How can you implement green FM strategies?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to implement green FM strategies is to assess your current situation and identify the areas where you can improve your environmental performance. You can use tools such as audits, benchmarks, indicators, and ratings to measure your energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, carbon footprint, and other environmental aspects. You can also consult with stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and regulators, to understand their expectations and feedback on your FM practices.

2 Set your goals and plans

The next step is to set your goals and plans for implementing green FM strategies. You should align your goals with your organization's vision, mission, and values, as well as with the relevant standards and regulations. You should also define your scope, budget, timeline, and responsibilities for each green FM initiative. You can use frameworks such as SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) or OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to set your goals and plans.

3 Implement your actions

The third step is to implement your actions according to your goals and plans. To do this, you can adopt renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or biomass to power your facilities. Additionally, you can install energy-efficient equipment such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, or motion sensors to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, you can implement water conservation measures like low-flow faucets, rainwater harvesting, or greywater recycling to reduce water usage. Waste management practices like recycling, composting, or donating can also be used to reduce waste generation. Additionally, green procurement policies such as buying eco-friendly products, services, or materials can help reduce environmental impact. Finally, green cleaning practices such as using natural or biodegradable cleaning products can improve indoor air quality and health. You may also want to consider implementing green transportation policies like encouraging carpooling, biking, or public transit to reduce carbon emissions.

4 Monitor and evaluate your results

The fourth step is to monitor and evaluate your results to measure your progress and performance. You can use tools such as meters, sensors, dashboards, or reports to collect and analyze data on your environmental aspects. You can also use tools such as surveys, interviews, or focus groups to collect and analyze feedback from your stakeholders. You should compare your results with your goals and plans, and identify the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

5 Communicate and celebrate your achievements

The fifth step is to communicate and celebrate your achievements to recognize your efforts and achievements. You can use various channels and platforms, such as newsletters, social media, or events, to share your stories and successes with your stakeholders. You can also use various incentives and rewards, such as certificates, badges, or bonuses, to motivate and appreciate your team and partners. You should also showcase your achievements to the public and the industry, and apply for recognition or certification programs, such as LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star, to demonstrate your commitment and credibility.

6 Review and improve your practices

The sixth step is to review and improve your practices to ensure your continuous improvement and innovation. You should regularly review your goals and plans, and update them according to your changing needs and expectations. You should also seek new ideas and best practices from your peers and experts, and adopt them to your context and situation. You should also foster a culture of learning and collaboration, and encourage your team and partners to share their insights and experiences.

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?