How can you incorporate sustainable practices into your FM career?

1 Assess your current situation

The first step to becoming a more sustainable FM is to evaluate your current performance and identify areas for improvement . You can use tools such as the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credential or the LEED certification to measure and benchmark your environmental impact, energy efficiency, waste management, and indoor air quality. You can also conduct audits, surveys, or interviews to gather feedback from your stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and regulators. By assessing your current situation, you can set realistic and measurable goals for your sustainability journey.

2 Adopt best practices and standards

The next step is to adopt best practices and standards that align with your sustainability goals and values. You can refer to frameworks such as the ISO 14000 series, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), or the Green Globes to guide your policies, procedures, and processes. You can also join networks and associations such as the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the Green Building Council, or the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA) to learn from peers, experts, and industry leaders. By adopting best practices and standards, you can enhance your credibility, compliance, and competitiveness.

3 Implement innovative solutions and technologies

The third step is to implement innovative solutions and technologies that can help you optimize your resource use, reduce your emissions, and increase your resilience. You can explore options such as renewable energy sources, smart building systems, green materials, water conservation devices, or biophilic design. You can also collaborate with your vendors, contractors, and partners to find synergies and opportunities for co-creation. By implementing innovative solutions and technologies, you can improve your productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction.

4 Educate and engage your team and stakeholders

The fourth step is to educate and engage your team and stakeholders to foster a culture of sustainability and shared responsibility. You can provide training, coaching, and mentoring to your staff to enhance their skills, knowledge, and motivation. You can also communicate, celebrate, and reward your achievements and challenges to your internal and external audiences. By educating and engaging your team and stakeholders, you can increase your awareness, influence, and impact.

5 Monitor and evaluate your progress and performance

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate your progress and performance to ensure that you are on track with your sustainability goals and objectives. You can use indicators, metrics, and dashboards to track and report your results, outcomes, and impacts. You can also conduct reviews, audits, or assessments to identify gaps, risks, or opportunities for improvement. By monitoring and evaluating your progress and performance, you can demonstrate your accountability, transparency, and value.

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?