Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Office Real Estate: A Systematic Literature Review

Purpose This study aims to systematically analyze how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks have been integrated into the design, operation, and valuation of office buildings. In particular, it explores the interplay between green certification systems, employee well-being, governance practices, digital ESG monitoring, and the financial performance of ESG-aligned office investments. Design/methodology/approach Using the PRISMA 2020 methodology, a systematic literature review was conducted on peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2020 and 2025. A title-based query on Lens.org yielded 547 articles, of which 325 met inclusion criteria after two rounds of screening. Thematic analysis was employed to identify five major conceptual clusters Findings The review confirms that green certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM, WELL) are increasingly occupant-centric but often fall short of delivering consistent environmental outcomes without robust post-occupancy evaluation. Social sustainability literature underscores the role of workspace design, nature integration, and mental health strategies in supporting employee well-being. ESG reporting and governance practices remain fragmented, with limited employee voice, weak accountability mechanisms, and underdeveloped mobility reporting. Smart office studies highlight the convergence of IoT, AI, and human-centered design, while financial analyses reveal positive valuation effects and rental premiums for ESG-certified buildings, particularly in office sectors. However, methodological gaps and uneven adoption persist across contexts and disciplines. Originality/value This study provides one of the first interdisciplinary syntheses of ESG literature specifically focused on office buildings, combining insights from architecture, real estate, organizational behavior, and digital innovation.