In the search for greener buildings: The role of green human resource management

Abstract

The environmental performance of green buildings is receiving attention from built environment stakeholders. We introduce the concept of green human resource management (GHRM) to analyze how the performance gap in green buildings can be minimized using a human‐focused design perspective. We utilize signaling theory and abilities–motivation–opportunity (AMO) theory to explain the interactions between environmental proactivity, GHRM, pro‐environmental behaviors, job performance, and environmental performance. Survey data were collected from 460 employees working in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)‐certified green buildings in India and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings highlight that GHRM is likely to motivate employees to demonstrate pro‐environmental behaviors and be engaged in their jobs. We also find that when organizational‐level goals are effectively communicated, employees can enhance environmental performance in green buildings. Our study makes several contributions, including a framework that developing countries can use to promote environmental sustainability in the workplace.