Do We Know Enough About Green Buildings? A Meticulous SWOT Analysis Using Fuzzy-based Approach

Abstract

Sustainability has become a critical focus in the construction industry, yet a detailed understanding of the factors shaping green building adoption remains limited. This study investigates the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) associated with green building implementation and employs a fuzzy-based DEMATEL approach to analyse the interrelationships among these factors. Key findings reveal that improved resident comfort, enhanced GDP, lack of end-user knowledge and awareness, and bureaucratic inefficiencies significantly influence green building adoption. Expert validation further identified that tax rebates, financial incentives, and subsidies are essential strategies for promoting sustainable construction practices. The study also highlights the importance of integrating regulatory support, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable technologies to enhance policy effectiveness. By systematically combining SWOT with fuzzy DEMATEL, the research provides a rigorous framework to assess factor importance and causal interdependencies under uncertainty. The outcomes offer actionable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, guiding the design of incentive programs, regulatory frameworks, and implementation strategies. This study contributes to academic scholarship and equips decision-makers with a practical, evidence-based approach to advancing green building adoption, fostering sustainability, and supporting long-term development in the construction sector.