Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering

Paper Detail

Balancing Environmental Building Requirements and the Real Estate Investment Needs: Challenges and Visions Highlights

Volume 20, No. 3, 2026
Received: 2025/08/24, Accepted: 2026/01/28

Authors:

Bader Alatawneh; Jana Tahboub;

Abstract:

An increased intention to meet environmental building requirements is globally evident, while these requirements are often overlooked at the investment level. This study explores the potential and challenges of balancing investment viability and building’s environmental considerations. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research identifies where economic considerations align with the environmental needs of building users, clients, and investors. In the Palestinian context, numerical data illustrate the long-term benefits of accepting higher upfront costs in exchange for extended payback periods. By incorporating Lean Six Sigma methodology, the study goes beyond financial analysis to examine cultural factors that influence investor behavior. Selecting samples of office buildings in Hebron City provides real scenarios where environmental design techniques are already in practice. This, in turn, validates the feasibility of environmentally conscious office buildings. The study findings indicate an average increase of $10.99/m², equivalent to a 2% addition to initial construction costs when environmental practices are employed, which can be recouped within the first 32 months of the project cycle. Findings offer practical insights for planners, designers, and stakeholders. Ultimately, the research encourages investors to make strategic, informed decisions, positioning the environment as a competitive advantage in the real estate market in other similar contexts

Keywords:

Architectural Design, Economic Feasibility, Environmental Investment, Preliminary Design Phase, Real Estate, Office Buildings.