Sustainable Office Research Articles

Eco-Friendly Office Platform: Leveraging Machine Learning and GIS for Carbon Footprint Management and Green Space Analysis

This research focuses on developing an innovative platform to manage carbon footprint data related to office activities and monitor green spaces, integrating geoinformatics and machine learning technologies. The platform addresses the lack of automated systems for tracking carbon emissions, particularly in high paper consumption environments, such as those involving printing and photocopying. Additionally, it monitors green spaces within corporate settings, an aspect often overlooked in existing systems. The study demonstrates the platform’s capability to automate carbon footprint calculations and provide accurate assessments of green areas, achieving a high accuracy rate of 96.22% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.92. The results confirm the platform’s ability to deliver both comprehensive and granular environmental insights, supporting decision making for more sustainable office environments. The key novelty of this study lies in the integration of real-time data capture with geoinformatics and machine learning to efficiently track both carbon footprints and green spaces. This approach offers a practical solution to a gap in environmental data management in office settings, enabling organizations to align their practices with sustainability goals. The platform’s precise, automated system contributes significantly to the development of eco-friendly workplaces, highlighting its academic and practical value in the field of environmental sustainability.

Mainstreaming sustainability through sustainability offices: Modes and mechanisms in Swiss cantonal administrations

Mainstreaming sustainability through sustainability offices: Modes and mechanisms in Swiss cantonal administrations

Probing the CSR-pro-environmental behavior linkage: Insights into green reputation and chief sustainability officer influence

This study aims to examine the impacts of internal and external corporate social responsibility (CSR) on managers’ pro-environmental behaviors with the mediating role of green reputation and moderating of chief sustainability officer (CSO). We acquired information from 609 managers working in various Chinese manufacturing firms using a standardized survey tool. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to analyze data. Our major findings are as follows. First, both internal and external CSR influence the pro-environmental behaviors of managers through the mediation role of corporate green reputation. Second, the CSO significantly moderates the relationship between CSR actions and corporate green reputation. Our study contributes to the body of current knowledge by giving empirical evidence for the theoretical framework linking CSR, reputation, and pro-environmental behavior. The findings from this study offer managerial insights for businesses that deliberately want to promote environmentally friendly activities.

Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) power and sustainability-based compensation for climate change disclosure and carbon performance: is it different for developed and developing nations?

Purpose Companies are increasingly appointing a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) to anchor the need to highlight climate change at the senior management level. This study aims to examine how CSO power and sustainability-based compensation influence climate reporting and carbon performance. Design/methodology/approach Using one of the largest data sets to date, consisting of 18,834 company years through the author’s observations, spanning an 11-year period (2011–2021) in 33 countries. This paper used quantitative methods – specifically, ordinal logistic regression estimation. This paper measures the level of climate change disclosure based on the carbon disclosure leadership methodology. Carbon performance is based on the intensity of carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2), which is a quantitative and relatively more objective measure. Findings The results suggest that climate change disclosure continued to increase and the carbon emissions intensity of the companies in this study gradually decreased over the sample period. This paper finds that the presence of the CSO within the top management team has a positive and significant influence on the level of information on climate change of the companies in the sample. This finding confirms the idea that the managerial capacity of CSOs motivates the disclosure of climate change. The empirical results confirm that there are differences in the role that the CSO and sustainability-based compensation play in influencing the quality of climate information disclosure in developed and developing countries. Originality/value The recourse on a mixed theoretical framework, which highlights upper echelons theory, argues the understanding of the role of CSOs in explaining the relationship between climate change disclosure–carbon performance relationship. The novelty of the study lies in the approaches adopted to describe the quality of climate change disclosure. To control for endogeneity, this paper uses a difference-in-difference analysis by adding a firm to the Morgan Stanley Capital International index as an exogenous shock.

Chief Sustainability Officer’s Role Centrality and Corporate Sustainability Performance

Chief Sustainability Officer’s Role Centrality and Corporate Sustainability Performance

Are Chief Sustainability Officers Guardians of Environmental Justice? An Empirical Evaluation

Are Chief Sustainability Officers Guardians of Environmental Justice? An Empirical Evaluation

The Practices of Chief Sustainability Officers in Orchestrating Strategy Formation

The Practices of Chief Sustainability Officers in Orchestrating Strategy Formation

The Role and Responsibilities of the Chief Sustainability Officer in ESG

The Role and Responsibilities of the Chief Sustainability Officer in ESG

Signaling Corporate Responsibility: An Event Study of Chief Sustainability Officer Appointments

Signaling Corporate Responsibility: An Event Study of Chief Sustainability Officer Appointments

Implikasi Sustainable Development Goals di Indonesia: Perspektif Riset Akuntansi dan Ekonomi

Sustainable development is essential for the continuity of companies and economic activities. This research investigates the implications of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia by reviewing previous research and filling gaps using accounting and economic perspectives. This research adopted a systematic literature review and content analysis approach using 13 articles from published articles indexed by the Science and Technology Index (SINTA) 2 and 3. Research findings, namely the variable presence of a Corporate Social Responsibility Officer or Sustainability Officer, appear to be a predictor of SDGs disclosure in corporate reporting. The following research finding is that educational accountants as educational curriculum creators can align with SDGs. Another research finding, Zakat plays a role in achieving SDGs, namely poverty, hunger, health, and education.

Campus sustainability office representations of the DEIJ-sustainability nexus

The number of campus sustainability offices in the USA has grown over the past two decades. These offices evolve from myriad origins such as an outgrowth of a facilities department, academic administration, or student activism. Some campus sustainability office missions are closely aligned with environmental sustainability, whereas others include the intersection of environmental with human factors such as cultural and economic sustainability. As potential breadth and scope evolves, each college’s sustainability office has new horizons to choose among. These decisions are shaped by factors such as institutional strategic goals, funding, opportunities, and management choices. One of the possible directions for campus sustainability offices is to highlight how the office contributes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) efforts on campus. These observations are placed into literature on the changing roles of campus sustainability offices, the evolving roles of DEIJ efforts on college campuses, and of website-based representations for audiences internal and external to colleges. In so doing, the article categorizes ways in which sustainability offices present themselves as advancing DEIJ on campuses. This is done by comparing website content from a cross-section of US-based university sustainability offices. Results allow campus decision-makers to see a range of options for advancing DEIJ through sustainability. These results are also of use to faculty in sustainability-related programs to think through course design and community engagement activities. Scholars of higher education management will also be able to see the broader landscape of how DEIJ and sustainability offices align.

Evaluation of Sustainable University Campuses and Sports Facilities from the Perspective of Administrators and Students: A Multiple Case Study

Sustainable higher education institutions contribute to the building of a sustainable society at regional and global levels by raising individuals with environmental awareness. Universities can also offer their stakeholders the opportunity to lead a healthy life with the sports fields on their campuses In this context, the “campuses” and “sports fields” of 6 Turkish universities which are in the top ten of the UI GreenMetric list (ranked by country), were analyzed in a holistic structure with a qualitative paradigm in terms of sustainability officers, sports facilities managers and students. The research was designed in a case study pattern and supported by in-depth interviews and document analysis. In this direction, it was analyzed within the scope of themes and sub-themes with the descriptive analysis method. As a result of the findings, it has been found that the sustainability studies in the examined universities are mainly carried out on environmental sustainability such as energy, water and waste management. It has been revealed that the reason for this for legal obligations. In addition, it has been determined that the sustainability initiatives of private universities are carried out both with various sustainability rating systems (STARS, THE, etc.) and within the framework of an integrated program with students. The inclusion of the opinions of the participants of different statuses in the study enabled us to reach multi-dimensional findings and results in the research fields.

Development and Assessment of a Post-Occupancy Evaluation Scale for Sustainable Office Environments

This study explores the relationship between users and the built environment through a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) conducted at the FNN Sustainability Centre, a noteworthy sustainable building in the region. The study involved a comprehensive approach, encompassing site visits, managerial interviews, and staff surveys. To establish a robust evaluation framework, a scale was developed by analyzing pertinent literature, and indicators were identified to gauge various aspects of the building's performance. Throughout the scale development process, the SPSS data analysis program was used, and expert opinions were solicited to ensure a rigorous and comprehensive methodology. Evaluation categories included lighting, acoustics, climatic comfort and indoor air quality, use and comfort of systems, quality of space and perception, awareness of sustainability and productivity. The building emerged as a physically and psychologically conducive workplace that heightened employee awareness of sustainability. The study identified specific concerns, such as noise disturbance for open-office workers and glare-related issues, which serve as valuable feedback for potential adjustments.

Evaluating and comparing objective and subjective thermal comfort in a malaysian green office building: A case study

This study examined thermal comfort in a sustainable office building in Malaysia, with the goal of understanding how objective environmental data relates to occupants' subjective experiences. The study utilized established thermal comfort models, such as the predicted mean vote (PMV), in conjunction with occupant surveys to evaluate the indoor environment. Objective data aligned with thermal comfort criteria, but subjective thermal sensation vote (TSV) showed a notable difference. The environment felt colder than anticipated by the occupants. This study emphasises the drawbacks of depending exclusively on conventional thermal comfort models, especially in tropical settings. The research emphasises the importance of considering individual variability (physiological and psychological), localised environmental variables, and potential adaptive comfort mechanisms impacted by regional climate. This research aims to develop a thorough understanding of green buildings' inside climates to inform design methods for achieving optimal thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced carbon emissions. The results provide guidance on methods for emphasising occupant-centered design in sustainable buildings located in tropical areas. This study focuses on filling the knowledge gaps regarding the dynamics of thermal comfort in green buildings located in tropical regions. Combining empirical data with subjective feedback emphasises the need for design strategies that focus on occupant well-being in addition to energy efficiency goals.

The environmental impact of hip and knee arthroplasty: An analysis of carbon emissions and disposal costs

Background and purposeThe rise in hip and knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis requires addressing healthcare system pollution to support Ireland's climate change goals. This research aimed to quantify waste generated and determine environmental and economic impacts to promote sustainable strategies in joint arthroplasty and shed light on the suboptimal waste management practices. MethodsThe study was conducted at National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh (NOHC), measuring waste generated during hip and knee arthroplasty. Clinical, domestic, and recycled waste weights were recorded, including the segregation of Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) Blue Wrap waste in ten operations. Kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions (kgCO2e) and disposal costs were calculated. ResultsIn a sample of 100 joint arthroplasty operations, the study found that revision knees produced 23.58 ​kgCO2e per case, revision hips 23.50 ​kgCO2e, primary knees 15.82 ​kgCO2e, and primary hips 14.64 ​kgCO2e. CSSD Blue Wrap contributed on average 13.5% of OT waste. Extrapolating these findings to the estimated number of joint arthroplasties performed in 2022 ​at NOHC (1556 hip and knee joint arthroplasties), the emissions were estimated to be 24,576 kgCO2e, with the cost of disposal up to €29,228. Strategies to mitigate this waste have been identified and proposed. ConclusionThe research aimed to address the environmental impact of orthopaedic joint arthroplasties, offering strategies to reduce waste generation, carbon emissions, and cost. Utilising our methodology to calculate greenhouse gas emissions will empower sustainability offices to conduct their own waste audits and implementing our strategies for waste management practices can help minimise environmental waste.

Analysis of International Carbon-Neutrality Campus Cases -A Case Study on Research Universities in the United States-

This study aims to contribute to the spread and promotion of discussions on carbon-neutral campuses by examining cases of carbon-neutral campus development in major research universities in the United States (Harvard, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley). To achieve this, an analysis was conducted on the carbon emissions status, climate conditions, carbon-neutral campus goals and strategies, emission quantification status, and progress of each university. The background for achieving carbon-neutral campuses at each university was explored, and the possibility of adoption in domestic universities was investigated. The universities effectively reduced greenhouse gases using PPAs and cooperative governance systems to create carbon-neutral campuses. PPAs were funded via government grants, university endowments, and fund creation. Sustainability departments were established, engaging internal and external stakeholders in carbon-neutral planning. In particular, the sustainability offices of each university demonstrate leadership both in reducing carbon and improving overall quality of life by setting goals related to reducing water consumption, promoting health, culture, food, and connecting with local communities. Korean universities face challenges in reducing building emissions, with limited use of mechanisms like PPAs. Thus, Policy backing is vital for procuring renewable energy. Additionally, although some domestic universities have ESG committees or sustainability committees, there are limitations in their roles, authority, and member participation. Thus, for the creation of carbon-neutral campuses and transition to sustainable society, it is imperative to establish relevant governance structures and systemic climate/environmental education, research collaboratively for institution value and talent development.

The Implementation of a Problem Formulation Project with a Sustainability Focus

The problem formulation stage of engineering design is an important aspect, however little time is spent teaching our students how to do this or providing time to practice. Students need to practice expert-like skills and behaviours involved in researching and understanding ill-defined problems, as opposed to textbook problems with clear solution paths. This paper describes the implementation of a project that focuses on the tasks of researching and understanding a problem in sustainability using known campus sustainability problems from the University’s sustainability office. Three current opportunities were selected as problem domains based on their open-ended nature and ease of understanding at a basic level. To evaluate the activity, a survey was given to students before taking part in the activity, and again at the completion to assess whether there were any changes after completing the project. The instructor guided approach allowed the students to practice the problem formulation stage of the engineering design process in a supportive environment. The use of open-ended ill-defined relevant campus sustainability problems provided an opportunity to interview stakeholders. It was found that the structure of the project was successful in meeting the intended activity outcomes.

Corporate commitments to biodiversity disclosure and sustainable board. Do NGO directors on board matter? Recent evidence from S&P 500 companies

AbstractThis study analyzes the impact of the characteristics of sustainable boards and NGO directors on biodiversity disclosures. This research uses data from 481 US companies that are taken from Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P), ASSET4, for the period 2009–2020 (5616 company‐year observations). Data on NGO directors is provided by MSCI's GMI Rankings database. A panel data analysis with fixed effects models is used to estimate the results. The results also indicate that a sustainable board structure (proxied by Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and Sustainability‐related executive compensation) is positively correlated with biodiversity disclosure. Our empirical results also show that the moderating role of NGO directors has a greater interaction effect with the characteristics of sustainable boards and biodiversity information disclosure initiatives. The results are also consistent for exploitative and nonexploitative industries, as well as for the pre‐ and post SDG (14–15) of the agenda 2030. In addition, the framework of SDG (14‐15) and the strategic plan of partnership with the Agenda of 2030 show a positive relationship with biodiversity disclosure. We then develop a causal relationship through the positive impact of NGO directors serving on the board of directors on a strategy of partnerships, onboarding, and increase/decrease of NGO directors—possible mechanisms by which NGO directors can influence biodiversity disclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that while NGO directors can potentially be appointed to a company's board of directors for legitimization reasons, these directors are associated with better biodiversity disclosure. The study has valuable implications for enduring board members, practitioners, and scholars. The results are supported by theories of legitimacy, stakeholders and resource dependence. However, evidence on this research question is still unknown and critical, especially in the context of stakeholder‐emphasized governance systems (continental Europe, Japan) and developing countries where there is a lack of knowledge application of regulations related to the disclosure of biodiversity.

Environmental performance of bamboo-based office paper production: A comparative study with eucalyptus

Bamboo has being used as alternative raw material for construction, reinforcing fibers, paper production, among other applications. Although its recognized potentials as raw material, there are doubts about its environmental performance compared to traditional wood-based products, including paper production, which hinders bamboo-based paper plants in large scales. This study aims to assess the environmental performance of producing office paper from bamboo. Emergy synthesis (with ‘m’) and global warming potential indicators are calculated and compared with the traditional eucalyptus paper-based production. Results highlights the importance in including the renewability fractions of each input resources into emergy calculations for production systems with high human-labor intensity such as the bamboo agricultural production. Office paper produced from bamboo has similar renewability (28%), moderate environmental load (3.23 vs. 2.49), and emergy unsustainability (0.34 vs. 0.60) compared to paper produced from eucalyptus, but bamboo showed lower performance for global efficiency (568 vs. 442 sej/tonpaper), emergy yield (1.09 vs. 1.49), and emergy investment (10.79 vs. 2.05). Focusing on global warming potential, office paper produced from bamboo releases 98 kgCO2 eq./tonpaper compared to 56–267 kgCO2 eq./tonpaper for eucalyptus. Notwithstanding, bamboo-based office paper demands four times more land area of agricultural production than eucalyptus, but it has a positive social aspect by requiring higher amount of direct human labor. This work shows the advantages of using eucalyptus rather than bamboo in producing office paper from an emergy and land demand perspectives, while global warming can still be considered inconclusive. Future efforts should consider a quantitative and qualitative analysis of human labor availability in both systems, as well an economic analysis to support discussions towards more sustainable office paper production from different raw materials.

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