Institutional drivers of sustainable development goals implementation in facilities management: evidence from South Africa

Purpose During the operational phase of buildings, facilities managers are uniquely positioned to implement sustainable development goals (SDGs) without expensive construction changes required. The ISO 41000 series of International facilities management (FM) standards provides high-level guidelines for implementing 17 of the UN’s SDGs across various aspects of facility operations. This study aims to examine how institutional pressures (regulatory, normative and global sustainability expectations) shape the implementation of the SDGs in FM and develops guidelines to support alignment with these institutional demands. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted using directed content analysis. South African laws, regulations, standards (SANS) and institutional reports were reviewed and coded according to categories of institutional theory. The analysis mapped institutional drivers to FM functional areas and SDG outcomes. Findings The findings show that SDG implementation in FM is not voluntary but is shaped by institutional pressures. Regulative frameworks enforce compliance, normative standards guide professional practice and mimetic pressures promote alignment with global sustainability expectations. These pressures collectively drive the integration of SDGs across FM functions. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to the implementation of SDGs within the context of South African laws, regulations and standards. Practical implications The study provides structured, context-specific guidelines for FM practitioners in South Africa to implement SDGs across planning, operations, resource management and performance monitoring. Social implications The article assists in the transition to improved sustainability in facilities and communities. The article will guide FM practitioners in the implementation of SDGs, which addresses the concerns raised regarding the development of human beings and impact on their planet, Earth. Originality/value The paper contributes to both theory and practice by applying institutional theory to the sustainable FM domain and offering context-specific guidance for SDG implementation in South Africa.