Sustainable Office Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Banking in Public and Private Sector Banks in Sri Lanka

Sustainable banking is still an emerging concept in the world. While different World Bank organizations interpret sustainable banking differently using different dimensions, it will contribute for the sustainability and longevity of the earth by reducing the indirect negative impacts of the banking sector generated through customer activities. In Sri Lanka, attention on sustainable banking is still emerging. Thus, the objectives of this study are to analyze the strategies used in sustainable banking worldwide, to compare sustainable practices of selected public and private sector banks in Sri Lanka, to determine the advantages of sustainable banking practices to Sri Lankan banks and customers, to determine the customer perception on sustainable banking in Sri Lanka and to provide recommendations for future development of sustainable banking concept in the country. This study was commenced from June 2021 until May 2022. World-recognized standards related to sustainable banking were reviewed and a comparative analysis in the public and private banks operating in Sri Lanka was carried out using the primary data collected by interviews with sustainability officers of banks and secondary data collected from the annual reports of banks. Questionnaire surveys were conducted among 302 retail customers and 82 corporate sector customers. Information was gathered on customer perception on sustainable banking and the benefits of sustainable banking on banks and customers through these studies. The results revealed that out of 2 public sector banks and 11 private sector banks in Sri Lanka, 9 private sector banks and 2 public sector banks showed a satisfactory level of implementation. Questionnaire surveys of customers have shown that there is low customer perception towards the concept. The awareness of the concept among retail customers and corporate customers on sustainable banking is 32.12% and 9.8% respectively. 92.1% of retail customers have responded that there are benefits from sustainable banking for customers, while 78% of corporate customers have responded that there are benefits for them through sustainable banking initiatives. As per the findings, banks could gain benefits such as a good corporate image, enhanced reputation, business growth, moving towards new eras of financing, cost reduction, managing risk using the thorough process in risk management and awards. As Sri Lanka is slowly implementing sustainable banking practices it is recommended to have a regulatory approach. Under this regulatory approach, the banks will have action plans within a specific time period to develop and implement sustainable banking practices more effectively. The requirement of a rating system/ assessing tool is highlighted in this study's recommendations and this would direct Sri Lankan banking sector for better future developments in sustainable banking. 
 Keywords: Green banking, Environmental sustainability, Triple bottom line, Customer satisfaction, Commercial banks

Mapping the Evolution of Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) and its Appointment Impact on Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to synthesize literature and results about chief sustainability officer (CSO) appointment on performance of leading US companies that comprise the S & P 500 Index and to summarize the current trends, main topics, the most influential journals, and the authors.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: In our research, 233 studies from 144 scientific journals recruited for bibliometric analyses and covered three decades from 1998 to 2023. Our study has identified three influential streams: (1) The CSO as a top management team (TMT) member, the effect of appointment on its performance and; (2) Importance of sustainability and performance; and (3) Sustainable and performance. Thematic map classifies the CSO appointment and performance relationship themes into four categories: For instance, they can include niches themes (appointment of CSO and sustainability); motor themes (appointment of CSO and sustainable development); emerging/declining themes (appointment of CSO and corporate governance); and the foundation/transversal themes (appointment of CSO and sustainability reporting).
 Implications/Originality/Value: Through this study, scholars, public authorities, directors of companies, and advisers to businesses will have understanding about CSO appointment based on the performance in accordance with the accounting based, market based and economic based perspective. Finally, we point out the most important practical conclusions and provide research gaps in this area.

Evaluation of facade features in green building certified office buildings in terms of energy efficiency

The energy crisis in the world and reaching the point of depletion of resources have pushed the construction industry to seek the use of renewable energy resources. The sustainability approach that comes to the fore with this has gained an important place in the construction sector as well as in all other sectors. The construction of office buildings, which have a high energy consumption rate among the building groups, within the framework of sustainability principles is a result of this search. From this point of view, the aim of this study is to evaluate the facade features of sustainable office buildings with green building certificate within the scope of energy efficiency and to reveal the current practices. Within the scope of the study, 20 office buildings located in the world and in the literature were analyzed in detail in terms of their facade features. These analyzes are grouped under the titles of building envelope, facade material, integration of active and passive systems. In the light of the data obtained, it has been revealed that sustainable office buildings have facade applications for the use of renewable energy sources.

A CT Scan of Our Earth: The Radiology Department’s How-To Guide for Addressing Planetary Health

The planet has a fever, and it is getting worse. Climate change manifests through mechanisms such as extreme weather, shifting disease burden, wildfires, and drought, which all have negative implications on human health. Simultaneously, the health care sector is responsible for 4.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. As users of some of the hospital’s most energy-intensive equipment, radiology departments are key stakeholders in the transition to clean energy. The authors propose a framework to guide radiology departments to advance health care sustainability. The approach outlines how a radiology department can reduce its environmental footprint through appointing a sustainability officer, forming a dedicated green team, incorporating sustainability into the departmental strategic plan, quantifying total greenhouse gas emissions, committing to education, and advocating for systemic change. By delineating a structured path, the authors hope to encourage the transition toward environmentally friendly practices in all radiology practice settings.

The Impact of Chief Sustainability Officers on Environmental Performance of Korean Listed Companies: The Mediating Role of Corporate Sustainability Practices

Chief sustainability officers and sustainability consultants have become increasingly common today as many organizations have become more aware of their impact on the environment and society at large. With the growing importance of integrating sustainability into business, many firms are appointing chief sustainability officers to manage and oversee the sustainability affairs of their firms at various levels. However, very little is known about the chief sustainability officer and the sustainability management team. This study investigates the potential importance of the chief sustainability officer (CSO) and the sustainability management team toward the firm’s environmental performance. Using a sample of Korean-listed companies for the year 2017–2020, this study aims to investigate the relationship between appointment of the chief sustainability officer and a firm’s environmental performance. It also explores the possible mediating role of corporate sustainability practices (CSP) in this relationship, utilizing Baron and Kenny’s method to analyze the mediating role. First, the regression analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the presence and role of CSO on the firm’s environmental performance. Subsequently, the firm’s CSP was then introduced into the regression analysis as a mediator, to evaluate its influence on the relationship between the chief sustainability officer and the firm’s environmental performance. We found that CSP completely mediated the relationship between CSO and environmental performance. This study contributes empirically to the growing literature on the relevance of sustainability management officials and their impacts on the firm’s environmental performance.

Green Banking: Operating Costs on Operating Income, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Financial Slack, Sustainability Officer, and Sustainability Committee

Green Banking: Operating Costs on Operating Income, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Financial Slack, Sustainability Officer, and Sustainability Committee

The Importance of a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in Multinational and State-Owned Enterprises

This study examines the function of chief sustainability officers (CSOs) in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and multinational enterprises (MNEs) doing business in Indonesia, with a focus on their initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2050. This project highlights the value of having a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) in Indonesian MNEs and SOEs. These organizations must acknowledge that they currently lack a CSO at the director level and must assign a CSO to their organizational structure. Strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, innovation and technology adoption, risk mitigation, cost savings, carbon accounting and reporting, and competitive advantage are critical strategic CSOs for Indonesian MNEs and SOEs beyond guaranteeing sustainability. Seventy-six sustainability reports from State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) operating in Indonesia listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for 2021–2022 are the documents studied in the approaches. The results indicate that a critical prerequisite for long-term development and a way to meet sustainability goals is for Indonesian MNEs and SOEs to designate a CSO. The CSO is essential in promoting sustainable practices, reducing risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing the company's image in a society that is becoming more environmentally conscious. Establishing and strengthening the CSO role should be a top priority for these organizations if they want to reach their goal of being net-zero emitters of CO2by 2050. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-03-04 Full Text: PDF

Green Technological Innovation Fueling Competitive Edge in China's Insurance Industry

This study delves into the transformative impact of green technological innovation within China's insurance industry, examining its role in enhancing competitiveness and promoting sustainability. The global insurance landscape is increasingly shaped by climate-related risks, necessitating the adoption of advanced technological solutions. Leveraging comprehensive thematic analysis of qualitative data from interviews and document analysis, this research uncovers the multifaceted benefits that green technological innovation provides to insurers. Interviews with key stakeholders, including top-level executives and sustainability officers, reveal that these innovations reduce operational costs, attract environmentally conscious customers, and enhance resilience to climate-related challenges. Moreover, the regulatory environment, as indicated by previous studies, plays a pivotal role in incentivizing insurers to invest in green technologies. These findings align with China's broader commitment to sustainability, positioning insurance companies as financial intermediaries actively contributing to green projects and the nation's transition to a low-carbon economy. Ultimately, this study underscores how green technological innovation empowers China's insurance sector to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, enhance competitiveness, and advance sustainability goals, while reinforcing insurers' societal relevance and trustworthiness.

Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithm Supported Construction of Architectural Window Design Model Based on Visual Comfort - A Case Study of Office Buildings in Cold Regions

Abstract With the accelerated advancement of big data Internet development, people gradually realize the urgency and importance of energy saving, so the multi-objective optimization research for the performance of office buildings in cold regions is significant, and this paper focuses on the construction of a building window design model based on visual comfort supported by multi-objective evolutionary algorithm- taking office buildings in cold regions as an example, firstly, by reviewing the literature to understand the principle, algorithm, and concept of multi-objective evolution, construct the building window design model based on visual comfort according to the objective function and extract the standard model of inner corridor slab space building in office buildings in cold regions of Harbin and Shenyang. The optimized design of building window parameters was carried out using the established joint simulation and optimization work platform. The results show that for Harbin, as the window heat transfer coefficient increases, the heating energy consumption increases, the cooling energy consumption increases more slowly, and the total energy consumption increases linearly. An increase in window heat transfer coefficient by 0.1W/ (m 2 ∙K) Increases are cooling energy consumption by 0.18%, heating energy consumption by 0.78%, and total energy consumption by 0.46%. For Shenyang, as the window heat transfer coefficient increases, the heating energy consumption increases, the cooling energy consumption increases more slowly, and the total energy consumption increases linearly. If the heat transfer coefficient of the window increases by 0.1W/ (m 2 ∙K), cooling energy consumption increases by 0.18%, heating energy consumption increases by 0.78%, and total energy consumption increases by 0.46%. This study provides a theoretical basis for extracting standard models for other building types while making the results more generalizable and improving the efficiency of sustainable office building design.

HVAC Systems Evaluation and Selection for Sustainable Office Buildings: An Integrated MCDM Approach

Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are critical components of maintaining an indoor air quality that ensures the thermal comfort of occupants in diverse building types. However, HVAC systems are also responsible for a substantial portion of the total energy consumption of commercial and industrial office buildings. This paper presents an integrated approach of two powerful MCDM techniques: the Best-Worst-Method (BWM) and The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) in order to evaluate and rank HVAC systems to ensure the best selection toward designing a sustainable office building. A set of conflicting criteria reported by international sustainable assessment centers were employed along with various HVAC systems to develop what is called herein a BWM-based TOPSIS model in order to conduct such a novel research attempt. Within the context of the investigated office building herein, the mini-package ductless system appears to be the best choice. This study could be further enhanced by including additional criteria and a larger sample size in future studies.

Developing a Sustainable University Campus in Egypt: Cairo University as a case study

Universities are regarded as reference institutions for the expansion of cultural and environmental activities. They are crucial to the advancement of sustainability as they advocate for a development pattern that would be compatible with ecological balance, biodiversity, and intergenerational fairness. In response to the rise in enrollment, CU has created a sustainable expansion plan for its campus. Because students will return to their communities and educate them about sustainability, universities are seen as the best places to apply the principle. Recently, Cairo University established a sustainability office as a governance framework to develop and implement sustainability action plans and to regularly measure and report overall progress towards its aim of a sustainable campus. This paper includes Cairo University’s efforts to transform the campus into a more sustainable society using UI GreenMetric categories. The present study shows the extent of Cairo University’s commitment to achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals, as well as Egypt’s Vision 2030. In all areas, including setting and infrastructures, energy, water and wastes, Cairo University supports the fundamental principles of sustainability and green development.

How much do we throw away in the intensive care unit? An observational point prevalence study of Australian and New Zealand ICUs

ObjectiveDuring the current COVID pandemic, waste generation has been more evident with increased use of single use masks, gowns and other personal protective equipment. We aimed to understand the scale of waste generation, recycling rates and participation in Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) ICUs. DesignThis is a prospective cross-sectional point prevalence study, as part of the 2021 ANZICS Point Prevalence Program. Specific questions related to waste and sustainability practices were asked at the site and patient level. Setting and participantsANZ adult ICUs and their patients on the day of the study. Main outcome measuresAmount of single use items disposed of per shift, as well as the engagement of the site with sustainability and recycling practices. ResultsIn total, 712 patients (median number of patients per ICU = 17, IQR 11–30) from 51 ICUs across ANZ were included in our study; 55% of hospitals had a sustainability officer, and recycling paper (86%) and plastics (65%) were frequent, but metal recycling was limited (27%). Per patient bed space per 12-h shift there was recycling of less than 40% paper, glass, intravenous fluid bags, medication cups and metal instruments. A median of 10 gowns (IQR 3–19.5), 10 syringes (4.5–18) and gloves 30 (18–49) were disposed of per bed space, per 12-h shift. These numbers increased significantly when comparing patients with and without infection control precautions in place. ConclusionsIn ANZ ICUs, we found utilisation of common ICU consumables to be high and associated with low recycling rates. Interventions to abate resource utilisation and augment recycling are required to improve environmental sustainability in intensive care units.

Register for the 2023 Northeast Regional Meeting

The Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society is hosting the Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM) June 14–17 at Northeastern University. The meeting theme is “Chemistry: Crossing Intersections.” Details can be found at 2023.nermconference.org . Technical program. Highlights of the meeting include four plenary lectures: Stuart Schreiber, a professor at Harvard University, on Wednesday, June 14; Alexa Dembek, chief technology and sustainability officer at DuPont, on Thursday; Cato T. Laurencin, a professor at the University of Connecticut and the 2023 Priestley Medalist , on Friday; and Elizabeth O’Day, founder and CEO of Olaris, on Saturday. This meeting will have nearly 70 half-day technical oral symposia. These are grouped into the following themes: analytical chemistry; biochemistry and chemical biology; chemical education; chemical entrepreneurship; communities in chemistry; computational and physical chemistry; industrial chemistry; inorganic chemistry and sustainability; medicinal chemistry; organic chemistry; and polymer and materials chemistry. The complete list of symposia is on

Catch Up with the Good and Stay Away from the Bad: CEO Decisions on the Appointment of Chief Sustainability Officers

AbstractWhy do some chief executive officers (CEOs) appoint chief sustainability officers (CSOs) for their firms while others do not? We answer this question by examining CEOs' attention allocation to competition for stakeholders' approval, which can be triggered by both industry peers' corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). An increase in peers' CSR triggers CEOs' attention allocation by observing that peers have improved and thus pose a competitive threat to their own firms. An increase in peers' CSiR triggers CEOs' attention allocation by perceiving that stakeholders will demand more for sustainability and thus place higher sanctions on their own firms in the future. CEOs' attention allocated to industry peers' CSR and CSiR, in turn, can increase their perceived importance and urgency of appointing CSOs for their firms to ‘catch up with the good’ (responsible peers) and to ‘stay away from the bad’ (irresponsible peers). We also theorize the moderating roles of CEOs' motivational attributes, such that predominantly prevention‐focused CEOs are more (less) likely to appoint CSOs as peers increase CSR (CSiR), and future‐oriented CEOs are more (less) likely to appoint CSOs as peers increase CSiR (CSR).

Green Chemistry: What Is It (and What Is It Not)? And How Does It Apply to Gas Chromatography?

Since the publication of the first tenets of green chemistry about 25 years ago, the conversation about sustainability and chemistry has slowly grown, and today seems at a fever pitch, as companies are adding sustainability officers, universities are adding curriculum, and chemistry-related processes being updated regularly. In this installment, we explore the impact of green chemistry on analytical chemistry and gas chromatography. We define green chemistry, and discuss what it is and what it is not. For example, it is not “chemistry lite.” We then briefly review relevant literature on green analytical chemistry, and begin a conversation on green gas chromatography and the many areas in which gas chromatography-based methods can be made “greener."

Economic Analysis of Sustainable Transportation Transitions: Case Study of the University of Saskatchewan Ground Services Fleet

The global transport sector of the world economy contributes about 15% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the world today, and this must be drastically curbed. To reduce GHG emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, the University of Saskatchewan’s Office of Sustainability has directed a green energy transition for the institution in recent years, leading diverse sustainability projects and agendas due to the importance of curbing climate change and advancing sustainability. However, there is a strong need to pursue deep decarbonization within the campus, and the university transport system is a critical operational area that the Sustainability Office has considered for decarbonization to achieve the net-zero agenda of the university. The motivation for this work stems from the directive of the Sustainability Office to transform the campus vehicle fleet as an identified area for curbing GHG emissions and meet the University agenda. This study was organized in partnership with the Sustainability Office and involved an economic benefit analysis of the campus fleet (consisting of 91 ICE vehicles) to determine if it was economically or financially feasible to transition from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) or PVs (Petrol Vehicles) to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The analysis used RETScreen Expert (a software for analyzing renewable energy technology projects) to model diverse transition scenarios. The variables of Payback Period (PBP), cash flow projections, savings made from transitioning (fuel cost savings and energy cost savings), benefit–cost ratio, and GHG emission reduction potential were analyzed. The findings revealed that the GHG emissions from the campus fleet could be reduced by 100%, resulting in the removal of 298.1 tCO₂ from the environment. The fleet manager could save $CAD 129,049 (88.9%) in fuel costs, and the return on investment could be achieved in year 5 but could be reduced to year 2 if the vehicles were put into constant and active use, eliminating idle times. Lastly, the Sustainability Office would achieve a GHG reduction revenue of CAD 14,906. These findings show that pursuing sustainable transport transitions in the transportation transition for a university campus is financially and economically viable and should be pursued vigorously. The contribution of this work provides examples and evidence to advance policy recommendations to aid the effective and efficient transitioning of the transportation sector, specifically for communities at the scale of university campuses.

New sustainability grants available

Two new grants from the American Chemical Society Office of Sustainability are launching to align with the ACS Board of Directors’ Campaign for a Sustainable Future , which was announced in 2022. The campaign aims to advance chemistry innovations to address the challenges articulated in the United Nations sustainable development goals. The Early Career Postdoctoral–Faculty Bridge Grants are for new faculty members at PhD-granting institutions. Funds can be used by the new faculty member to support a postdoctoral scholar for 2 years to help develop a sustainability-focused research program. Mentorship training will be provided to the new faculty member to support the partnership. Awardees must incorporate green chemistry in course materials and attend an ACS teacher-training workshop in green chemistry. Submissions are due by Sept. 15. Current postdoctoral scholars applying for US-based faculty positions are eligible. Grant funds of no more than $125,000 can go toward salary, benefits, and travel

Editorial Student Voice

Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds is a journal that embraces the unknown and encourages resolution-based exploration into topics such as the climate-focused challenges Aotearoa is facing today. This issue captures both lived and perceived experiences of students at Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou, and offers us a hand to collaborate in issues that not only affect us now, but will for years to come. Climate change is affecting everyone. For our generation and those to follow, an anxiousness has settled within our community surrounding our current trajectory towards an unsustainable and damaging future. Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has provided a space for students to participate in these complex conversations, and by doing so, has inspired us to envision one very important thing: we can be the tailwinds towards climate solutions. This journal has also embraced a variety of academic backgrounds; this has allowed for no limit of student participation, and supports the notion that we all have a role in this journey with our respective experiences and knowledge. Toitū te Taiao ki Te Whare Wānanga o Otākou (the University of Otago's Sustainability Office) has been the heartbeat of these kōrero, and we have experienced enormous support and unity working alongside one another under the uplifting and encouraging guidance of the Sustainability Office team. These reports have required collaboration both within the office and with those in the community, and I think this is reflective of how we should be embracing any challenges that come our way as we progress towards our sustainability goals. To the Toitū te Taiao whanaū, tēnā rawa atu koutou for your energising passion, your patience, your guidance, and for providing us with this amazing opportunity that Pūhau ana te rā: Tailwinds has become. To fellow and future interns, embrace the unknown and don’t hesitate for one second in knowing that every single one of you is important in this journey. Nā to rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive. Kia ora rawa atu, Gabby Arnott 2022/23 Student Lead

Sustainable Heating Solutions

This project's purpose was to look at the LPG boilers on campus and find a low carbon solution which will in turn help the University of Otago to reach their goal of net zero by 2030. This tackles the problem of climate change by reducing the emissions that are associated with the LPG boilers and the problems associated with it are becoming more and more apparent each day. This project is helping the University of Otago decrease its impact on the environment by reducing the amount of LPG emissions by 36%. To do this I have found a more sustainable solution to the LPG boiler by choosing electrification instead. Electrification allows us to decrease carbon emissions with the electricity used in New Zealand today which consists of 80% renewable energy sources.The data from previous years showed that consumption of LPG is much greater than what was expected due to a last min change in the building. Thus, my job is to research the best option for an LPG boiler replacement in the Eccles building as now the building has been operating for long enough that it is now known what the changes are, as well as the resources now becoming available for this project to be undertaken.By looking at the requirements of the building, I was able to see which energy sources were appropriate and was able to find the right size energy source that the Eccles building needed to install. I was able to collaborate with the Department of Physics, Sustainability Office and Property services to get the relevant information needed which allowed me to make an informed decision on what the best outcome would be. The Key impact of this research was to implement new alternative will reduce emissions at Otago University so they can achieve their goal of being net zero by 2030. Supervised by: Dr Arjan Abeynaike (Physics Department) & Craig Cliff (sustainability Office), Univerity of OtagoScholarship funded by: Te Ngaru Paewhenua scholarship

Finding solutions for the management of e-waste on Otago University’s Dunedin campus

Electronic waste is a matter of increasing concern in many countries. Ewaste comprises of inoperative laptops, tablets, batteries, etc. that must be disposed of safely. Global statistics show that in 2019, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste was created. E-waste consists of chemicals and metals, if disposed with food waste and general waste, this waste can turn toxic and harm human and environmental health by polluting the environment by leaching of lead, mercury, and arsenic. Therefore, it is important to minimise electronic waste generated to ultimately minimise the risk of pollution and maintain a standard of sustainability. Furthermore, it is important for consumers to understand that e-waste relates to many of the Sustainable Development Goals charted out by the United Nations. This project is based on finding practical solutions to help minimise e-waste and to improve disposal methods at the Dunedin Campus of the University of Otago. Previously, similar projects were undertaken in some universities globally to help tackle e-waste. To find solutions, companies dealing with the disposal of e-waste were approached and their methods were observed, as similar methods could be applied at the university. The project was started by familiarising with the current solutions on campus, including E-waste Recycling Centre and by understanding the material flow. Following which, interviews with select participants took place, where we obtained an understanding of their processes. To finish, a diagram that illustrates the flow of materials was constructed to help with a better understanding of current methods and future methods. Supervised by Ray O'Brien, Head of Sustainability, Sustainability Office, Univeristy of OtagoScholarship funded by: Waste Management NZ