Moving Towards Sustainable Facility Management

Introduction

Facility management plays a significant role in the daily operations of organizations. It encompasses everything from maintaining buildings and grounds to managing utilities, security, and cleaning services. As organizations strive to reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in facility management.

What is Sustainable Facility Management?

Sustainable facility management is the practice of managing buildings and grounds in a way that minimizes environmental impact and promotes occupant well-being. Sustainable facility managers consider the entire lifecycle of a building, from design and construction to operation and maintenance. They seek to reduce energy and water consumption, improve waste management, and create healthy indoor environments.

Benefits of Sustainable Facility Management

There are many benefits to sustainable facility management, including:

Reduced environmental impact: Sustainable facilities use less energy and water, produce less waste, and have a smaller carbon footprint. This can help organizations meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and reduce their environmental impact.
Improved occupant well-being: Sustainable facilities are designed to promote occupant well-being. They have good indoor air quality, comfortable temperatures, and access to natural light. This can lead to improved productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Increased property value: Sustainable buildings are often more valuable than conventional buildings. This is because they are more efficient, healthier, and more environmentally friendly.
Reduced operating costs: Sustainable facilities can help organizations reduce their operating costs. By using less energy and water, and by generating their own renewable energy, organizations can save money on utilities.

How to Implement Sustainable Facility Management

There are many ways to implement sustainable facility management in your organization. Some common strategies include:

Design for sustainability: When designing new buildings or renovating existing ones, consider sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and water-saving fixtures.
Operate for sustainability: Once your buildings are constructed, operate them in a sustainable way. This includes things like reducing energy and water consumption, improving waste management, and creating healthy indoor environments.
Maintain for sustainability: Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your buildings in good condition and operating efficiently. By using sustainable maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your buildings and reduce your environmental impact.

The Future of Sustainable Facility Management

Sustainable facility management is a growing trend that is expected to continue in the future. As organizations look to reduce their environmental impact and improve their bottom line, they will increasingly adopt sustainable practices in their facilities.

The future of sustainable facility management includes:

Increased use of technology: Technology will play an increasingly important role in sustainable facility management. Building management systems (BMS) and other technologies can help organizations track their energy and water consumption, identify areas for improvement, and automate sustainable practices.
Greater focus on occupant well-being: Organizations will increasingly focus on creating sustainable facilities that promote occupant well-being. This includes providing access to natural light, improving indoor air quality, and creating comfortable working environments.
Circular economy principles: Sustainable facility managers will increasingly adopt circular economy principles. This means designing and operating facilities in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Conclusion

Sustainable facility management is an essential part of any organization's sustainability strategy. By implementing sustainable practices in their facilities, organizations can reduce their environmental impact, improve their bottom line, and create healthier and more productive workplaces.