University of Twente Student Theses
Environmental Sustainability in the Dutch Construction Sector : A Research on the Importance of Short-term Environmental Sustainability Goals
Geelen, Marcus van (2023) Environmental Sustainability in the Dutch Construction Sector : A Research on the Importance of Short-term Environmental Sustainability Goals.
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| Abstract: | Since its introduction, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has seen major developments. In recent years attention on sustainability, an important aspect of CSR has placed the construction sector in the spotlight more than ever before. With major pollution and negative contributions to the environment, environmental sustainability has become a popular term in this industry. Especially, because the construction sector has such a high potential for improvement in terms of environmental impact. Given their numeral domination, SMEs are perceived as the biggest part of the problem. Hence, research on SMEs and environmental sustainability in the construction sector was conducted. This dissertation is based on a multiple case study analysis, researching Dutch medium sized construction companies. Through semi-structured interviews multiple aspects of environmental sustainability engagement were covered. Since no research had been conducted about the importance of short-term environmental sustainability goals in achieving long-term goals, this was researched. After categorizing and coding the data gathered from the semi-structured interviews, several meaningful results were yielded. The results showed that most companies had an intrinsic motivation to engage in sustainability. However, a set of external factors influenced that engagement as well. Along with the company’s financial position, the results showed an influence of laws and regulations on sustainability engagement. When looking at the impact of sustainability engagement, the results showed that not a lot of impact has been yielded so far. This may be due to short engagement times and the fact that customers are not ready for sustainability yet. From a strategic perspective it is believed that sustainability operations should be based on the long-term goals. However, the short-term should not be overlooked. With short-term goals increasing employee engagement, external support, and (re)evaluating practices, it is perceived to be essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/94440 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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