Emerald | Journal of Corporate Real Estate

Sustainable workplaces and building user comfort and satisfaction

Andrew Smith, Michael Pitt — 2011-09-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role of sustainable buildings in providing healthy workplaces in physical and perceptual terms. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a literature review, considering the history of sustainable development in the built environment and its rationale, then widening the scope to consider sustainable, healthy and productive workplaces. Findings – Sustainable construction has focused on environmental sustainability but this may have contributed to improved health, satisfaction and wellbeing amongst building users. Sick building syndrome and poor indoor air are contributory factors to ill health and reduced productivity but this paper suggests that sustainable building practices will reduce these effects, improving the quality of buildings for their occupants. Practical implications – This paper argues that building performance measures need to take account of people factors such as employee perceptions and also that the design of workplaces should be regarded as a strategy for productivity enhancement. Management issues should be considered in the design of workplaces. The paper concludes that further research is required into the role of sustainable construction in providing healthy buildings. Originality/value – The paper makes practical suggestions for corporate real estate and facilities management teams as well as those involved in the design of the buildings. Additionally, it opens suggested avenues for further academic research.

Lease versus buy decision for corporate real estate in the UK

Richard Barkham, Abraham U. Park — 2011-09-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present evidence on the significance of the strategic determinants of the lease versus buy (LVB) decision for corporate real estate (CRE) in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes an empirical approach using logistic regression technique to explore company and site characteristics for LVB decision for CRE based on a survey involving 2,248 UK firms. Findings – The results show significance for locational characteristics, size of operations, and physical attributes of the real estate; company size, however, was less significant than supposed, while company preferences came through strongly; sectoral differences were negligible. Research limitations/implications – The dataset used in this study is based on a 1998 survey of 2,248 property occupiers in the UK. Although the sample size is large, the LVB decision was only a part of the survey. Practical implications – This paper demonstrates the necessity for a wider framework to fully analyze the LVB decision for CRE, which not only includes finance, but also corporate strategy, locational analysis, and real estate economics. Originality/value – This paper makes an empirical contribution to the field of CRE research by presenting evidence on the significance of the strategic determinants of the LVB decision for CRE in the UK.

Green offices in Australia: a user perception survey

Lynne Armitage, Ann Murugan, Hikari Kato — 2011-09-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to deepen understanding of what is working and what is not working within green workplace environments. The paper examines management and employee perceptions of their experiences of working in green workplace environments and assesses the effectiveness of such places. Design/methodology/approach – Being the second stage of a longitudinal study, this paper relies on a data set derived from its survey of 31 management and 351 employee respondents occupying Green Building Council Australia Green Star-rated offices for more than 12 months. Findings – The green workplace is a great place to be, at least most of the time, but there is a discrepancy between the views of management who see greater benefits of the green workplace than their employees. Research limitations/implications – By focussing on green buildings, there is no control to establish a benchmark. Hence, the next stage of the research is a comparable study of a non-green data sample. Also to be tested is – whilst managers and employees overall report satisfaction with their green workplace, what is the norm? Practical implications – The findings are useful for green building industry practitioners and for building owners and managers to maximise the benefits of owning and occupying green buildings by highlighting areas that may require particular attention in order to get it right. The results are particularly useful to support targeted efforts to meet the environmental aspects of the workspace needs of employees. This study aims to assist industry practitioners, owner and managers to learn from the experience of current occupiers and thereby assist the design and space management of office space in the future where such considerations will become increasingly important given the international concerns for improved resource management. Originality/value – With international applicability, a large sample of office space users provides empirical evidence of what works/does not work within the green workplace, i.e. its strengths and weaknesses and provides a good reference point for similar studies in the future, leading to the establishment of clearer, more useful benchmarks of green building occupier satisfaction.

Evaluating economic impacts of corporate real estate activities

Thomas A. Musil — 2011-09-13 00:00:00.0

Abstract

Purpose – Input-output modeling can accurately forecast the benefits associated with corporate real estate projects. This paper aims to address the economic and employment impact analysis practices used in input-output modeling and identifies resources for corporate real estate executives when working with community groups and public officials. By understanding this topic, corporate real estate executives can more effectively demonstrate the value of corporate activities to a community. An impact analysis case study is presented that includes an example of economic impact report content. Input-output modeling is an effective analytical tool for corporate real estate site selection, facilities expansion, and other community relations projects. This study addresses the major issues in corporate/community relationships and focuses on the corporate need to demonstrate project contributions to community economic vitality. As political, special interest, and public views about business expansion and development harden, corporate real estate executives and specialists need to utilize effective tools to balance the debate. Design/methodology/approach – This study presents a review of input-output economic modeling techniques, application of the model, key terms, a case study of a $2.1 billion expansion project, and a sample outline of an impact analysis report. This approach provides a good conceptual framework, terms, and the application of an economic and employment impact approach to measuring the total contribution of corporate real estate activities in a community or region. Findings – Demonstrates methods measuring economic and employment multipliers resulting from direct, indirect, and induced corporate project impacts. The findings will assist professionals responsible for corporate/community relations by enhancing their understanding of economic impacts. Originality/value – This paper presents an overview of an effective modeling technique that can be used to accurately estimate the community economic and employment contributions resulting from a new corporate real estate project. Emerging corporate/community relations issues are discussed and resources are identified.