Going Beyond Buildings: Mindfulness and Real Estate User Behavior

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 in order to effectively reduce the environmental impact their building portfolio. This study investigates the effects of environmental attitudes and mindfulness on occupant behaviors at home and at the office. Thereby, we address numerous calls for research regarding the drivers of more environmental real estate user behaviors (EREUB). Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ partial least squares structural equation modeling based on self-report data obtained for a representative German sample. Findings – The results show that environmental attitudes as well as 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 indicator of actual behaviors. Besides, the findings are limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data. Practical implications – Environmental education as well as 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. We provide a new approach for CRE managers, which may improve occupant behaviors.