How can FM leverage sustainability as a competitive advantage and a value proposition in the market?

1 What is sustainability in FM?

Sustainability in FM refers to the management of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of your facilities and services. It involves optimizing the use of resources, reducing waste and emissions, improving the well-being and productivity of occupants, and contributing to the wider community and stakeholders. Sustainability in FM is not only good for the planet, but also good for your business.

2 Why is sustainability a competitive advantage for FM?

Sustainability can give you a competitive edge in the market by helping you achieve operational excellence, cost savings, risk mitigation, and innovation. By implementing sustainable practices and technologies, you can improve your efficiency, quality, and reliability of your facilities and services. You can also reduce your operating expenses, maintenance costs, and energy bills. Moreover, you can manage your risks and comply with regulations, standards, and expectations of your clients, investors, and regulators. Furthermore, you can foster a culture of innovation and creativity by exploring new solutions and opportunities for your facilities and services.

3 How can you communicate your sustainability value proposition?

To leverage sustainability as a value proposition in the market, you need to communicate your sustainability goals, achievements, and benefits to your target audience. You can use various channels and tools to showcase your sustainability credentials, such as reports, certifications, awards, case studies, testimonials, and stories. You can also use social media, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, and webinars to engage and educate your audience about your sustainability initiatives and impacts. You can also collaborate and network with other organizations and stakeholders who share your sustainability vision and values.

4 How can you measure and improve your sustainability performance?

To ensure that your sustainability efforts are effective and aligned with your objectives, you need to measure and monitor your sustainability performance. You can use various indicators and metrics to track and evaluate your environmental, social, and economic outcomes, such as energy consumption, carbon footprint, waste generation, water usage, occupant satisfaction, employee engagement, customer retention, and revenue growth. You can also use benchmarks and standards to compare and improve your performance against your peers and best practices. You can also use feedback and audits to identify and address your gaps and challenges.

5 How can you embed sustainability in your FM culture and practices?

To make sustainability a core part of your FM culture and practices, you need to involve and empower your people at all levels and stages of your FM processes. You can start by defining and communicating your sustainability vision, mission, and values to your staff, contractors, suppliers, and partners. You can also provide training and education to enhance their sustainability skills and knowledge. You can also reward and recognize their sustainability contributions and achievements. You can also encourage and facilitate their participation and collaboration in your sustainability projects and programs.

6 What are some examples of sustainable FM practices and technologies?

Sustainable FM practices and technologies can be beneficial for your needs and context. Smart meters, sensors, controls, and analytics can help monitor and optimize energy consumption and efficiency, while renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass generators can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and emissions. Waste audits, segregation, recycling, and composting can minimize waste generation and disposal. Circular economy principles like reuse, repair, refurbish, or remanufacture can extend the life cycle and value of materials and assets. Water meters, leak detection, low-flow fixtures, water treatment systems, filtration and reuse systems can conserve water usage and wastage. Natural ventilation, daylighting, air quality sensors, green walls and biophilic design can enhance occupant comfort, health and productivity. Low-VOC paints, carpets and furniture can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. Stakeholder engagement, community involvement, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, ethical sourcing practices as well as social value measurement reporting and verification can demonstrate social responsibility.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?