The social dimension of sustainability: A case study on indoor environmental quality in Türkiye

Abstract

I conducted a study focusing on social sustainability, which is a crucial feature in today's environment. Extensive literature study revealed that the environmental and economic aspects of sustainability have been extensively studied, whereas the social aspect, especially in the context of Türkiye, has not been given equal emphasis. The lack of research in this area prompted me to investigate the social aspect, particularly concentrating on the efficiency and contentment of employees, which is crucial for organizations. The goal of my analysis was to discover the primary element that impacts employee productivity in the context of sustainability, specifically emphasizing green buildings. To accomplish this, I sought advice from experts in sustainability, architecture, and management. The experts received a paired questionnaire to rate ten sustainability parameters, including Energy Efficiency, Water Conservation and Management, Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), Waste Management and Recycling, Life Cycle Assessment, Long-term Impact, and others. After applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to the data, it was found that Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) was identified as the most significant factor impacting employee productivity in office environments. Acknowledging the crucial importance of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), I advanced to the subsequent stage of my research, which focused on evaluating employee contentment with IEQ in their work environments. I chose three different buildings to compare their compliance with green building standards: the Energy Institute of Istanbul Technical University, a non-certified conventional building; the Istanbul Technical University Graduate School Building, which is Platinum LEED certified and features smart systems such as smart lighting and elevators; and the NEF Building, a LEED-certified green building with limited smart systems. During this portion of the investigation, I arranged multiple in-person meetings with individuals who work in these buildings. I delivered a detailed questionnaire with around 40 questions during these exchanges. The questions were created to investigate many elements of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), such as air quality, temperature, lighting, acoustics, and views. I aimed to gain a comprehensive grasp of how employees viewed the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in their individual office settings. The questionnaire results were analyzed using the MANOVA methodology in SPSS software. This statistical method facilitated a detailed analysis of the data to detect any notable variations in employee satisfaction with IEQ among the three building types. The results showed that there were no significant differences in employee satisfaction with Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) among the three buildings. Employees indicated similar levels of satisfaction with their indoor settings, regardless of the different green certification levels and advanced smart systems present. The surprising result indicated that the investments in obtaining green certifications and implementing smart technologies may not be leading to improved employee satisfaction with Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). This discovery has significant consequences for the construction sector, legislators, and other parties engaged in the planning and development of environmentally friendly buildings. The statement emphasizes a significant flaw in existing sustainable construction methods: the importance of prioritizing and adequately managing Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) variables that have a direct influence on staff well-being and efficiency. The environmental advantages of green buildings are widely recognized, but the social aspect, especially employee satisfaction and productivity, needs more focus and incorporation into the design and construction procedures. My analysis highlights the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to green construction requirements. It promotes a balance between environmental sustainability and the social factors that enhance the well-being and productivity of building inhabitants. By prioritizing Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), stakeholders may guarantee that green buildings achieve not just environmental objectives but also establish healthy, comfortable, and productive settings for employees. Ultimately, green buildings are a crucial advancement in sustainability, but this research emphasizes the necessity of taking social concerns, including Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), into account during their design and execution. It is important for policymakers, construction businesses, and other relevant industries to consider these findings and make employee wellness a top priority in their sustainability initiatives. This method will improve the efficiency of green buildings and support the broader objective of sustainable development, including environmental, economic, and social aspects.