How can Facility Management stakeholders reduce their environmental impact?

1 Assess the current situation

The first step to reduce the environmental impact of FM is to assess the current situation and identify the main sources of waste, emissions, energy consumption, water use, and environmental risks. This can be done by conducting audits, surveys, inspections, and measurements, as well as collecting and analyzing data from various sources, such as utility bills, maintenance records, sensors, and feedback. The assessment should also consider the legal and regulatory requirements, the industry standards and best practices, the organizational policies and objectives, and the stakeholder expectations and needs.

2 Set SMART goals and action plans

The second step to reduce the environmental impact of FM is to set SMART goals and action plans that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The goals and action plans should reflect the priorities and opportunities identified in the assessment, as well as the available resources and capabilities. The goals and action plans should also be aligned with the organizational strategy and vision, and communicated clearly and effectively to all the relevant stakeholders. The goals and action plans should also include indicators and metrics to monitor and evaluate the progress and performance.

3 Implement green practices and technologies

The third step to reduce the environmental impact of FM is to implement green practices and technologies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of FM processes and services, as well as reduce the environmental footprint. This could include adopting energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems; installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass generators; implementing water-saving devices, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showers; rainwater harvesting systems; greywater recycling systems; reducing waste generation and increasing waste segregation, recycling, and composting; using environmentally friendly materials, products, and equipment like biodegradable cleaners or recycled paper; and promoting green behaviors and awareness among FM staff and users by switching off lights when not in use or taking public transportation.

4 Engage and collaborate with stakeholders

To reduce the environmental impact of FM, it is important to engage and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure their involvement, support, and feedback. This can be done by establishing communication channels and platforms, such as newsletters, meetings, webinars, or social media. Additionally, providing training and education programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of the FM staff and users on environmental issues and solutions is essential. Furthermore, soliciting input and suggestions from the stakeholders on how to improve the FM processes and services and reduce the environmental impact is beneficial. It is also important to recognize and reward the achievements and contributions of the stakeholders to the environmental goals and action plans. Finally, creating partnerships and networks with other organizations that share the same environmental vision and values can help achieve this goal.

5 Review and improve continuously

The fifth step to reduce the environmental impact of FM is to review and improve continuously the FM processes and services and the environmental goals and action plans. This can be achieved by collecting data and analyzing environmental indicators and metrics, comparing actual results with expected outcomes, reporting and disclosing performance and impact to stakeholders and the public, celebrating successes, learning from failures, and updating goals and action plans based on feedback and changing conditions.