Managing sustainability efforts in building design, construction, consulting, and facility management firms

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate sustainability efforts in the managerial processes of design, consulting, construction, and facility management firms and to identify the differences between these parties.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was administered to design, consulting, construction, and facility management firms in the USA to seek information about the state of sustainability efforts in these firms relative to strategic planning, marketing, business management, financial management, organizational structure, and people management. χ2 tests were performed on the data collected to determine if statistically significant differences exist between the project participants relative to sustainability efforts.FindingsSustainability efforts are related to a firm’s strategic positioning, reputation and experience, and hiring/employment policies, while profit margins are not higher in sustainable projects compared to traditional projects. Statistically significant differences were detected in three of the six items investigated, indicating conflicting interests among the parties.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s limitation is that it is limited to sustainability efforts in the USA.Practical implicationsIt is concluded that sustainability demands have changed the nature of design, construction, and operation of buildings in ways that deserve special attention on the part of all parties involved.Originality/valueThe firms that participate in building construction projects need to adopt management practices that accommodate sustainable building design, construction, and operation in order to remain competitive in a market where demand for environmental sustainability has grown significantly in recent years.