Going beyond buildings: mindfulness and real estate user behavior
Journal of Corporate Real Estate
ISSN: 1463-001X
Article publication date: 20 June 2019
Issue publication date: 23 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Building performance does not only depend on its efficiency but also on the behaviors of its occupants. Occupant behaviors can more than offset technological efficiency gains so, that corporate real estate (CRE) managers have to go beyond sustainable buildings. CRE managers need to understand occupants to effectively reduce the environmental impact of their building portfolio. This paper aims to investigate the effects of environmental attitudes and mindfulness on occupant behaviors at home and at the office. Thereby, the authors address numerous calls for research regarding the drivers of more environmental real estate user behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use partial least squares structural equation modeling based on self-report data obtained for a representative German sample.
Findings
The results show that environmental attitudes and mindfulness have both positive effects on occupant behaviors. However, the effects tend to be weaker in the office context.
Research limitations/implications
This study relies on self-reports as an indicator of actual behaviors. Besides, the findings are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data.
Practical implications
Environmental education and mindfulness training may be an effective way to promote more environmental occupant behaviors and help CRE managers to further reduce the environmental impact of their building portfolio.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to prior research about the antecedents of environmental behaviors and provides evidence for the positive impact of environmental attitudes and mindfulness on occupant behaviors. The author provide a new approach for CRE managers, which may improve occupant behaviors.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Erratum: It has been brought to the attention of the publisher that the article “Going beyond buildings: mindfulness and real estate user behavior”, Nicolas Seyler and Jan Mutl (2019), published in Journal of Corporate Real Estate, volume 21, issue 2 was published ahead of the intended special issue due to a production error. The article has now been removed from Journal of Corporate Real Estate, 21.2 and will instead be published in Special section in Journal of Corporate Real Estate, volume 21, issue 3. Emerald sincerely apologises to the authors for any inconvenience caused.
This paper forms part of a special section “ERES 2018”, guest edited by Monique Arkesteijn.
Citation
Seyler, N.J. and Mutl, J. (2019), "Going beyond buildings: mindfulness and real estate user behavior", Journal of Corporate Real Estate, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 194-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRE-10-2018-0039
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited