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Article

Sustainability Aspects of Real Estate Development: Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas

by
Rasa Apanavičienė
1,
Ala Daugėlienė
1,
Tautvydas Baltramonaitis
1 and
Vida Maliene
2,3,*
1
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų Str. 48, LT-51367 Kaunas, Lithuania
2
School of the Built Environment, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, L3 3AF Liverpool, UK
3
Institute of Land Management and Geomatics, Faculty of Water and Land Management, Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Universiteto 10, Akademija, Kaunas 53361, Lithuania
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 6497-6522; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066497
Submission received: 25 March 2015 / Revised: 25 April 2015 / Accepted: 15 May 2015 / Published: 26 May 2015
(This article belongs to the Section Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability)
Browse Figures
Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The principles of sustainability have become particularly important in the real estate and construction sector over the past decade. Despite extended efforts to evaluate the sustainability aspects of the real estate development, very few attempts have been exposed in the scientific literature pursuing integrating the investors and real estate developers’ responsibility for the local community, regional economy and environmental problems within their financial expectations. The paper presents methodology enabling evaluating the balance of real estate development sustainability and financial viability issues during the feasibility study process. The Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects proposed by the authors was applied to the case study of Lithuanian sports and entertainment arenas. By using multi-criteria decision analysis sustainability assessment of multi-functional arenas was carried out which disclosed that positive sustainability effects lays down on the owner’s and operator’s monetary liabilities.

1. Introduction

Sustainable properties are one of the key issues and challenges for today’s construction and real estate (RE) industry over the world. Requirements for energy consumption and environmental protection, contribution for regional economies and communities, and social responsibility force necessary changes to be undertaken by real estate owners and developers. New strategic thinking, as well as advanced approaches and practices need to be adopted by researches, planners, practitioners and professionals within real estate society in order to create more value for the clients of today and future generations.
The Lithuanian real estate market was known as relatively small and very local a few years ago; however, the situation has been changed recently. The Lithuanian economy is demonstrating fast recovery from the crisis of the year 2009–2010. GDP increased by 2.9% in 2014 and 3.4% in 2013. Analysts are predicting growth of 2.3%–2.7% in 2015 and 3.2%–3.5% growth in 2016. Average annual rate of inflation dropped from 1.2% in 2013 to 0.2% in 2014. Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth of 0.5%–1.0% is expected in 2015 [1].
The improving economic situation has been reflected in the Lithuanian real estate market activity as well as the construction industry. The total volume of investment through purchasing already developed commercial property has been growing rapidly. After an investment breakthrough in 2013, 18 investment transactions (modern office, retail and industrial property worth over 1.5 million EUR) were registered in Lithuania, with a total value of 204 million EUR; 30% more than 2013. In total, 99,200 m2 of offices, 55,600 m2 of retail premises and 22,200 m2 of warehousing/industrial premises have been purchased in 2014 [2]. Lithuania adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2015, becoming a member of the euro zone and opening opportunities to new investors. In the beginning of 2015, the largest real estate transaction in the Baltic States since the crisis was successfully closed. The total transaction value amounted to 163 million EUR [3].
Real estate development, both in Lithuania and around the world, is facing the twenty-first century urban challenges—responsible use of energy resources, sustainable urban development within existing neighborhoods, comprehensive renovation and construction of new buildings, decreasing social exclusion, public transport development, and reduction of pollution—all of which should be implemented in the real estate development projects. These processes have impacts on the real estate business, as sustainable urban development is the backbone of the economy and the future of the real estate market. Thus, it is equally important to identify the trends and predict the directions of further real estate development. Whilst sustainable development regulation for the EU Member States is increasingly being driven by EU legislation, the methodologies for sustainable properties assessment have been developed based on indicators and measures at the individual country level: certification system developed by Austrian Society for Sustainable Real Estate in accordance with the German Sustainable Building Council ÖGNI/DGNB (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft /Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen) in Austria, certification system for sustainable buildings DGNB/BNB (Deutsche Gütesiegel Nachhaltiges Bauen/Bewertungssystem Nachhaltiges Bauen) in Germany, Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) in United Kingdom, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in USA, sustainability rating system Green Star in Australia, Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency (CASBEE) in Japan, certification system for low energy consumption buildings MINERGIE ECO in Switzerland, High Quality Environmental standard (HQE) in France, Protocol ITACA (developed by ITACA—the Italian Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces) in Italy, building performance assessment system SBTool in Canada, etc. [4,5,6,7,8,9]. The above-mentioned national certification systems are created to meet the legal regulations and requirements of the specific country, however few of these tools—LEED introduced by US Green Building Council (USGBC, 2001) and BREEAM introduced by the British Research Establishment Limited (BRE, 1998) have been proven by long-term worldwide application practice. Despite that, in Lithuania there are no buildings certified according to BREEAM, LEED, or any other sustainability certification system [10]. The problem for the future investors is to find the properties in Lithuania that might be considered sustainable. In regard to the environmental sustainability aspect, there are two obligatory issues in Lithuania. According to the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Economic Activity, the assessment on the environmental impact is required only for projects for a certain type economic activities: “The object of environmental impact assessment shall be the proposed economic activity which, by virtue of its nature, size or location, may have a significant effect on the environment. This activity shall be included in: (1) the List of the proposed economic activities subject to an environmental impact assessment (2) the List of the proposed economic activities subject to screening for an environmental impact assessment” [11]. The Law on Construction establishes all essential requirements for construction works that are being built, reconstructed and repaired within the territory of the Republic of Lithuania, and the minimum requirements for energy performance of buildings. Energy performance certificate has to be issued for new buildings and existing buildings before real estate transaction [12].
In regard to the social and economic aspect, there is a requirement to assess the financial and social-economic benefits of investment projects sponsored by public and EU funds, but there was no legal enforcement to assess the different project development options until 2015. The new legislation was issued by the Ministry of Finance of Republic of Lithuania on 31 December 2014, which is targeted to justify the public money expenditure for new real estate development [13]. Additionally to this, the quality assessment methodology for project optimal alternative selection for projects exceeding investment value of 300,000 EUR was approved on 14 October 2014 [14]. The minimum required options need to be assessed and compared from the financial and socio–economic perspective in case of the new real estate development are the following:
(1)
construction of new buildings;
(2)
distance service for project target groups;
(3)
reconstruction/conversion of the existing property;
(4)
rent/ lease of property; and
(5)
acquisition of a new property.
However, as can be seen from this list of minimum required options, there is no obligation to analyze the various design, construction and operation alternatives in order to prove the new project’s sustainability. Thus, there has been no methodology provided for the new real estate development sustainability assessment by the authorities in Lithuania.
This research paper addresses this gap by presenting the Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects. The model is recommended to be used by private and public investors for the evaluation of the future real estate development project sustainability. This approach will also enable to raise awareness amongst owners, occupants and investors to carry out the whole life-cycle analysis of the project in order to justify the design, construction and operation solutions while preparing the feasibility study of new real estate development.

2. Methodology for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects

“The results of the international and in particular the European standardization activities have led in recent years to the development of a unified understanding of sustainability in construction” [15]. Significant contributions were provided by the ISO TC 59 SC 17 and CEN TC 350 projects [16,17]. Numerous reports were published by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), SuPerBuildings and OPEN HOUSE projects were developed under European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme, etc. Based on the provided guidelines and methodologies for the sustainability assessment, the following sustainable development priorities have to be incorporated into the assessment framework of real estate development, namely: harmonized economy development of different industry branches and regions, reduction of economic and social disparities between regions, environmental protection and efficient use of natural resources; waste management; healthcare; increasing employment of population; decreasing poverty, unemployment, social exclusion; etc. [17,18,19,20,21,22,23]. The above-mentioned aspects in real estate terms are considered to decrease operating costs, use of land, natural resources and emissions; increase energy efficiency, population healthcare and quality of life; as well as preservation of the cultural value of the buildings and extension of the operation period. According to UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) “responsible investment is an approach to investment that explicitly acknowledges the relevance to the investor of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, and the long-term health and stability of the market as a whole. It recognizes that the generation of long-term sustainable returns is dependent on stable, well-functioning and well governed social, environmental and economic systems” [24]. However, Zielenbach states that three levels of real estate development sustainability measurement have to be taken into consideration when analyzing sustainability from point of view of corporate responsibility [25]. The first level focuses on assessing internal issues—sustainable business case benefits for the real estate developers. The second concentrates on determining direct benefits for the clients of new real estate development. The third looks at how to measure a project’s broader effects on the well-being of the community and neighborhoods, evaluating additional value for the city or region built environment.
Different researchers analyzed the particular levels and aspects of real estate development sustainability. A significant part of investigations is related with the sustainable urban development within the cities and regions [26,27,28]. The majority of them are devoted to the assessment of infrastructure projects sustainability [29,30,31,32,33]. The other significant part of the research analyzes sustainable office buildings or residential housing projects, industrial construction, etc. [34,35,36].
Some authors focus only on a particular aspect of sustainable development, like environmental assessment, projects impact on economic or social sustainability of the region, by identifying and analyzing assessment indicators [37,38,39,40,41,42]. Those who are trying to combine all three issues, provide the systematic approach or framework of sustainability indicators, which are recommended to be properly evaluated by project stakeholders and public decision makers [43,44,45,46,47]. Only a few authors have provided integrated sustainability assessment models, enabling front-end building evaluation [48,49,50,51].
Despite extended efforts to evaluate the sustainability aspects, very few attempts have been exposed in the scientific literature pursuing to integrate and balance the investors and real estate developers’ responsibility for the local community, regional economy and environmental problems with their financial expectations.
Lützkendorf et al. identified three different approaches to property investment [52]:
•
defensive property investment—investment practices that adhere to written law only, i.e., conventional mainstream property investment practice;
•
responsible property investment—maximizing the positive effects and minimizing the negative effects of property ownership, management and development on society and the natural environment in a way that is consistent with investor goals and fiduciary responsibilities; and
•
sustainable property investment—encompasses the goal of maximizing positive and minimizing negative effects, but it goes one significant step further, since the investor lays down appropriate conditions so that all his (or her) actions are aimed at being sustainable.
According to the author’s conclusions, sustainable property investment is the least practiced among the three above-mentioned approaches. Thus, from the point of view of real estate developers and investors, whilst being sustainable, real estate investments need to be financially viable.
Deng et al. analyzed the financial viability of investments in energy efficiency and examined this issue from the Singaporean residential developer’s perspective. The research revealed, that developers pay for almost all of the additional costs of energy efficiency during construction; however, they only share part of the benefits associated with such green investments. The authors found no evidence that the development of green housing can immediately and significantly improve corporate financial performance [53].
Trowbridge et al. underlined the health impacts of transportation, community development, and other construction projects, both positive and negative within the real estate industry. Communities efficiently advocate for real estate investment that best promotes their health and well-being. However, market incentives for innovation within the real estate industry make it more difficult for developers that successfully target health behaviors and outcomes in their projects to differentiate themselves competitively [54].
Rakshan et al. evaluated the sustainability aspect of improved building insulation by including the embodied energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the full lifecycle of additional insulation materials in the overall sustainability balance sheet of the development. This study showed that, in the particular case of the residential built environment of Dubai and the prevailing local electric power source generation mechanisms, the environmental sustainability cost of adding the insulation levels required to significantly mitigate transmission losses is small in comparison to the operational GHG emissions saved by their application [55].
Investigation about portfolio greenness and the financial performance of real estate investment trusts (REITs) was published by Eichholtz et al. The investigation of 2000–2011 proved that “greenness of REITs is positively related to three measures of operating performance—return on assets, return on equity and the ratio of funds from operations to total revenue” [56]. However, authors documented, “that there is no significant relationship between the greenness of property portfolios and abnormal stock returns, suggesting that stock prices already reflect the higher cash flows deriving from investments in more efficient properties”.
The sustainable land use issue and need in transformation of the role of the State and of corporate land owners role was reported in the study carried out by Knoeffell et al. The investigation was based on large empirical research results on huge urban development projects governed by models of public-private-partnerships. The article demonstrates lack of sustainability, which stem from corporate private land owners' decisions on concrete land uses, which are primarily driven by rapid profit interests [57].
Technical, financial, private partner selection and all three sustainability aspects were incorporated in the Model for effectiveness evaluation of public-private partnership (PPP) automobile road infrastructure construction projects developed by Rudžianskaitė-Kvaraciejienė et al. [58]. This study revealed that the effectiveness of PPP infrastructure projects from the private partner perspective depends on technical, financial and private partner’s competence factors, and project sustainability metrics as well. The same tendency was identified for the public partner or sustainability perspective. The level of project sustainability is directly related not only to environmental, social and economic criteria, but also depends on technical and financial characteristics of the project as well as on the competence of the private partner, whose experience and risk management would guarantee the success and sustainability of the project.
Methods based on a single criterion can hardly be used in solving the problems associated with the complex environment of decision-making in selecting an appropriate option for investment. Therefore, the value and the utility degree of different alternatives for investment might be determined by implementation of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques.
There are numerous MCDM tools, which can be successfully applied for the decision-making within various sustainability issues. An analysis of MCDM methods and the observed advantages and disadvantages, as well as areas of application for each method was published by Velasquez and Hester [59]. MCDM methods were ranked based on their applicability and usage in various domains by Aruldoss et al [60]. Most widely applied methods in decision making problem were rated as follows: Technique for the Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)—30% of all contributions, Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)—20% of all contributions, Elimination et Choix Traduisant la Realite (ELECTRE)—16.67% of all contributions, Fuzzy MCDM—16.66% of all contributions, Multicriteria Optimization and Compromise Solution VIKOR (from Serbian: VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje 6.67% of all contributions and other methods have been applied in 10% of all contributions.
As the main MCDM tools used for environmental applications, three main approaches were indicated: Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT), Outranking approaches and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) [61]. At the same time, other MCDM tools are widely used for the ranking of various management alternatives, such as TOPSIS, Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) and ELECTRE [62]. In particular, TOPSIS or fuzzy TOPSIS (TOPSIS-F) approaches have been successfully implemented for selecting resource-saving alternatives and ranking of economic decisions. However, according to the evaluation of different MCDM methods, and measuring objective congruence (incongruence) of the obtained results by these methods, priority to the results of COPRAS and TOPSIS methods should be given while treating economic and managerial issues [62]. Accordingly, multiple criteria evaluation results applying COPRAS and TOPSIS methods can be considered to be identical within the same probability.
By taking into consideration the priorities of future development perspectives broadly discussed in the scientific literature mentioned above, the authors of the paper developed the model that is recommended for real estate development sustainability assessment during the feasibility study process. The aim of the new model is to reveal systematic components affecting the development of sustainable built environment from real estate project idea formation to the end of the life cycle as well as to evaluate the overall investment effectiveness of real estate development in light of sustainable development. The model reflects the logic of real estate project development sequence (see Figure 1). Real estate development project concept stage refers to market research, objectives and constraints of building/group of buildings and the urban area to be developed and improved by building(s). Fulfillment of technical and functional requirements and analysis of different architectural design options are incorporated into the formation stage of real estate development alternatives. In the sustainability assessment stage, real estate development alternatives are evaluated by using selected MCDM techniques. Criteria representing aspects of sustainable development reflect responsible investment principles and real estate development contribution to sustainable regional development. Depending on the object of assessment, criteria might be combined out of several specific sub-criteria that suit the project and regional characteristics. Life cycle cost analysis of the project is incorporated into financial analysis stage, as it helps to validate the project sustainability at the business case level. From the developer’s point of view, real estate development alternatives have to prove the financial viability issues. If the sustainable real estate development alternative appears to be in line with the financial criteria (NPV, IRR, B/C, Payback period), it is selected for implementation.
The developed Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects is presented in Figure 2. Practical employment of developed Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation is introduced by the case study of multi-functional sports and entertainment arena investment assessment based on the aspects of sustainable development.
Sustainability 07 06497 g001 1024
Figure 1. Stages of sustainable real estate project development.
Figure 1. Stages of sustainable real estate project development.
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Sustainability 07 06497 g002 1024
Figure 2. Model for real estate investment evaluation based on sustainable development aspects.
Figure 2. Model for real estate investment evaluation based on sustainable development aspects.
Sustainability 07 06497 g002

3. Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas

The investment of public money towards the building, renovating and maintaining of sports venues has regularly occurred over the past six decades [63]. Whilst some sports and entertainment venues can generate an operating profit, the economic returns from operation do not generally pay back the initial investment [64]. However, municipal and community governments have been subsidizing the construction of sports stadiums and arenas because they serve the public interest beyond purely financial goals, since they contribute to improving the quality of life, provide a potential for reviving the economy of a region, help to enhance their international reputation, and boost relevant industries and business sectors [65].
To identify the existing approach and practice in the assessment of multi-functional arena investment, a review of prevailing research focus areas was conducted, such as subsidization, economic and social impact of large-scale sports venues, and their sustainable facility management. The subsidization of professional sports facilities has inspired deeply contentious debates, as the opinion on the construction of new large-scale venues is one of the most controversial topics for observers of public policy. Existing research [66,67,68] focuses on identifying factors that induce voters to support or oppose plans for public funding of sports facilities, construction or renovation. Independent empirical analyses are often used to reject assertions that sports stadiums can serve as economic catalysts [69,70,71]. The broad conclusion of this literature is that stadiums and franchises are ineffective means for creating local economic development, whether that is measured as income or employment growth. However, in combination with consumer surpluses from venue attendance, subsidies may be efficient. Based on this information, municipal investment into sports venues should not be strictly looked at as a vehicle to produce economic returns, since sports facilities are, indeed, viable social anchors within communities and community networks [63,72,73]. Furthermore, they are capable of creating a preferred image for both community members and a fan nation.
Sustainable issues in multi-functional venues facility management are important since sports and entertainment facilities consume more resources and energy than typical, negatively impact the environment, and generate a large amount of waste. Therefore, the employment of sustainable facilities management strategies by using innovative energy-efficient technologies is also essential while evaluating various sports and entertainment venues [74,75,76].

3.1. General Information about Lithuanian Multi-Functional Sports and Entertainment Arenas

The case study investigates the selection of investment option within assessment of existing Lithuanian multi-functional arenas that provide not only financial efficiency for developers, but also comply with the major aspects of sustainable development—economic, environmental and social.
There are fourteen sports’ arenas located in different cities and regional centers in Lithuania, which can be categorized as multi-functional sports and entertainment venues [77,78]. The establishment of venues has a positive impact on local economic development and urban landscape [79].
The majority of Lithuanian arenas are designed as universal halls for various sporting competitions, concerts, exhibitions, performances and other various cultural events and also serve as the home venue for local basketball teams [80,81,82,83,84,85]. Multi-functional arenas of the biggest cities—Zalgiris Arena of Kaunas city; Svyturys Arena of Klaipeda city; Cido Arena of Panevezys city; Arena of Alytus city; Arena of Siauliai city—were built within the period of 2007–2011 and hosted the European Basketball championship in 2011 [86]. Two arenas are individualized for their special features, such as 250-meter long Olympic cycling track in Cido arena [85] and the big skating rink in Vilnius Entertainment arena, formerly known as Vilnius Ice Palace [87].
Nine sports and entertainment venues were suggested and implicated in the case study assessment. In regards to seating capacity of multi-functional venues, the suggested arenas are presented in all major options: two large arenas with seating capacity over 10,000 seats, four average size arenas with capacity from 5000 to 10,000 seats and three small ones with capacity under 5000 seats. While the biggest cities arenas serve the population organizing the major sports and entertainment events, three Lithuanian multi-functional arenas (Alytus, Utena and Kedainiai arenas) are part of large sport complexes and host various sport schools and sport clubs, promoting youth sport activities [86,88,89]. Local municipalities hold the ownership rights for five multi-functional sports and entertainment venues: Zalgiris, Svyturys, Cido, Siauliai and Alytus arenas. Two arenas—Siemens Arena in capital city Vilnius rated as the second biggest arena in Lithuania built in 2002 and Vilnius Entertainment Arena built in 2004—are specified as private-owned; and one arena (Kedainiai Arena) was established by a private developer in 2013 and bestowed to the city of Kedainiai. Zalgiris arena is the most expensive arena, with a construction cost of 49 million EUR; then, Cido, Siauliai, Siemens, Svyturys, Alytus, Utena, Kedainiai and Vilnius Entertainment Arena with construction costs of 31 million EUR, 22 million EUR, 21 million EUR, 19 million EUR, 10 million EUR, 10 million EUR and 3 million EUR, respectively [77,78,79,80]. The range of general quantitative and comparative characteristics of sports and entertainment arenas incorporated in the case study is presented in Table 1.
Table
Table 1. General characteristics of case study arenas.
Table 1. General characteristics of case study arenas.
CriteriaMin valueMax value
Capacity for basketball, seats220015,688
Capacity for concerts, seats300022,000
Max number of visitors304417,000
Number of service area residents26,080523,050
Number of annual events18200
Number of visitors per year50,000500,000
Construction costs, million EUR2.8948.95
State investments, million EUR035.42
Investments of EU funds, million EUR012.88
Private investment, million EUR016.22
Annual municipality subsidies, million EUR 00.72
Cost per seat, EUR 11585532
Investment rate, EUR per resident191109
Based on the theoretical assumptions and a study of existing practices, the set of indicators, with the help of which the aspects of sustainability can be assessed, is suggested and implicated in the evaluation of investment into sports and entertainment arenas. It is useful and preferable to keep separated social, environmental and economic performance of buildings [17]; therefore, proposed multi-functional venues are assessed with indicators comprising the three mentioned aspects of sustainability (see Table 2). Valuable information about indicators of sustainability and other parameters of suggested multi-functional arenas was gathered through surveys of arenas managers and operators carried out in 2014 and also obtained from publicly available information sources [77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89]. The set of selected sustainability indicators is presented in Table 2.

3.2. Development of Criteria System for Multi-Functional Arenas Sustainability Assessment

3.2.1. Social Criteria for Multi-Functional Arenas Assessment

The major social aspects, which are essential for multi-functional arena evaluation, were defined by the respondents of a survey conducted, and are integration into the urban spaces, accessibility, annual number of events, visitors’ comfort conditions and implementation of innovative solutions for events performance. The operators’ and managers’ attempts and efforts to improve the living environment in the region and satisfy existing public demands were also taken into consideration. The suggested indicators of arena’s social performance have been grouped and assigned to three sustainability criteria “accessibility of arenas”, “number of visited events per resident” and “visitors’ comfort conditions”.
Accessibility of arena and visitors’ comfort conditions are aggregated criteria, which represent the assessment by several social indicators taken into consideration. Accessibility of arenas stands for such indicators as distance from the city center, accessibility of arena by public and private transport, availability of additional transportation from event venue and duration of departure from arena. City residents as well as city visitors prefer it to be located in the city center, where the majority of public transport routes are available. Furthermore, parking should be located less than 25 m from the venue to make it more convenient for arena visitors. Generally, most sports and entertainments events take place late in the evening and are over when ordinary public transport has stopped running, therefore, the availability of public night routes or additional transportation from venue to various city areas is also essential. At the same time, the needs of visitors coming by private vehicles must also be met—there have to be enough parking spaces available and the possibility to enter and depart from parking place easily, thus avoiding additional air pollution in the city center due to traffic jams.
Another social criterion, “visitors’ comfort conditions”, reveals such performance indicators as significance of number and diversity of leisure zones, adaptability of arenas to different types of events, implemented innovative solutions for the events performance and types of chairs for spectators; it describes the level of comfort and convenience and the state of wellbeing of the multi-functional arena visitor. Most events take a long time and usually last several hours; therefore the feeling of physical comfort while sitting and observing the event is very important. To provide the spectators with a high-level event and its comfortable observation, exceptional acoustic technologies must be employed and advanced sound equipment installed; the arena spaces must be transformable in accordance with observation requirements for different events; and, finally, the chairs must be comfortable to prevent fatigue during long events. Diversity and availability of leisure zones is also relevant to the subject.
Table
Table 2. Multi-functional arenas’ performance indicators.
Table 2. Multi-functional arenas’ performance indicators.
IndicatorsArenas
X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9
Social aspectDistance from city center, km 242212205
Service area, km2444011229524281110157401
Additional transportation by public vehicle YesNoNoNoNoNoYes/NoYesNo
Number of available parking places15540013069010080015001000 1650
Duration of departure by private transport, min10–2020–3010–2010–2010–2010–2010–2020–3020–30
Annual number of events60182007040607590100
Annual number of visitors50,000100,00050,000130,00080,000160,000160,600500,000413,000
Number of annually visited events per resident1.910.191.181.331.401.191.001.630.79
Number of leisure zones6321029102122
Diversity of leisure zonesCafé/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place		Café/restaurant
Smoking place
Adaptability to different eventsSpace transformationSpace transformation
Acoustic adjustment		Space transformationSpace transformation
Acoustic adjustment
Sound equipment		Space transformationSpace transformation
Acoustic adjustment		Space transformation
Acoustic adjustment		Space transformation
Acoustic adjustment
Sound equipment		Space transformation
Acoustic adjustment
Sound equipment
Type of chairsPlasticSoftPlasticSoftSoftSoftSoftSoftSoft
Innovative solutions for performance of eventsScoreboardMultipurpose flooring,
Ticketing		Entrance,
Scoreboard		Ticketing,
Entrance,
Scoreboard,
Information cube		Entrance,
Scoreboard		Multipurpose flooring,
Entrance,
Scoreboard,
Information cube		Multipurpose flooring,
Ticketing,
Entrance,
Scoreboard,
Information cube		Multipurpose flooring,
Ticketing,
Scoreboard,
Information cube		Multipurpose flooring,
Ticketing,
Scoreboard,
Information cube
Environmental aspectBuilding energy efficiency rating, classCCCCBCCBB
Specialist for environmental protectionNo NoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
BREEAM/LEED certificationNoNoNoNoNoNoNoUnder evaluation of BREEAM In-UseNo
Non-renewable energyCombined heat and powerElectricityCombined heat and powerCombined heat and powerCombined heat and powerElectricityElectricityElectricityElectricity
Renewable energyNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Energy-saving measuresWater sourcesRecuperators,El. sensors, Low-energy bulbs, Water resourcesRecuperators, Low-energy bulbs, Water sourcesRecuperators, Low-energy bulbs, Water sourcesRecuperators, Low-energy bulbs, Water sourcesRecuperators, Low-energy bulbs, Water sourcesRecuperators, El. sensors, Low-energy bulbsRecuperators, El. sensors, Low-energy bulbs, Water resources, Energy management Recuperators, El. sensors, Low-energy bulbs, Water resources
Waste trackingNoYesNoYesYesYesNoYesYes
RecyclingNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Economic aspectInvestment rate, EUR per resident24662403211871649815937
State investments, % of the total --100354935 3772 17
EU funds, % of the total---6551656328 -
Private investment, % of the total100100------83
Number of full-time employees81228111014144017
Number of part-time employees---50202530300100
Income of non-core business, %>50>500–100–100–10>5040–5020–3010–20
Impact on urban development within the area Landscape development Shopping malls, sport complexesEnvironment/infrastructure, sport and leisure parkEnvironment/infrastructure, natural parkEnvironment/infrastructure, sport complex, natural park, restaurantsEnvironment/infrastructure, natural parkEnvironment/infrastructure, shopping mallEnvironment/infrastructure, shopping mall, natural parkLeisure park: Aqua park, shopping mall, natural park
Employment of innovative technologies during the construction and operation periods is one of the factors reflecting the level of comfort and convenience; thus, it is quite essential to be outlined as social indicator. Modern entrance and ticketing systems provide easier and faster access to arenas for visitors; this, along with information panels and even information cubes, are the best solutions for observation of sports competitions. Multipurpose flooring system gives visitors the chance to observe a wide variety of events (e.g., both on parquet and ice).
Annual number of events indicates the demand in arena regarding its capabilities and location. The suggested arena alternatives are located in different cities; therefore the events and provided activities differ, while there is different population and demand for such events. Big number of organized events shows the capabilities of arena to meet the needs of citizens in leisure and entertainment activities. The criteria “number of visited events per resident” is an attribute, expressed by the means of ratio of performed events number and city’s population, which indicates the number of events per city’s resident.

3.2.2. Environmental Criteria for Multi-Functional Arenas Assessment

As essential environmental aspects for multi-functional arena evaluation, energy efficiency class of facility, “in-house” expert for environmental protection, BREEAM or LEED certification, type of energy used, and application of energy saving, waste-tracking, and recycling techniques were accentuated. These environmental indicators have been assigned to three environmental criteria “building energy efficiency”, “environmental impact of arena’s activities” and “employment of innovative technologies during construction and operation”.
The first environmental criterion to be evaluated is the “building energy efficiency”. Multi-functional arenas with the highest energy efficiency class get the best evaluation. “Impact on the environment” (noise, air pollution, waste, etc.) is another important environmental criterion. Environmental impact of arena’s activities aggregates the points in regard to such indicators as available specialist for environmental protection, BREEAM/LEED certification and sources for energy used by arenas. Multi-functional sports and entertainment arenas consume relatively large amounts of electricity, to be supplied within employed equipment (lighting, sound equipment, etc.); also, facilities require intense heating and ventilation processes. Therefore, for the environmental assessment of arenas activities, it is essential to examine how the processes are carried out, whether buildings are equipped with recuperative energy systems and how they are used. It is also necessary to assess whether the arena managers are trying to reduce the negative environmental impact by using renewable energy sources.
The environmental criterion “employment of innovative technologies during construction and operation” shows how the suggested arenas implement various energy-saving, water and waste management measures. Due to high-energy consumption, arenas have correspondingly high direct and indirect negative effects on the environment (air pollution). Consequently, it is important to know if suggested arenas are subjected to any of energy-saving techniques, such as heat recuperators, electrical sensors, informative badges, low-energy light bulbs and water resources. Many arena visitors leaves behind significant amounts of waste, both direct (mostly food packaging) and indirect (e.g., cleaning after the event). It is important to find out whether the arena managers are trying to apply any waste tracking and reducing measures; and if not, whether the waste in arenas is sorted.

3.2.3. Economic Criteria for Multi-Functional Arenas Assessment

While assessing the suggested arenas alternatives according to the economic aspects of sustainability, the greatest consideration should be made to the investment rates, impact on urban development as well as boosting relevant industries and business sectors. Consequently, three economic criteria were selected: “investment rate”, “impact on relevant business” and “impact on urban development”.
Investment rate shows the total amount of investment, including state, EU funds and private money, per resident. Development of the large-scale venues involves intensive capital investment and long-term operational expenses. It is a common practice in Lithuania that a multi-functional arena is built using public money; for this reason, it is extremely important that the costs are as low as possible. Additionally, municipal and community governments subsidize the construction of some multi-functional arenas because they expect the evidence for positive welfare effects on the environment as well as social benefits. Therefore, the best evaluation should be given to the arena, in which the public and private investment is the lowest.
Arenas cannot only perform its direct function to city’s residents and visitors, e.g., to be the venue of event, but also provide additional services, such as catering, health, business and relevant industries. Arenas can be useful not only during concerts or other events; but can also generate additional income from commercial activities, which is a positive indicator in determining the effective use of the building itself. By improvement of the financial situation of city residents, the economic level of the city increases, respectively. The criterion “impact on relevant business” features incomes from non-core business and development of relevant business sectors and number of jobs created for both core and non-core activities. At the same time, the establishment of such sport and entertainment facilities has a positive impact on the urban development, while contributing to the improvement of landscape and creating modern infrastructure. The criterion “impact on urban development within the area” covers various aspects of landscape development, potential for the future urban structure expansion, and improvement related to the establishment of suggested arenas.

3.3. Evaluation Criteria System for Investment into Multi-Functional Arenas

In regard to the experts’ opinion in the conducted survey, and according to the evaluation of suggested multi-functional venues alternatives, the set of criteria combining social, environmental and economic aspects was developed. The generated criteria system, together with alternative rates, is presented in Table 3. All criteria are expressed either by the ratio or by points in accordance with established point system. The major part of criteria is aggregated attributes, combining few different performance indicators, reflecting appropriate aspect of sustainable development.
The scoring of such aggregated criteria was defined as the summarized performance of particular set of suggested performance indicators combined into general criteria. Consequently, the highest ranking (9–10 points) scores were assigned to the aggregated criteria of suggested alternatives, which demonstrated integrated value higher than 2/3 of the best performance value within the set of incorporated initial criteria; the middle ranking (7–8 points) scores were assigned to the alternatives attributing the range between the 2/3 and 1/3 of the best available performance value within the particular set of incorporated criteria; and the lowest ranking (5–6 points) scores were assigned to the criteria of alternatives demonstrated lower values than 1/3 of the best performance value within the particular set of combining criteria. A score of 5 points stands for minimal acceptable assessment value in accordance to the compulsory requirements of technical and legal regulations.
Table
Table 3. Criteria system for evaluation of investment into multi-functional arenas.
Table 3. Criteria system for evaluation of investment into multi-functional arenas.
Evaluation criteria Arenas
X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9
Accessibility of arenas, points [5,10]96787891010
Number of visited events per resident1.910.191.181.331.401.191.001.630.79
Visitors’ comfort conditions, points [5,10]78687881010
Building energy performance, points [5,10]888898899
Environmental impact of arena’s activities, points [5,10]6768788108
Innovative technologies employed, points [5,10]6778788109
Investment rate, EUR per resident24662403211871649815937
Impact on relevant business, points [5,10]766777898
Impact on urban development, points [5,10]7677888109
Once the set of evaluation criteria is established Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis can be applied to examine the problem of evaluating a discrete set of alternatives for investment into multi-functional arenas.

4. Results and Discussion

Most of the MCDM methods need the criteria weights, which can be determined by pairwise comparison method Analytic Hierarchy Process or ranking expertise method. Therefore, the weights of the criteria are calculated according to the judgments of experts.

4.1. Weights of Developed Evaluation Criteria

In order to establish the proper set of variables needed for investment assessment, the criteria and their corresponding relative levels of importance have to be evaluated. Such subjective weighting of established criteria was determined by using AHP as a subjective approach. AHP is one of the most widely used methods in various fields of research that provides means to optimize decision-making from a quantitative analysis and minimize impacts related to the use of purely qualitative methods [50].
Information about subjective weighting of developed criteria was gathered through pairwise comparisons questionnaire carried out in 2014. The questionnaire was issued to 28 experts; the major groups of respondents were managers and operators of multi-functional arenas (38%), environmental consultants (21%), researchers and academics, real estate and civil engineering professionals (21%) and community representatives (20%).
Table 4 shows the weighting assigned to the proposed investment evaluation criteria obtained from the pairwise evaluation. As can be seen from the weighting assignment results, the economic aspect, representing over 42% of the total, is considered more important than the environmental aspect, representing over 36%, and the social aspect, representing over 21%.
Table
Table 4. Weights of evaluation criteria.
Table 4. Weights of evaluation criteria.
CriteriaSubjective weight, %Weighting by sustainability aspects
Accessibility of arenas5.44Social aspect—21.41%
Number of visited events per resident7.06
Visitors’ comfort conditions8.91
Building energy performance9.61Environmental aspect—36.34%
Environmental impact of arena’s activities11.34
Innovative technologies employed15.39
Investment rate14.35Economic aspect—42.25%
Impact on relevant businesses13.54
Impact on urban development14.36
In the context of real estate investment sustainability evaluation, several criteria of multi-functional arenas are of particular importance; these include employment of innovative technologies during construction and operation, investment rate, impact on relevant business and impact on urban development. In relation to the economic aspects the criteria “impact on urban development” and “investment rate” were ranked almost at the same importance within subjective weight of 14.36% and 14.35%, and more important than the criterion “impact on relevant business”, with significance of 13.54%. Employment of innovative technologies during construction and operation, which is represented by 15.39%, in relation to the environmental aspects, holds priority over other criteria. Visitors’ comfort conditions, represented by 8.91%, were considered the most important criterion in relation to the social aspects.
After the weights of the criteria were calculated, the concordance of expert judgments was verified. It showed the sufficient coherence of the invited experts’ preferences and adequate use of their extensive knowledge.

4.2. Evaluation of Investments into Multi-Functional Arenas Based on Sustainability Aspects

Multi-criteria analysis of selected multi-functional sports and entertainment arenas investment alternatives was performed applying TOPSIS. The basic concept of TOPSIS is that the selected alternative should have the shortest distance from the ideal solution and the longest distance from the negative-ideal solution; and the benefits are that the only required judgments are weights of evaluation criteria, while relative distances depend on the weights and on the range of alternatives themselves [61].
According to the calculated separation measures from negative ideal and positive ideal solutions, the rate of the relative closeness to the ideal solution was established. Almost all suggested criteria, representing social, environmental and economic aspects, are expected to reach their maximum values, while only criterion “Investment rate” is targeted to the minimum. The relative closeness of the investment alternatives to the ideal solution is given in Table 5.
Table
Table 5. Relative closeness and rank of investment alternatives.
Table 5. Relative closeness and rank of investment alternatives.
RankingArenas
X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9
Relative closeness0.320.430.230.300.420.490.590.810.75
Rank759864312
The established rates of the relative closeness to the ideal solution provide the basis for the sustainability categorization, assigned to one set out in LEED, BREEAM and SBTool [45]. Multi-functional arenas’ sustainability categories are presented in Table 6.
Arenas as public buildings, serving community interests, are not considered as the real estate development objects of high financial profitability. However, taking into consideration the limited financial resources of the municipalities, which are the owners of the majority of arenas, the social-economic benefit/cost ratio plays an important role for the integrated performance assessment. Furthermore, the municipal subsidies granted to the multi-functional arenas are the money of the same taxpayers’, who’s recreational needs sports and entertainment venues are dedicated to meet. Annual financial subsidy rates per resident are presented in Table 7.
Table
Table 6. Sustainability categorization for multi-functional arenas.
Table 6. Sustainability categorization for multi-functional arenas.
Categories of sustainabilityInvestment alternativeRate
Towards sustainability (0%–49%)X323%
X430%
X132%
X542%
X243%
X649%
Sustainable (50%–79%)X759%
X975%
In search of new paradigms (80%–100%)X881%
Table
Table 7. Annual subsidies for multi-functional arenas.
Table 7. Annual subsidies for multi-functional arenas.
Financial criteriaArenas
X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9
Annual amount of subsidies per resident, EUR3-2652-2-
Consequently, the aggregated score for various investment alternatives can be established considering both sustainability and financial issues (see Table 8). The developers are encouraged to employ the overall ranking approach, while evaluating possible investment into public property options of new real estate development.
Table
Table 8. Overall evaluation of investment into multi-functional arenas.
Table 8. Overall evaluation of investment into multi-functional arenas.
RankingArenas
X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9
Ranking based on sustainability aspects759864312
Ranking based on financial performance514762131
Aggregated rank1261315126443
Overall ranking435643221

5. Conclusions

The review of scientific literature revealed that, despite extended efforts to evaluate the sustainability aspects of the real estate development, very few attempts have been presented that pursue integrating and balancing the investors and real estate developers’ responsibility for the local community, regional economy, and environmental problems with their financial expectations.
The Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects developed by the authors incorporates the systematic components affecting the development of sustainable built environment from real estate project idea formation to the end of the life cycle as well as enables evaluating the overall investment effectiveness of real estate development in light of sustainable development. This approach raises awareness amongst owners, occupants, and investors to justify the design, construction and operation solutions, while preparing the feasibility study of new real estate development.
The model was verified by applying it to the case study of Lithuanian sports and entertainment arenas. Priority ranking results of nine multi-functional arenas’ sustainability performance approved the proposed approach of real estate investment evaluation based on sustainable development aspects.
Assessment of Lithuanian sports and entertainment arenas by the Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects revealed the sustainability advantages of three Lithuanian arenas, whilst the analysis of the financial performance disclosed that positive sustainability effects the owner’s and operator’s monetary liabilities.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the respondents who participated in the survey.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed equally to this work. Tautvydas Baltramonaitis developed the model and conducted the expert interviews as well as initial quantitative and qualitative data collection. Rasa Apanavičienė led the development of the methodology for this research. Ala Daugėlienė revised and expanded the initial data and performed multi-criteria analysis. Rasa Apanavičienė and Ala Daugėlienė wrote the initial draft of this paper. Vida Maliene was responsible for the final paper revision and improvement. All authors discussed the results and implications, and commented on the manuscript at all stages.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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MDPI and ACS Style

Apanavičienė, R.; Daugėlienė, A.; Baltramonaitis, T.; Maliene, V. Sustainability Aspects of Real Estate Development: Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas. Sustainability 2015, 7, 6497-6522. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066497

AMA Style

Apanavičienė R, Daugėlienė A, Baltramonaitis T, Maliene V. Sustainability Aspects of Real Estate Development: Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas. Sustainability. 2015; 7(6):6497-6522. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066497

Chicago/Turabian Style

Apanavičienė, Rasa, Ala Daugėlienė, Tautvydas Baltramonaitis, and Vida Maliene. 2015. "Sustainability Aspects of Real Estate Development: Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas" Sustainability 7, no. 6: 6497-6522. https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066497

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