Abstract

This paper investigates the drivers and barriers for green leasing associated with the relationship between building owners and tenants, whilst also considering the extent to which this should be considered during the life cycle phases of a building. The procurement of appropriate rental property and its services is an important consideration for businesses. In terms of issues associated with this, few are more topical than factoring in sustainability. Emerging from this trend is a leasing product that deals with this directly. This product is a green lease. This not only impacts on the operations associated with a tenancy, but also requires a re-evaluation of the traditional owner, tenant and facilities management (FM) relationship. Using a mixed methods approach, this paper evaluates how green leases and tenancies require a reconsideration and re-evaluation of the key drivers and barriers for the development, refit and occupancy of sustainable commercial office spaces. This is evaluated using a theoretical model that outlines the interrelation between the roles of owner, tenant and FM. This research is based on existing literature and semi-structured interviews that studied qualitative and quantitative elements in the context of ownership and tenancy of sustainable buildings. The data collection and analysis is supported by literature research, with a focus on the provision of rental space and services in commercial office buildings with a 'Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology' (BREEAM) certification. This paper concludes that data gathered from practice contradicts some of the statements within existing literature, diminishing the importance of cost and the barrier of split incentive, but instead illuminate the importance of less tangible considerations such as company policy or a sustainability strategy. These findings have the potential to further develop theories, and provide an insight into how actors' relationships need to be developed to ensure more proactive green leasing of sustainable 2 buildings, along with where strategic attention is required during the building design, construction, operational and use phases.
Published in Conference papers

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