Exploring green office buildings at Sebelas Maret University: A study on students’ perception

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) can positively influence occupant satisfaction levels in green-rated buildings. IEQ determines how occupants perceive the interior environment. This study investigated students’ perceptions of green office buildings at Sebelas Maret University. Sixty-eight respondents were involved, consisting of 15 male and 53 female students. Four green office building indicators, namely building features, financial support and commitment, health and well-being, and image and branding, were used as predictor variables, while corporate social responsibility was the dependent variable. Pearson correlation was used for the validation test, and Cronbach’s alpha was used for the reliability test (α = .05). The data were analyzed using multiple regression, taking into account prerequisite tests including normality, linearity, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, and autocorrelation. All items were valid and reliable, and all prerequisite tests were met. The results showed that the four independent variables simultaneously have a significant influence on corporate social responsibility (F = 25.78, p < .05). Partially, three predictor variables have significant correlations with the dependent variable: building features (t = 2.86, p < .05), health and well-being (t = 2.03, p < .05), and image and brand (t = 5.16, p < .05). The variables of financial support and commitment have no significant effect on the dependent variable (t = -.32, p > .05). The adjusted R squared value is 0.60, which means that the four independent variables affect the dependent variable by 60%, and 40% is influenced by other variables not included in this study.


Introduction
Green building certification systems aim to improve the design and management of buildings and create green-rated buildings [1].Buildings with higher green ratings will be more aesthetically pleasing, energy-efficient, and healthier [2].Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) marking is a method used to assess the progress of remodelling activities [3].The European Union (EU) places great importance on energy renovations of the building stock as a key priority in addressing climate change [3].The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes the possibility of achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement through building energy efficiency in the construction sector.According to Pieter de Wilde of Belgium, a significant portion of the potential for enhancing building energy efficiency, specifically over 40%, can be realized through effective planning and design processes.Various factors, including building design, service design, and human behavior, influence the energy efficiency of a building.These elements collectively contribute to the overall energy consumption patterns observed in a given context.The IPCC underscores the significance of optimizing architectural plans to achieve low 1314 (2024) 012047 IOP Publishing doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1314/1/012047 2 carbon and energy-saving goals [4].In terms of energy consumption, the Building Energy Intensity (BEI) values recommended by the Green Building Index (GBI) for commercial office buildings and the standards set by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) for public buildings are 150 kWh/m2/year and 140 kWh/m2/year, respectively [5].
Promoting the sustainability agenda in the design and operation of buildings can be facilitated by green building policies.Green construction practices can boost savings for building owners and occupants, lower greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and improve urban resilience [6].Numerous scholarly investigations have underscored the significance of including green spaces within working environments, as they have been found to positively impact employee mental wellbeing, productivity, and overall happiness.However, more research is needed to quantify green space exposure, specifically within densely populated office regions [7].
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which includes the thermal, auditory, lighting, and air quality elements that determine the perceived internal ambient environmental conditions, can increase occupant happiness in green-rated buildings [1,2].There is empirical evidence that certain characteristics of interior office space, such as lighting, ventilation, noise, layout, and furniture, have positive or negative impacts on employee health.The interior space of offices can affect employees' physical, psychological, and social well-being [8].The self-reported most crucial reason for conserving energy in the workplace is concern for the environment, followed by consideration for the organization's finances, satisfaction with one's activities, and enhancement of the organization's public profile [9].Green rating schemes use the evaluation of indoor environmental performance as a component of their criteria for greenery [10].Improving the efficiency of building stock can be achieved through the implementation of building restoration and regular maintenance.This is especially important for older buildings, which may have lower window-to-wall ratios, poor ventilation, or insufficient lighting [11].Thoroughly evaluating your office spaces' IEQ, utilizing a combination of objective and subjective evaluations, and identifying the areas that require improvement [11].
The satisfaction with the related IEQ factors, such as thermal comfort, acoustic quality, lighting comfort, or indoor air quality, may be enhanced by earning a specific IEQ credit in green-building certification programs, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and increasing occupant satisfaction with IEQ through the use of materials that do not emit pollutants or emit them in small amounts, preventing airborne bacteria, mold, and other fungi, ensuring acoustic privacy and comfort, and managing offensive odors [1].Maintaining acceptable IEQ levels in terms of thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort and indoor air quality reduces symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS) [12].The eight IEQ factors that affect occupant productivity in an office environment are thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting, acoustics, office layout, biophilia, look and feel, location, and amenities [13].Giving tenants access to data-driven IEQ reports will help them better understand their working environment and encourage them to participate in its development.Statistics can show that occupant interventions lead to improved IEQ [14].
Inadequate IEQ can result in discomfort, dissatisfaction, and health issues for occupants, such as headaches, eye irritation, fatigue, and respiratory difficulties.These symptoms collectively are referred to as SBS [11,12].IEQ characteristics can impact a person's cognitive functioning, concentration, motivation, and mood, as well as productivity, performance, and learning outcomes [8,12].A deficient IEQ can have a detrimental effect on the environment and the economy, leading to an increase in energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and healthcare expenses [8,12].
Indicators and measurement of green office buildings are based on Adnan's research, which explores the demand for office buildings.He comprehensively analyzed many literary sources related to the demand for green office buildings.Five themes were summarized: building features, financial and commitment support, health and wellbeing, image and branding, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) [15].The first theme is building features.Office buildings are increasingly incorporating green features to meet the growing demand from corporate tenants.Research suggests that certified green buildings attract more tenants than conventional structures, and renters need to obtain green certification to achieve sustainability objectives.The quality of a commercial office building is assessed based on factors such as service and specific characteristics, ensuring a sustainable and attractive environment for tenants.The second theme is financial and commitment support.Green office buildings are associated with decreased operating expenses due to the implementation of teleconferencing technologies, which effectively curtail the need for business travel and thereby mitigate carbon emissions.Implementing this alteration in work practices yields advantages in terms of energy efficiency, leading to cost reductions that impact tenants.Additional economic factors, namely certification, leasing expenses, and labor turnover rates, also significantly influence a company's overall financial burden and commitment.The third theme is health and well-being.The environment considerably impacts various aspects of office well-being, including comfort and productivity.The inclusion of building amenities such as air conditioning, operable windows, and mechanical ventilation has a significant influence on the level of comfort experienced by users.Green office buildings offer many advantages to management and staff, resulting in heightened productivity and satisfaction.Additionally, these elements contribute to a decrease in absenteeism and healthcare expenses, ultimately yielding positive economic outcomes.Tenants continue to find green office buildings appealing due to the financial advantages they offer and the enhanced components of the working environment.The fourth theme is image and branding.Implementing green office buildings has positively impacted an organization's reputation since it attracts and retains personnel while promoting a sense of goodwill.Green office buildings boost the capabilities of service providers and attract customers, clients, and staff by prioritizing environmental, social, and governance aspects.The favorable perception of a particular entity results in a higher rate of shareholder retention and loyalty.The acknowledgment of environmentally sustainable office buildings holds significant importance for business branding and CSR, contingent upon the organizational structure and scale of the organization.The fifth theme is CSR.Green office buildings with CSR initiatives stimulate demand for environmentally sustainable facilities, creating a more ecologically conscious work atmosphere.The prevailing organizational culture influences demand, with renters and landlords enhancing communication and understanding.Integrating CSR into office occupation enhances the company image and encourages managers to implement green innovations for environmental benefits.
Previous studies exploring CSR have been carried out.For instance, one study examined the role of CSR in promoting energy-specific pro-environmental behavior [16].Other studies have explored the relationship between CSR, green finance, and information communication technology [17], as well as CSR and branding [18][19][20][21].Additionally, some studies have focused on green building certification and building features [22][23][24].However, despite the existing research on the criteria for green office buildings, no studies have examined the relationship between the four variables of building features, financial and commitment support, health and well-being, and image and branding, either simultaneously or partially, with the CSR variable.

Methods
The study uses a quantitative method.The procedures of the study are (a) identifying a research problem, (b) reviewing the literature, (c) specifying a purpose for research, (d) collecting data, (e) analyzing and interpreting the data, and (f) reporting and evaluating research [25].Identifying a research problem started from the comfortable room during lectures in class and the administrative office when students required administrative services.What students feel and comment about the environment on campus could be the starting point for identifying environmental problems.The literature review explores the factors influencing green office buildings, the function of green offices, and the indicators of green office buildings.The study aims to clarify the students' perception of the office building at Sebelas Maret University.While studying, they can experience the indoor and outdoor office environment, which can be conveyed through the questionnaire.The researcher started collecting data using a Likert scale questionnaire.Incidental random sampling was used to select respondents found during the research.Sixty-eight respondents were involved, consisting of 15 male and 53 female students.The questionnaire consisted of twenty items depicted in Table 1.Four predictor variables of a green office building, namely building features, financial and commitment support, health and wellbeing, and image and branding, were used.The dependent variable was CSR.Pearson correlation was used for the validation test, and 4 Alpha Cronbach was used for the reliability test (α = .05).The analysis and interpretation of data used multiple regression analysis, considering prerequisite tests including normality, linearity, heteroscedasticity, multicollinearity, and autocorrelation.The three steps of multiple regression are analyzing the correlation and direction of the data, estimating the model, and evaluating the validity and usefulness.Finally, the report and evaluation of the research were presented to summarize the findings and establish generalization.

Statistical description
Statistical descriptions are an early finding in this study.
Table 5 shows that the three independent variables, namely building features, health and wellbeing, and image and branding positively correlate with the dependent variable.This suggests that the three independent variables have the same direction as the dependent variable.On the contrary, the variable of financial commitment support has a negative coefficient correlation.This implies that financial commitment did not support CSR.The four independent variables have a significance of 60%, while other factors outside the scope of this study influence the remaining 40%..685.16 .00

Hypothesis 1.
There is a simultaneous influence between building features, financial and commitment support, health and wellbeing, and image and branding on CSR.Hypothesis 1 has been statistically tested to determine if all four independent variables significantly affect CSR.The items included in the CSR variable are the institution's responsibility to construct green office buildings, the policy on green office buildings, and the promotion of the vision of green office buildings.The policy on green office buildings received the highest score.Green office building policies are necessary to create a comfortable study environment for students.This finding supports the research of Fan and Xia, who noted that the South African government has implemented EPCs as a standard for buildings to promote sustainable development and the growth of the green construction industry.To comply with the country's green building policy, a building must receive a specific rating from the EPC.The developed model has demonstrated its effectiveness by achieving an A rating from the EPC and resulting in energy savings of 761.6 MWh.Additionally, this achievement is accompanied by a payback period of 70 months [26].Regulations should be implemented regarding the split incentive between building owners and renters, as it impacts the distribution of green building certificates and their spatial relationship [27].
The impact of CSR strategies and policies on stakeholder health and well-being has been established.However, there is a need for further understanding of the specific influence of these strategies on physical activity levels [28].

Hypothesis 2. Building feature affects CSR.
Building features statistically affect CSR (t = 2.86, p < .05).The building feature variable has four statements.The fourth statement, which states "Office buildings need to have a green office building certificate," has the highest score in this variable.Students want to ensure that the campus has a green office building certificate.This certificate ensures that the building occupants are secure, healthy, and have low energy consumption.It is necessary because it is related to energy consumption and building construction [29].Energy consumption affects building operations and construction, leading to a healthier, more comfortable, and better environment [1].The Green certification affects employee performance [30].As evidence, the certification of SA8000 has been found to have a favorable impact on both labor productivity and sales performance.However, there is no discernible influence on profitability when comparing organizations certified under the SA8000 standard to several control groups based on three matching criteria: industry, size, and precertification performance.
A building has the potential to receive one of four distinct certificates.The classification system for performance ratings is as follows: (a) Platinum denotes scores over 86 points, (b) Gold represents scores ranging from 76 to 85 points, (c) Silver encompasses scores between 66 and 75 points, and (d) Certified designates scores from a minimum of 50 points up to 65 points.This suggests that the IEQ of office buildings that have achieved Platinum certification should exhibit a superior level of quality in comparison to structures that have not obtained any certification [10].Buildings have many types that indicate energy consumption.Sweden possesses a comprehensive national database encompassing EPCs for many types of buildings, such as multi-dwelling residential structures, leased commercial office spaces, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, sports complexes, hotels, and restaurants [31].In commercial buildings, Yang et al. examine the evidence regarding a legal arrangement between a building owner and a tenant, focusing on six comprehensive categories of green leasing components.These components include management relationships, information sharing, certificates, legal stipulations, financial factors, and operations.The aim is to enhance building energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact within the United States.Only 41 out of the total sample size of 400 leases contained provisions related to environmental sustainability, commonly referred to as "green clauses" [32].Even though our database continues to validate a substantial environmental benefit, the influence of exceptional environmental certification outcomes on market prices and net rents is considerably diminished when accounting for Super Trophy attributes [33].Green buildings have emerged as a potential solution to address the issue of excessive energy usage.These structures undergo a verification process by appropriate agencies responsible for issuing green certificates [34].

Hypothesis 3. Financial and commitment support affects CSR.Financial and commitment support
do not significantly affect CSR (t = -.32,p > .05).Item number nine, "Energy efficiency affects staff performance," has the highest score in this variable.This means that the occupants of the Sebelas Maret University building are not yet following energy-saving behavior.The energy-saving behaviors that can be adopted in computer management are: (a) consolidating several computer monitors into a single monitor, (b) utilizing a laptop instead of a desktop computer, (c) adjusting the computer screen brightness to a lower level, (d) putting the screen to sleep mode instead of using a screensaver, (e) completely shutting down the computer when not in use, and (f) turning off the computer monitor when not needed [35].The influence of corporate engagement in social responsibility is determined not only by the firm's characteristics but also, particularly, by the preferences and motivations of its leaders [36].This is, of course, the opposite of what should be done.Companies that receive direct financing from local government agencies and collaborate with research centers and universities tend to allocate more resources to environmental initiatives to protect natural habitats.In addition, it shows practitioners and decision-makers the efficiency of various forms of financial support based on sources of funds and types of activities carried out [37].CSR initiatives may play a role in mitigating the emphasis on personal incentives and the pursuit of self-interest [38].CSR has been found to favorably influence financial performance by enhancing corporate reputation, fostering employee dedication, and garnering government support [39].

Hypothesis 4. Health and well-being variable affects CSR.
The health and well-being variable statistically has a significant effect on CSR (t = 2.03, p < .05).This variable has five five-item statements (see Table 1), and item number 13, asking for lighting in the office, has the highest score.This finding is consistent with the most significant influences on the annual cooling demand of the investigated office building, which are lighting use and plug-load equipment [40].In designing a building, lighting is an essential equipment.The aspect of lighting design in office environments is widely recognized as a crucial one that directly influences employees' satisfaction and productivity levels [41].The workplace environment has an impact on employee performance [42].An optimal work environment is crucial in enhancing employee well-being and organizational performance, encompassing several aspects such as operational efficiencies, quality, and overall firm profitability.On the other hand, inadequately structured work environments can potentially induce adverse effects on employees' mental and physical well-being [43].
3.3.5.Hypothesis 5. Image and branding variable affects CSR.The image and branding variable statistically significantly affect CSR (t = 5.16, p < .05).This variable has three statements (see Table 1); the highest score is on statement number 15, which asks if green office buildings can enhance the institution's image.The brand will emerge as a prominent source of competitive advantage for firms.Emphasis will be placed on the preference for brand demand, simplicity, and "humanity" over technological aspects.Safeguarding the brand reputation of a firm necessitates acknowledging that achieving success entails adopting a comprehensive strategy for advertising its product or service, which encompasses a heightened sense of social responsibility.The ability of an entity to operate internationally or influence customer behavior is often influenced by the reputation and corporate connection of a corporation [44].The findings echo the study that the affective component of brand image has a more significant influence on individuals' commitment towards the four categories of CSR compared to other factors, namely economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic [21].Another study demonstrates how the founder's role as a "cultural architect" has a positive impact on how external constituents assess the company's image, particularly regarding the company's innovations and its awareness of environmental issues, in two ways: first, it shapes, coordinates, energizes, and leverages employees' attitudes and behaviors in relation to environmental issues; second, it thus enforces a positive external reputation for the company, particularly as a "green" company [45].
Establishing a sustainable corporate image or brand value oriented towards CSR results from a combination of factors, including social value creation, trust-building, social welfare initiatives, environmental benefits, long-term community engagement, and favorable external effects.These components collectively contribute to gaining consumer support in the long term [46].Finally, CSR is critical to enhancing the corporate brand [47].

Conclusions
Green office building certificates are the most important in ensuring the building's occupants' safety, well-being, and energy consumption.The energy consumption of a building affects its operations and construction, which are directly tied to creating a healthier, more comfortable, and higher-performing environment.Implementing a green office building contributes to enhancing the institution's image.In the future, brands will play a significant role in providing enterprises with a competitive edge.This advantage will be derived from factors such as brand demand, simplicity, and a focus on human characteristics rather than solely relying on technological aspects.Office environments are influenced by essential equipment, such as lighting, which significantly impacts employee performance and productivity levels.A well-designed workspace enhances employee well-being, operational efficiency, and overall firm profitability.
This study was focused on university students' perceptions.It may be worth exploring using appropriate software and technology for future studies measuring the GBI.The participants in this study are all undergraduate students who have known the university environment for less than five years.Future studies could look at subjects with different occupants of university buildings to examine whether or not the findings of this study could be confirmed.

Table 1 .
Items of each variable of green office buildings

Table 2
shows the distribution of building features, financial and commitment support, health and wellbeing, image and branding, and CSR.Generally speaking, CSR is high (4.29 on a 5-point Likert scale).This indicates that the social work environment at the University of Sebelas Maret is a good working environment.Communication competence also shows a relatively high value (4.24 on a 5-point Likert scale).The detailed data are presented in Table2.

Table 4 .
Multiple regression prerequisite test

Table 5 .
Test the hypothesis using multiple linear regression [1] Altomonte S, Schiavon S, Kent M G and Brager G 2019 Indoor environmental quality and occupant satisfaction in green-certified buildings Build.Res.Inf.47 255-74 [2] Franco M A J Q, Pawar P and Wu X 2021 Green building policies in cities: A comparative assessment and analysis Energy Build. 231 110561 [3] Ferrantelli A and Kurnitski J 2022 Energy Performance Certificate Classes Rating Methods Tested with Data: How Does the Application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards to Worst-Performing Buildings Affect Renovation Rates, Costs, Emissions, Energy