Brick by Brick: Exploring Sustainable Operations in the Built Environment : A Comparative Case Study of Swedish Real Estate Organisations' Decision-Making Processes

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the decision-making processes of real estate organisations in the built environment with respect to sustainable operations, as well as how they relate to management systems and building certifications. In the study, we utilised the proposed framework by Schrettle et al. (2014) after examining the relevant literature on operations management in general and built environment-specific research, as well as acquiring insights from multiple studies. The framework included areas regarding sustainability decision motivators, mediators, approaches, and actions, as well as their impact on sustainability performance andfirm performance. Therefore, we conducted a comparative case study of six Swedish real estate organisations responding to calls for more in-depth research on these topics.Our findings support the applicability of Schrettle et al.'s (2014) conceptual framework to conceptualise and examine sustainable operations decision-making processes in the built environment. This study's results underlined the impact of stakeholder expectations and organisational capabilities influence on the strategic approaches and actions of an organisation's sustainability transition. According to the findings, active engagement from all key stakeholders is required to provide economic value as well as social and environmental achievements. It also described how real estate companies could comply with regulations, attract tenants, and prepare for the future by adopting sustainable practises at all levels of decision-making. Aligning sustainable practises with business performance is advantageous for all parties involved, resulting in cost savings, enhanced quality, and growth opportunities. Through empirical evidence, qualitative case studies, and insights into strategies, methods, andactions employed by real estate operators, this study contributes to the fields of sustainable operations management and the built environment. Additionally, linking concepts from the field of management system theory to these fields by demonstrating how management systems and certification act as green labels that increase resource efficiency, make it easier to create sustainable products, and contribute to improving firm and sustainability performance.