Rajat Gupta, Matthew Gregg and Rohini Cherian
The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
The field of building performance evaluation (BPE) forms a fragmented whole with tools and methods that are not widely applicable. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop and demonstrate a novel BPE framework to bring consistency and flexibility in evaluating actual building performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper critically reviews and evaluates existing BPE methods and techniques and situates them in different building life stages. Using a hierarchical approach, a “BPE framework” is devised for new and existing buildings as well as refurbishments. The working of the BPE framework is demonstrated by applying it to four discreet BPE studies to enable cross-comparison of different BPE approaches based on their stage of application, depth and duration of BPE investigations.
Findings
The framework is designed to have four graduated levels starting at the “basic” level and developing incrementally to “core”, “comprehensive” and “advanced” levels, thereby focussing on “need to know” rather than “nice to have”. The framework also offers a mechanism to map different types of BPE studies with varying scope and content.
Practical implications
As we enter a world of smart meters and smart buildings, we are transitioning into a new future of understanding building performance. The study helps to better understand which BPE method can be used to study what aspect of building performance and in what building lifecycle stage, against time, cost and user expertise.
Originality/value
The graduated and flexible framework helps to bring consistency in evaluating building performance in an otherwise fragmented field, to help improve building performance.
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Today, as we hurtle towards imminent planetary destruction in the age of the Anthropocene, we believe it may be instructive to try and understand if the ancient science of…
Abstract
Today, as we hurtle towards imminent planetary destruction in the age of the Anthropocene, we believe it may be instructive to try and understand if the ancient science of spirituality can prove useful in humankind's ability to change course, even at this late hour. We argue that such a paradigm shift is critically essential for human survival and that without the inner transformation proposed by this science, it may prove impossible to build a society based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. This chapter draws from foundational texts and authoritative sources across multiple religious traditions, based upon which it outlines a brief sketch of the ancient science of spirituality. We begin with an account of the differentia specifica of this science, where we delve into what kind of science this is. Since it is centrally concerned with inner transformation, we briefly outline the theory of change embedded in this science and the kind of rejuvenation it enables, which makes it possible for us to clearly perceive the key elements and the structure of reality. We then spell out the impact this has on the nature of human action, continually teasing out implications for policy and practice in our time. We provide a few concrete illustrations of the same. Inter alia, we also show how many of these insights can be found even within modern scientific and philosophical traditions, thereby indicating possibilities of convergence and synthesis between ancient and modern science, following thereby the guidance of genuine spirituality.
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Rizwan Qaiser Danish, Muhammad Ali, Marzena Baker and Ranjita Islam
Institutional pressures, increased competition and environmental changes demand sustainable business performance. Using the lens of stakeholder theory, this study aims to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Institutional pressures, increased competition and environmental changes demand sustainable business performance. Using the lens of stakeholder theory, this study aims to explore the simultaneous relationships of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green practices and perceived organizational politics (POP) with sustainable business performance, incorporating employee pro-environmental behavior (EPB) as a moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a cross-sectional research design, data were collected via a survey of employees (n = 422) from across industries.
Findings
Based on hierarchical regression analyses, the findings support stakeholder theory by showing that CSR and green practices positively affect sustainable business performance. The findings also extend stakeholder theory by showing that the CSR-sustainable business performance relationship is moderated by EPB.
Practical implications
The study has practical implications for leaders, managers and supervisors in managing CSR and green practices for sustainable business performance and managing EPB to capitalize on the benefits of CSR.
Originality/value
This study assesses the previously untested simultaneous effects of CSR, green practices and POP on sustainable company performance and the moderating effect of EPB.