Assessment Of Greenwashing In The Building Industry

Abstract

This review paper critically examines the phenomenon of greenwashing in the building industry, focusing on deceptive practices employed by companies to present false claims of environmental responsibility. The paper begins with an introduction to greenwashing, highlighting its detrimental effects on consumer trust, genuine sustainability efforts, and progress towards a truly sustainable built environment. The review process involves an extensive examination of relevant literature, scholarly articles, and research papers that explore various aspects of greenwashing in the building sector. Methodologically, the paper employs a comprehensive analysis of data and findings to shed light on the prevalence of greenwashing tactics, including misleading language, exaggerated claims, and incomplete information. It also investigates the relationship between green certifications and occupant satisfaction, urging further research in this area. However, the review acknowledges certain limitations, such as the availability of comprehensive data and subjective assessments of green claims. Despite these limitations, the paper concludes with crucial takeaways for stakeholders, emphasizing the necessity of transparency, authentic commitment to sustainability, and informed consumer choices to combat greenwashing effectively and foster a genuinely sustainable building industry.