From sustainable buildings to sustainable business

The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative reports that buildings are responsible for more than 40 percent of global energy use and over one third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The construction and real estate sector has the potential to play a significant role in the response to climate change. During the latest years the increase in attention to sustainability and green building by planners, developers, and investors has been remarkable. Implementing corporate sustainability by means of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can enable corporations to achieve a sustainable bottom line by incorporating social, environmental and economic factors into their business plan. Previous studies have indicated that there is direct linkage between corporate real estate and corporate sustainability actions and strategies. There are two basic questions to be addressed in this research. First the aim is to find what kind of importance and value sustainable buildings has to different stakeholders in the real estate field such as owners, investors and users. The second question is how sustainable buildings can support sustainable business and give business a competitive edge. The aim of the Research is to find out the drivers and competitive edges of sustainable buildings for tenants and investors in office and commercial properties to create sustainable business. Research is inductive in the nature. Structured surveys, interviews and literature review utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods will be used. The role of sustainability in real estate sector will increase importance in the future. Sustainable buildings may provide a hedge against shifting preferences and market situations of tenants, owners and investors with respect to environmental, social and economic issues. Poster will be illustrating the research plan and presents highlights found in literature review.