Ramantswana, T.; Awuzie, B.; Mompati, L. and Khafiso, T. (2026) Embedding ESG in facility management practices: A South African corporate real estate perspective. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(5), pp. 1246-1266. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – Despite growing global emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, South African corporate real estate and facility management practices are not aligned with ESG frameworks. This study examined the understanding, prioritization and implementation of ESG principles within the context of South Africa's facility management (FM) and corporate real estate management (CREM). Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a qualitative research approach, comprising a focus group discussion session with FM/CREM professionals. The emergent data were analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti software for a comprehensive interpretation of the findings. Findings – The study's findings underscore the critical role that FM/CREM professionals play in operationalizing ESG principles, particularly through the adoption of innovative technologies such as building management systems (BMS). However, the findings also reveal that ESG implementation within the FM/CREM context tends to be reactive, driven largely by client expectations. Additionally, the findings identify several barriers to effective ESG implementation, including financial and infrastructural constraints, regulatory complexities and resistance to change, challenges that are especially pronounced among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite these impediments, the findings highlight opportunities for enhancing ESG outcomes through proactive stakeholder engagement and a sustained commitment to continuous improvement. Practical implications – The study's findings underscore the importance of developing tailored ESG implementation frameworks that emphasize business objectives whilst meeting modern sustainability goals. It also confirmed the pivotal role of FM/CREM professionals in the implementation of ESG principles and ensuring regulatory compliance. Originality/value – Besides contributing to a better understanding of ESG principles in the built environment, the study provides practical recommendations for improving ESG implementation performance by FM and CREM professionals.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | corporate real estate; ESG implementation; ESG indicators; ESG integration; facility management practices; sustainability indicators |
| Index terms: | sustainability indicator, complexity, integration, building management system, built environment, corporate real estate, commitment, stakeholder engagement, continuous improvement, implementation, South Africa, focus group, governance, management practice, regulatory compliance, qualitative research, methodology |
| Subjects: | mechanical systems, business, infrastructure and transport systems, environmental policy, psychology, systems engineering, community and social dimensions, management, Geography, contractual arrangements, strategic management, organizational analysis, research methods, data collection methods, sustainability assessment, research design and methodology, performance measurement |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Governance, Geographical Context, Quality Management, Organizational Design, Sustainability, Urban Studies, Procurement, Stakeholder Management, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here