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Article
Publication date: 5 April 2013

Elaine J. Cole and Laura Fieselman

The purpose of this paper is to design a community‐based social marketing (CBSM) campaign to foster sustainable behavior change in paper reduction, commingled recycling, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a community‐based social marketing (CBSM) campaign to foster sustainable behavior change in paper reduction, commingled recycling, and purchasing environmentally preferred products (EPP) with faculty and staff at Pacific University Oregon.

Design/methodology/approach

A CBSM campaign was developed after a nine month pilot study. A six‐month mixed methods research approach used pre‐postsurveys, office supply purchasing reports, a recycling study, and a waste audit. The CBSM campaign strategies used were prompts, communication, incentives, commitment, convenience, norms and social diffusion.

Findings

The campaign titled, Greening Pacific! successfully identified and ranked key barriers to paper reduction, recycling and purchasing environmentally preferable products and developed CBSM tools and materials that were instrumental in affecting change. The CBSM campaign strategies and materials that were effective include recycling and paper reduction prompts, a sustainable office pledge, initiating a green team and training staff leaders, and deskside recycling box distribution. An increase in campus‐wide purchasing of recycled content paper and EPP was found. Post‐survey results found that 74 percent of staff and faculty changed their behavior because of the CBSM campaign.

Research limitations/implications

The study could have benefited from a longer data collection period.

Practical implications

Establishing aspects of green office practices on campuses can have significant impacts on purchasing EPP, waste reduction, energy and cost savings, and reducing the use of toxic chemicals. CBSM is a valuable framework for fostering behavior change.

Originality/value

Community‐based social marketing provides higher education institutions and other organizations with an effective model to foster environmental change in a targeted and community‐oriented way.

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Tunbosun Oyedokun, Colin Jones and Neil Dunse

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience of the UK office market in embracing green buildings. The empirical analysis considers the spatial pattern and growth of…

1701

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience of the UK office market in embracing green buildings. The empirical analysis considers the spatial pattern and growth of green buildings in cities since 1990. It examines the perceived industry wisdom that the establishment of a green premium for occupation is the key to greening the office stock.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by looking at the concept of a green office and then examines the evolving attitudes towards these offices and the issues for local market dynamics. The empirical analysis examines the current spatial pattern of green office buildings in the UK and then their impact on city office markets, where there is a major concentration. The latter part of the paper examines the growth of green offices since 1990. It begins with national trends and then examines the evolution of green development in individual cities.

Findings

The initial adoption of green offices was slow. There has been a dramatic rise in green offices at the peak of the past decade’s development boom and in the immediate years that followed. Market acceptance of the importance of greenness appears still to be in the melting pot with limited market transactions since 2008. Green offices represent only 2.7 per cent of office buildings and 12 per cent of total space in the market. Most green offices are in the principal cities with the largest concentration in London. London represents the only potential locality where a green market could have been established so far.

Practical implications

The paper provides an empirical assessment of the growth of green offices in the UK.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to consider the development and scale of green offices in the context of local markets. It challenges the perceived wisdom that a green premium is central to the green transformation to date.

Details

Journal of European Real Estate Research, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-9269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2019

Stephanie Rock, M. Reza Hosseini, Bahareh Nikmehr, Igor Martek, Sepehr Abrishami and Serdar Durdyev

The built environment is a major source of carbon emissions. However, 80 per cent of the damage arises through the operational phase of a building’s life. Office buildings are the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The built environment is a major source of carbon emissions. However, 80 per cent of the damage arises through the operational phase of a building’s life. Office buildings are the most significant building type in terms of emission-reduction potential. Yet, little research has been undertaken to examine the barriers faced by building operators in transitioning to a green operation of the office buildings in their care. This study aims to identify those barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Building facilities managers with between 7 and 25 years’ experience in operating primarily Melbourne high-rise office buildings were interviewed. The sample was taken from LinkedIn connections, with ten agreeing to participate in semi-structured interviews – out of the 17 invitations sent out. Interview comments were recorded, coded and categorised to identify the barriers sought by this study.

Findings

Seven categories of barriers to effecting green operation of office buildings were extracted. These were financial, owner-related, tenant-related, technological, regulatory, architectural and stakeholder interest conflicts. Difficulties identifying green operation strategies that improved cost performance or return on investment of buildings was the major barrier.

Practical implications

Government, policymakers and facilities managers themselves have been struggling with how to catalyse a green transition in the operation of office buildings. By identifying the barriers standing in the way, this study provides a concrete point of departure from which remedial strategies and policies may be formulated and put into effect.

Originality/value

The uptake of green operation of office buildings has been extremely slow. Though barriers have been hypothesised in earlier works, this is the first study, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that categorically identifies and tabulates the barriers that stand in the way of improving the green operational performance of office buildings, drawing on the direct knowledge of facilities experts.

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2013

Kim Hin Ho, Satyanarain Rengarajan and Ying Han Lum

The paper has the following objectives in mind: to examine whether or not “green” developments have any significant effect on the Real Estate Investment Trust's (REIT) operational…

4160

Abstract

Purpose

The paper has the following objectives in mind: to examine whether or not “green” developments have any significant effect on the Real Estate Investment Trust's (REIT) operational and financial performance; to examine whether or not the effects of “green” developments on the REIT's performance is consistent across the different property types namely office, retail and residential.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces two variables to measure “greenness” of REIT's. These variables include the percentage of square feet of certified properties and the average “greenness” score. Firm's size as measured by taking natural logarithm of total assets was also included as it serves as an indirect measurement of “greenness”. Other financial variables were added to control for the differences in firm's characteristics. This is meant to isolate the variation in performance variable that could be explained by the “green” variables. Following which, regressions (OLS) were estimated for each of the performance variables as measured by ROA, FFO/total revenue and ROE.

Findings

The general findings of this paper are: “Green” buildings do impact both the operational and financial performance of REITs. However, different measures of “greenness” of REIT's property portfolio will yield different set of results; the observed impacts of “green” buildings are mainly significant for both the K‐REIT and Capitamall Trust (CMT) whereas that for City Developments Limited (CDL) are insignificant; the observed effects vary across the different property types namely office, retail and residential as represented by K‐REIT, CMT and CDL. The paper provides evidence to show that “green” buildings are better options given the various benefits, as compared to their counterparts.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper should serve as a meaningful guide to look at how investments in “green” and sustainable buildings will create value for real estate investors at the REIT's level.

Originality/value

The paper offers insightful information for REIT's managers when they make decisions on the acquisition of “green” properties or retrofitting of the existing properties in their direct real estate portfolios. As such, this paper is meant to extend the body of literature on “green” buildings by investigating the significance of “green” buildings on REIT's performance.

Book part
Publication date: 30 May 2019

Ayşen Coşkun and Nuray Akar

Organizational Behavior.

Abstract

Subject Area

Organizational Behavior.

Study Level

This case is suitable to be used in advanced undergraduate and MBA/MSc level.

Case Overview

This case highlights the problems and prospects of World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Turkey’s Green Office program initiative. Green Office is an environmental management system developed by WWF-Finland 15 years ago and currently operates in China, Latvia, Pakistan, and Turkey in more than 200 organizations. The objectives of the program are to reduce the ecological footprint of the offices, decrease the negative impact of everyday operations at work, motivate and educate the employees to behave environmentally friendly, increase environmental awareness, reduce emissions, and save energy. WWF-Turkey runs the program since 2011, and it aims to influence and inspire people and businesses to address threats to nature and protect it for the sake of present and future generations. To be considered as a Green Office, an organization needs to comply with three main criteria: (1) consumption of natural resources (i.e., heating–cooling, office stationery, transportation, electricity, water, paper, and food consumption), (2) activities (i.e., purchase, cafeteria, cleaning services, waste management, building maintenance), and (3) increase in employees’ awareness. Accordingly, Green Office helps to determine concrete goals by systematically assessing the office resources and create their environmental management system. This case discusses the core essence of the Green Office program, the steps followed in implementing the program, as well as its benefits and challenges of being a Green Office.

Expected Learning Outcomes

The objective of this case is:

  • to illustrate WWF-Turkey’s Green Office program initiative and

  • to make students understand how a non-governmental organization (NGO) can foster green organizational behavior and embrace socially responsible business practices.

to illustrate WWF-Turkey’s Green Office program initiative and

to make students understand how a non-governmental organization (NGO) can foster green organizational behavior and embrace socially responsible business practices.

Details

Green Behavior and Corporate Social Responsibility in Asia
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-684-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2012

Abdul-Rashid Abdul-Aziz and George Ofori

From interviews with selected experts and secondary sources, this paper charts the actions that led to Malaysia having its own green building rating tool. It began with the…

Abstract

From interviews with selected experts and secondary sources, this paper charts the actions that led to Malaysia having its own green building rating tool. It began with the Institution of Architects Malaysia and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia working together in 2008 to come up with the Green Building Index (GBI) specifically suited for the Malaysian condition. The index was launched a year later, the same year that a new prime minister came into office. With greening the economy in mind, he launched a few major initiatives, one of which was the creation of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water to replace the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications and another was the launching of the National Technology Policy. In December 2009, he made the commitment on Malaysia's behalf to reduce carbon dioxide emission at the Copenhagen Summit, thereby cementing his commitment to green issues at the international level. Behind-the-scene lobbying by the private sector resulted in the government explicitly endorsing the GBI by tying GBI certification of buildings to financial incentives. This paper makes the case that the strong cooperation between the private sector and the government over the GBI represents a form of public-private partnership on aspects of collaborative spirit, complementarity of resources, private sector leadership, wide-ranging ramifications over other partnerships across time, timing and sustainability. Other countries intending to come up with their own rating tool can take stock of the Malaysian experience.

Details

Open House International, vol. 37 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 20 January 2017

Denise Akason and Helee Hillman

This case highlights a recent and important type of new sustainability project for existing buildings commonly referred to as an integrated energy retrofit (IER) project. Anthony…

Abstract

This case highlights a recent and important type of new sustainability project for existing buildings commonly referred to as an integrated energy retrofit (IER) project. Anthony Malkin of Malkin Holdings, owner of the Empire State Building (ESB), acknowledged the importance of making the existing building stock, particularly in New York City, more energy efficient, as it comprises a large part of the real estate in most cities. Taking a bold leadership position, Malkin vowed to make the ESB the most energy-efficient, sustainable, “green” pre-war office building through an IER project that examined several facets of the building's systems, operations, and tenant behaviors. In addition to making the ESB a green icon in Manhattan, Malkin also stated the importance of making the project transparent and economical so other pre-war buildings could copy the model. This case study examines in depth the process that Malkin Holdings underwent in attaining its goal of establishing the ESB as a leader in existing building sustainability.

After discussing and analyzing the case, students should be able to: Understand how to balance costs and benefits associated with an IER project Explain the benefits of green retrofitting to owners and tenants Identify risks in high-profile, complex projects and recommend mitigation strategies

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Markson Opeyemi Komolafe, Matthew Oluwole Oyewole and John Temitope Kolawole

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which green building features are evident in office properties in Lagos, Nigeria; and consequently determine the degree…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which green building features are evident in office properties in Lagos, Nigeria; and consequently determine the degree of compliance with green standards in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The study purposively sampled two (2) office properties from the management portfolio of 88 registered Estate firms in Lagos. Data were collected using physical observation on the properties and interview with two users purposively selected from each of the properties. The data were analysed with the use of frequency distribution, percentages and measures of green features availability index.

Findings

The result revealed a low extent of green features incorporation in existing office properties with the value of availability indices on most features falling below 2.5 on a five-point scale. Feature relating to material use and conservation is the most incorporated green feature (mean score of 2.62) while those relating to owner and occupant education were least in incorporation (mean score of 1.895).

Practical implications

From the findings, it is apparent that green retrofitting may be necessary in Nigeria due to the low extent of green practices in existing office properties. Also, reinforcement of existing government policies and increased sensitisation of stakeholders on impact of current building practices are pertinent to green building success in Nigeria.

Originality/value

Most existing studies of similar focus are based in the developed economies where stronger implementation framework exists for green building. Besides, they are mostly based on evaluation of green certified buildings using few criteria. This study differs in that it presents the existing building sustainability practices in a less pronounced green property market, with varying architectural styles using more robust criteria. Information provided is applicable in Nigeria and other emerging economies.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2018

Dave Collins, Antje Junghans and Tore Haugen

This paper aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for green leases and tenancies in sustainable “Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method” (BREEAM…

1804

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for green leases and tenancies in sustainable “Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method” (BREEAM) and “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design” (LEED) certified office and office buildings in Norway, the UK and the USA. This study focuses on the differing perspectives between owners and tenants. It is then considered as to how these issues are dealt with during different phases of a buildings life cycle. This research is based on existing literature and semi-structured interviews that studied qualitative and quantitative elements in the context of ownership and tenancy of single and multi-tenanted sustainable office buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed-method approach involving semi-structured interviews with both qualitative and quantitative elements along with desk research, this paper evaluates how green leases and tenancies in offices and office buildings that are BREEAM and LEED certified require a reconsideration and re-evaluation of the acquisition, operation and disposal of office buildings by building owners and their tenants. These stakeholder relationships are supported theoretically using a theoretical model that outlines the interrelation between the sustainable building and the relationships of the building owner, the user and the FM service provider.

Findings

The data gathered from the interviews justify and partly contradict some of the statements within existing literature, diminishing the importance of cost and the barrier of split incentive but instead illuminate the importance of less tangible considerations such as company policy or a sustainability strategy. The results also note the realisation of a changing market for commercial real estate driven by the sustainable business needs of tenants for the occupation of workspaces.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have the potential to further develop theories and provide an insight into how the relationships between actors from a business, procurement and contractual perspective need to be developed to ensure more proactive development of green leasing of new and existing sustainable office buildings, along with where strategic attention is required during the building design, construction, operational and use phases.

Originality/value

This paper is based on original research through interviews and literature studies supported by an existing theoretical model. The results have been partly presented and initially discussed at the WBC World Congress 2016 in Tampere, Finland.

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Juhari Noor Faezah, Mohd Yusoff Yusliza, Richa Chaudhary, T. Ramayah and Olawole Fawehinmi

This study aims to investigate the influence of green human resource management (Green HRM) on employee ecological behaviour (EEB) using the mediating role of green commitment.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of green human resource management (Green HRM) on employee ecological behaviour (EEB) using the mediating role of green commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using convenience sampling by surveying 308 academicians in five public research universities across Malaysia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) tested the hypothesised model.

Findings

The results offered support for the hypotheses. Green HRM was related positively to EEB, and Green HRM influenced EEB indirectly via green commitment.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for policymaking regarding higher education institutions that maintain an eco-friendly environment in Malaysia. The study offers guidelines to decision makers for enhancing EEB and environmental commitment in the workplace.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current literature on green behaviour and Green HRM by examining these relationships and testing the mediation effect of green commitment from the developing economy of Malaysia. It also offers guidelines for policymakers and HR practitioners to promote environmental friendliness at work and create an environmentally friendly organisational culture.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

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