Young Malaysians Can Lead The Green Movement In Real Estate

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Letter to Editor
I USED to think climate change was something far from me. Something for the policymakers, the scientists, the experts.
But after attending the International Green Build Conference (IGBC) 2025 recently, I realised — it is no longer just a chapter in books or a news headline. It is here. It is now. And we, the people, must act.
As a real estate agent and a student of Bachelor of Real Estate (BRE) at University of Malaya, I joined IGBC 2025 organised by REHDA Institute with GreenRE. It was truly an eye-opening experience.
To listen to speakers from Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, UK and many others, I feel amazed and also worried. Amazed by the green innovation that already exist, and worried because we are still slow in adopting it.
The panel discussions and case studies gave me a new perspective. I always thought selling homes is just about location, price, and design.
But now I see, it’s also about how that home affect the planet. Are we building responsibly? Are we thinking of energy use? Are we reducing waste? These are questions I never really asked before. But now I can’t stop thinking about it.
Malaysia has committed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our country also wants to cut carbon intensity by 5% starting this year, and 35% by 2035. 

These are strong goals. But honestly, they are just numbers if we, the people, don’t take part. Climate action is not only government’s job. It’s everyone’s responsibility.
We can start small. That’s what I learned from the conference and also from my own experience. For example, at home we can switch to LED lights, unplug devices not in use, use fan instead of aircond, and install water-saving taps.
If you have a garden, why not try rainwater harvesting? These small things may look simple, but they can make big impact if we all do them.
Even in our daily routine, we can make better choices. I try to bring my own water bottle, my food container, and even cutlery if I go out. I also prefer e-documents over printing.
Going paperless is not only easier, but greener. For transport, walking or using public transport helps reduce carbon too. And when I talk to my friends and clients, I also try to share what I learn. Sometimes, just one conversation can spark interest in others.
At the IGBC 2025, me and my friends joined the Media Sustainability Challenge (IMSC). I was so happy when I received the consolation prize. It felt like a recognition of my small step.
More than the prize, I feel proud that we are part of a movement — a movement to make green living a norm in Malaysia. I hope more young people, especially in real estate field, will take this seriously.

Let me be honest. The journey is not easy. Many times, the easier choice is not the greener one. It’s easier to use plastic, to print notes, to buy fast fashion, to drive everywhere.
But if we want to pass a better nation to the next generation, we have to choose differently. Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment. It’s about protecting our future.
As a real estate student, I see how much impact buildings have on our environment. From the materials used, to the energy consumed, to the waste produced.
If we can influence design, encourage green certification, promote eco-friendly developments — we can create real change. Even as agents, we can talk about this with buyers and developers. We can be the voice of green awareness.
My hope is that more people in my field will take this seriously. Not just because it’s a trend, but because it matters. Because our children will live in the homes we help to build or sell.
And they will ask us, did you do your part? To all Malaysians, please don’t wait for others to start. Let it begin with us. Talk about it at home. Practice it with your family.
Learn more, share more, care more. The green lifestyle is not about being perfect. It’s about being aware, and trying better every day. IGBC 2025 was my wake-up call. I came as a student, but I left with a mission.
I want to be a real estate agent who not only sells homes, but also builds a greener Malaysia — one home, one habit, one conversation at a time. Because climate change is not coming. It’s already happening. And so must our response. 

Fatimatul Zahrah Mohd Zainal is a final year real estate student at the Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaya. 
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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