Green Careers Week 2024: Revolutionizing Facilities Management in Hospitality

As we kick off Green Careers Week 2024, which is taking place this week from 4th to 9th November, it's crucial to reflect on the transformative role of Facilities Management (FM) in the hospitality industry, particularly in driving sustainability and creating green career opportunities. At The Omni Group - Omni Facilities Management , we're committed to pioneering sustainable practices across our teams, in the UK and the Netherlands, recognising the pivotal role FM plays in shaping the future of hospitality.

The Surge in Green Jobs in Facilities Management from recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals remarkable growth in green jobs:

• In 2022, UK employment in green jobs was estimated at 639,400 full-time equivalents (FTEs).
• This represents an 8.4% increase from 2021 and a 19.9% rise from 2020.
• Energy-efficient products and waste management are the two largest sectors, accounting for 40% of all green jobs.

In the hospitality sector, Facilities Management is at the forefront of this green revolution, creating new roles and transforming existing ones to meet sustainability challenges. Due to this, there have been some Key Growth Areas in Hospitality FM with a significant increase in green employment which has been observed across various FM areas in hospitality:

1. Energy Management: Skills in optimising building energy efficiency are increasingly in demand.
2. Waste Reduction Specialists: Expertise in implementing circular economy practices is becoming essential.
3. Sustainable Procurement: Knowledge of eco-friendly supply chain management is now a valuable asset.
4. Green Building Certifications: Proficiency in standards like BREEAM and LEED is highly sought after.

Now let's take a look at this question that I see comes up a lot when talking to people and this is: "How is Housekeeping Going Green?"

Well, it is key to note that Housekeeping, a critical component of hospitality FM, is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability:

1. Eco-friendly Cleaning Products: The shift to biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions is reducing environmental impact while maintaining high cleanliness standards.
2. Water Conservation: Techniques such as using microfiber mops and implementing water-efficient cleaning methods are significantly reducing water usage.
3. Energy Efficiency: Practices like conducting 'lights out' walk-throughs and using energy-efficient equipment are becoming standard.
4. Waste Reduction: Implementing strategies to minimize waste, including proper sorting for recycling and composting, is now a key focus.
5. Sustainable Tools: The use of reusable cleaning tools like microfiber cloths and washable mop heads reduces waste from disposable supplies.

This is all great, but as you all know Career Progression and Development are key to my heart like Life Long Learning, and that is why I believe in the future of Apprenticeships in Sustainable FM. The future of apprenticeships in sustainable facilities management for hospitality is bright and expanding for example:

1. Green Apprenticeship Growth: Over 200 apprenticeships are now supporting England's drive to net-zero carbon emissions, with hundreds more set to become greener.
2. Specialised Programs: Apprenticeships like the Sustainability Business Specialist (Level 7) and Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner (Level 4) are paving the way for sustainable FM practices in hospitality.
3. Industry Recognition: Six apprenticeships have received the King's Coronation emblem for their outstanding contribution to sustainability.
4. Diverse Opportunities: Green apprenticeships in FM now cover areas such as energy management, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement, all crucial for the hospitality sector.

so from this, we can now see that there are ways to Upskill for a Greener Career in Hospitality FM, and for those looking to upskill for a greener career in facilities management within hospitality here are some pathways that can be taken:

1. Green Apprenticeships: Consider enrolling in one of the many green apprenticeships available, which offer on-the-job training and theoretical knowledge specific to hospitality FM.
2. Skills Bootcamps: These short, flexible courses provide sector-specific skills in areas like green heating technology and smart meter installation, which are increasingly important in hotel operations.
3. Continuous Professional Development: Engage in ongoing training and accreditation in green skills to stay current with industry trends in sustainable hospitality.
4. Industry Events and Workshops: Participate in sustainability-focused events and workshops to network and learn about the latest green practices in hospitality FM.

So in conclusion, the green revolution in facilities management for the hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities for career growth and meaningful contribution to sustainability.

By embracing eco-friendly practices, pursuing relevant apprenticeships, and continuously upskilling, FM professionals in hospitality can play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future.

Let's use this Green Careers Week as a catalyst for positive change in our industry. Together, we can build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future in hospitality facilities management.

#GreenCareersWeek2024 #SustainableFM #GreenSkills #HospitalityFM #LifelongLearning