Embedding eco-friendly and smart technology features in affordable housing for community happiness in Malaysia

• Published in: GeoJournal Vol. 87; no. 1; pp. 167 - 181
• Main Authors: Mohamad, Zam Zuriyati, Yang, Fong Chee, Charles Ramendran, S. P. R., Rehman, Mobashar, Nee, Au Yong Hui, Yin, Yip Chee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Affordable housing; Community; Economic development; Economic factors; Economics; Embedding; Energy conservation; Energy development; Environmental behavior; Environmental behaviour; Environmental Management; Environmental policy; Geography; Happiness; Housing; Human Geography; Installation; Policies; Public policy; Qualitative analysis; Residential areas; Sales; Smart buildings; Social Sciences; Socioeconomic aspects; Socioeconomic development; Socioeconomic factors; Sustainable development; Sustainable Development Goals; Technology; Malaysia; Smart home technologies; Affordable house; Community happiness; Thematic analysis; Eco-friendly
• ISSN: 0343-2521; 1572-9893
• DOI: 10.1007/s10708-020-10247-8

Two phases of study are involved in this research: first, the sales strategies for affordable houses embedded with eco-friendly and smart technology features; and second, the impact of such houses on community happiness in Malaysia. Compared to other studies that focus on the concept of affordable housing, this study proposed a new research perspective on how eco-friendly features and smart technologies can be embedded into the affordable house to achieve community happiness. Qualitative data was collected from four focus group discussions and six face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis was performed to generate the outcomes. It was notable that affordable price, strategic location, effective government policies, fostering pro-environmental behaviour, promotion and easy smart-home technology installation play an important role in selling the affordable eco-friendly smart house. It was further found that affordable eco-friendly smart housing will result in community happiness. This study offers new knowledge to the affordable house research area by exploring strategies to include eco-friendly and smart technology features. The urge to have these technologies was driven by the demand for current community lifestyle and happiness. This research contributes to the sustainable development goals programme by considering housing affordability, the environment, energy saving and technologies in a single study. It is also beneficial to socio-economic development as it proposes balanced sales strategies that involve social and economic aspects. The inductive approach aims to provide a theoretical framework for future researchers.