Implementing strategies within corporate real estate (CRE) projects effectively is a challenge, often resulting in a gap between intended strategy and realised outcome (Winch, 2010). Especially social sustainability strategies are challenging, as this pillar of ESG remains underrepresented and sustainability certifications for buildings mainly focus on the environmental side (Chethana et al., 2017; Alawneh et al., 2019; Kempeneer, 2021). This study addresses the problem of strategy implementation, focused on social sustainability goals in corporate real estate office projects in the Netherlands. The study explores the underlying factors that influence this implementation process throughout the project lifecycle. The main research question is: To what extent do underlying factors influence the implementation of social sustainability goals throughout the project lifecycle of corporate real estate office projects in the Netherlands? To answer this question, this study employed a multi-method research approach, combining both exploratory and qualitative methods. A systematic literature review and content analysis established a theoretical framework for social sustainability in CRE, including categories, subcategories and indicators. The empirical part of the study involved a multiple case study of three corporate real estate office projects in the Netherlands, from which data was collected through document analysis and in-depth interviews. The case studies illustrate how a lack of specificity in the vision phase complicates implementation. The vision phase marked a crucial shift, as projects articulated detailed goals and indicators addressing a wide range of social sustainability categories. However, compared to literature, these indicators lacked robustness. This study identified multiple drivers and barriers that influence the implementation process of social sustainability goals. Although there were clear underlying factors that affected the implementation process, such as social and economic performance, barriers—most notably financial and spatial limitations—impeded the complete achievement of social sustainability objectives. Notably, the desire to give social sustainability top priority occasionally conflicted with environmental objectives, making decision-making more difficult. A fundamental challenge identified is the disconnect between strategy formulation and implementation, which significantly complicates the realisation of these goals. It was seen that clear guidance and communication between the project phases is essential for tackling these barriers. In conclusion, this study critically underscores the necessity for a cohesive approach that bridges the gap between strategy formulation and implementation. Without a robust strategy that translates into clear, actionable indicators, organisations may struggle to achieve ambitious social sustainability outcomes.

In The Netherlands there is an increasing drive for social sustainable (developer-led) development. This is reflected in the upcoming ‘Omgevingswet’ (spatial planning law) due for 2022, that will require participation to be an (significant) element (in the early phases) of the urban development project. Existing research focuses mainly on the effects of participation on the residents, linking it to social sustainability. However, there is a lack of research into the effects of participation on urban redevelopment projects for the developer. Currently, the (positive) effects and implementation of participation within processes of developers are mainly based on ‘gut feelings’. Therefore, the main research question answered in this thesis is: What are the effects of participation on Dutch urban (re)development projects for the developer? The aim of this thesis is to provide insight, based on theoretical and empirical research, into the effects of the voice and influence (participation) of residents on urban (re)development projects, for the developer. The research has two key components: a case study and an inductive analysis, on the effects of participation on urban development projects. In the case study two cases from the Dutch developer ERA-Contour are analysed, on how the participation process affected the GOTIK aspects and the change in social cohesion of the neighbourhood. The inductive analysis of the findings is used to determine and present practical advice to urban developers on participation in urban redevelopment projects. The case study shows that participation enhances the quality and social cohesion of urban (re)development projects, it also contributes to the certainty about decisions made during the project and the level of support by residents for the project. To achieve these effects, participation requires the investment of time and money and a change in the approach to the organisation and information aspects of an urban (re)development project. Practical advice for the implementation of participation is provided. The lessons learned from this research can be applied to future urban development projects. This knowledge can help developers, to effectively use participation with residents and create more social sustainable neighbourhoods.

Urban renewal is seen as an opportunity to improve the environmental and socio-economic performance of cities. Yet, it appears hard to tackle the social challenges by a focus on spatial interventions only. A more participating society and more user involvement could help to improve the social environment. Dutch urban area development, such as urban renewal, is becoming more private-led, while the government is trying to shift responsibilities. The Environment and Planning Act is a tool to ensure the involvement of users during private-led developments. In theory, an involvement process can contribute to the objectives of the most important stakeholders in urban renewal projects: the government, users and private developers. Since these potentials in practice are often not achieved, literature advises to involve users early and intensively in the development process and to develop with flexibility along the process. However, for each project, boundaries limit the development options for a private developer and therefore, as well the options to involve users. It seems that private developers do not have enough room for involvement to align the involvement process with the objectives of the three stakeholders. This study explores that hypothesis. Considering the perspective of the private developer, the main question of this research is: to what extent do the development boundaries leave enough room for private developers to align user involvement with the objectives of users, the municipality and the developer themselves? The research is conducted through a case study analysis of three private-led urban renewal projects in which users were involved. Developers, municipal officials and users were interviewed to gain insights. The analyses show how development boundaries are defined, what room is left for user involvement and how the involvement process aligns with the objectives of the three parties. By considering the developers perspective, it is explored why the current involvement processes are not reaching their full potential as described in theory. This study shows that full alignment is difficult due to conflicting demands. Municipal broader, cross border objectives often conflict with those of the local users. It appears that the boundaries defined by the municipality are quite fixed, while those of the developers are flexible. This flexibility could be used when there is a lack of support for the plans. Since full alignment seems impossible, a second interview round provides insights into what extend of alignment would be important for private developers to aim for. For developers, long term business continuity and a positive corporate image are important to ensure profit gaining in the future. For them, this is more important than profit gaining in the short term. Flexibility can be found in the development boundaries when these long term objectives seem to be threatened. Game theory, approaching user involvement as a negotiation process and integral development offer opportunities for private developers to improve the alignment of everyone’s objectives with user involvement without having to adjust their development boundaries, unplanned. This will need to be further explored in new research. The insights from this study provide knowledge about the relation between the important stakeholders in urban renewal projects and how they influence a user involvement process. This new knowledge can help to reach more potentials of user involvement in practice.