climate control to cap temperature rise over the next century against the existing scenario in the country. The results show that the cumulative damage from climate change over the period 2010–2100 will amount to MYR2.1 billion under the present climatic regime. It will fall to MYR1.1 billion under scenario 2 and to MYR0.6 billion under scenario 3. Since the total abatement costs for scenario 2 (MYR14.3 billion) is close to that of scenario 3 (MYR14.6 billion) against the significant reduction in climate damage of the latter, the third proposal is the best alternative for Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the new global economy, carbon emission has become an important worldwide issue. One key reason for this is the magnification of the transport sector, as millions of gasoline-based vehicles are plying on roads producing carbon emission throughout day and night. In order to impede these vulnerabilities and promote a more sustainable economy, one solution is to switch from gasoline-based vehicles to using green technology vehicles. There is growing agreement that electrification and the ability to ‘decarbonize’ this sector seems to be significant, as it helps to mitigate the high reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The introduction of electric vehicles has led the automotive industry to a whole new echelon, one with zero fuel dependency and increased fuel efficiency. While the usage of greener and cleaner vehicles, such as electric vehicles, is well supported with government policies and programmes, it is surprising that little information is divulged about the public acceptance of electric vehicles from the social perspective. Public acceptance and diffusion of this new green technology is relatively fresh and unknown in Malaysia. In fact, public acceptance can appear as a prevailing obstacle for market diffusion and encumber the development of technology adoption. The rationale of this paper is to conduct an exploration to determine the key predictors affecting the usage of electric vehicles acceptance in Malaysia. Malaysia has been referred to here, as electric vehicles are just being introduced as one of the initiatives to encourage a low fossil carbon technology within the transportation sector. More specifically, an empirical study using a survey questionnaire was distributed to 1000 private vehicle drivers in Malaysia. An electric vehicle usage model was proposed based on a literature review and a multiple regression model. The results demonstrated that electric vehicles acceptance in Malaysia can be explained as being significantly related to social influences, performance attributes, financial benefits, environmental concerns, demographics, infrastructure readiness and government interventions. In addition, the study offers a valuable wealth of information on the public acceptance of automotive players planning to market electric vehicles in Malaysia. It also offers sensible guidelines for the formulation of marketing strategies that will address the real wants and needs of future electric vehicles users. In the meanwhile, policy-makers should concentrate on the appropriate intervention and policy to encourage the development of electric vehicles as part of the strategy towards a transition to a low carbon society in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]