Generation Z’s Opinion About Sustainability of Office Buildings

Abstract

Currently, there are hardly any studies that evaluate the topic of sustainable construction of office buildings from the viewpoint of Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2010) as future users. This article answers the question of how important sustainability is to Generation Z with respect to office buildings. To answer the question, the research uses primary data obtained among 58 Generation Z representatives in Germany in 2022. Survey participants were asked to evaluate an adapted model used by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (German Sustainable Building Council) to certify companies with regard to the sustainability of their office buildings. In summary, our study indicates that German Generation Z respondents want to move safely in energy-efficient office buildings that have sufficient daylight, high indoor air quality, and offer comfortable temperature in all seasons. The needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence correlate significantly with these characteristics, which are particularly important to them. Meaning that these could also be satisfied by an optimal design of the office building.