Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick | Sustainability Strategies | Best Paper Award

Dr. Saul Nurick, Dept of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Dr. Saul David Nurick is a dual-national (South African & Spanish) academic and senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Construction Economics and Management. A multifaceted professional, he holds degrees in Information Systems, Property Studies, and Construction Economics, and earned his PhD in Psychology in 2023. His work resides at the intersection of built environment and human performance, blending technology, sustainability, and behavioural science. Fluent in English with intermediate Spanish, Saul’s diverse cultural and disciplinary background allows him to thrive in global academic and professional contexts.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Saul’s academic journey began with a BCom in Information Systems (2004), followed by an honours BSc in Property Studies (2006), and a MPhil in Construction Economics and Management (2012), all from Cape Town. He capped his formal education by completing a PhD in Psychology (2023) at the University of the Witwatersrand, under Professor Andrew Thatcher. His doctoral research—“Impact of Green Building Features and Initiatives on Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance in Office Buildings”—bridges psychology and built environment studies.

Experience 💼

Since 2012, Dr. Saul has lectured extensively at UCT, becoming a permanent staff lecturer in 2014 and senior lecturer in 2018. He convened over a dozen undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from property investment mathematics to Masters- and PhD-level research supervision. He’s also served as external examiner at several institutions, including WITS and Henley Business School. Further, he’s a registered MRICS professional member since 2014. This blend of teaching, academic administration, industry affiliation, and rigorous supervision ensures Saul’s work remains both applied and scholarly.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr Nurick’s research focuses on the impacts of green building design on human productivity and organizational outcomes. He investigates how sustainable infrastructure and information systems in office environments affect occupant performance, well‑being, and corporate value. His interests also include property finance, construction economics, and the behavioral dimensions of property information systems. By fusing psychology with built environment disciplines, Dr. Saul contributes to interdisciplinary sustainability discourse and evidence‑driven strategies for healthier workplaces.

Awards 🏅

Dr. Saul is a qualified Professional Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) since August 2014. While specific personal awards weren’t listed, many of his supervised postgraduate theses were finalists or winners in the Greenovate student awards: e.g., Oratile Masia & Mihlali Solombela (3rd place Greenovate, 2024), Paige Waberski & Kiah Wallace (3rd place, 2024), Isobella van der Merwe & Aiden van Wyk (winner, 2023), Realeboga Lekoma & Tshifhiwa Mudau (finalists, 2023). This consistent record attests to Saul’s mentorship excellence.

Publication Top Notes 📚

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector

An Investigation into the Benefits of EDGE Residential Estates in terms of Real-World Savings

Examining the impact of indoor environmental quality on individual productivity of knowledge workers in green certified buildings

Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality and the Link to Individual Productivity and Organisational Performance: A Scoping Review

Saeid Homayoun | Environmental, Social, and Governance | Best Researcher Award

Dr . Saeid Homayoun - Environmental, Social, and Governance  - Best Researcher Award

University of Gavle | Sweden

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

His Homayoun embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in accounting and control, earning his PhD from Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. Throughout his educational career, he has pursued pedagogical achievements, completing courses in education, research supervision, and artificial intelligence, enhancing his teaching and research capabilities.

Professional Endeavors

With a keen focus on sustainability, he has held various academic and leadership positions. He served as a Senior Lecturer in Accounting at Gavle University, Sweden, where he coordinated courses in auditing, management accounting, corporate governance, and financial accounting with a sustainability lens. Additionally, he has contributed to the academic community through memberships in prestigious organizations and academic institutions.

 

Contributions and Research Focus in Environmental, Social, and Governance  

His research focuses on sustainability, corporate governance, and financial reporting. He has published numerous articles and received accolades for his contributions to the field. His work emphasizes the integration of sustainability principles into accounting practices and the promotion of responsible business conduct.

Accolades and Recognition

His dedication to academia and research has been recognized through various awards and honors, including the Shuguang PhD Award and multiple scholarships for academic excellence. His referee articles have garnered attention and commendation from peers, highlighting his impact on the scholarly community.

Impact and Influence

As a Chief Accounting Officer at an Iranian hospital in Dubai, he has demonstrated leadership in financial management, overseeing a large team and ensuring the integrity of financial transactions. Furthermore, his role as a Chief Sustainability Officer for a startup firm in Spain reflects his commitment to driving environmental, social, and governance initiatives.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His legacy lies in his significant contributions to academia, particularly in the fields of sustainability, accounting, and governance. His research and leadership have paved the way for future scholars and practitioners to adopt ethical and sustainable practices in business and finance. Moving forward, he remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and promoting sustainable development through his ongoing research and professional endeavors.

Citations
  • Citations          843
  •  h-index               13
  • i10-index             16

Notable Publications