Prioritizing sustainability is one of the most important initiatives a company can have in 2024. Still, it takes more than some cleaning products and a few wireless charging stations to do it effectively.
It’s no longer enough to simply maintain a functional workspace; companies are quickly recognizing the need to create efficient, productive, and environmentally responsible work environments to remain relevant. Prospective employees want to work for employers with sustainable practices, as evidenced by this 2023 IBM study.
Below, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles of sustainable facilities management, explore the differences between traditional and sustainable approaches, and provide actionable ways to create a more eco-friendly and sustainable workspace.
What is sustainable facilities management (SFM)?
Sustainable facilities management is a holistic approach to workspace management. It focuses on minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting a human-centric work environment.
When implemented correctly, sustainable management should go beyond simply maintaining a building’s physical infrastructure. It includes everything from energy efficiency and waste reduction to sustainable procurement practices when acquiring resources.
Impactful facilities management practices do more than just reduce carbon emissions and costs; they should also create a healthier, more sustainable future for your employees and the planet.
Importance of sustainable practices in the workplace
Why should you care about creating a sustainable workplace? We’ve briefly touched on it already, but by promoting sustainability in your workplace, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and create a more desirable work environment for your employees. Here are other benefits of sustainability efforts:
- Reduced environmental impact. Natural resource conservation and less greenhouse gas emissions lead to a healthier planet.
- Cost savings. Reduce operational costs by implementing energy-efficient lighting, smart HVAC systems, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Improved employee well-being. A sustainable workplace boosts employee morale, productivity, and overall happiness.
- Enhanced brand reputation. Demonstrating a commitment to combating climate change can attract environmentally conscious clients and employees.
- Regulatory compliance. As environmental regulations become more stringent, sustainable facilities management helps ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
The difference between SFM and facilities management
While traditional facilities management (FM) focuses on the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a building, sustainable facilities management takes a broader perspective, considering the long-term environmental and social impact of those operations. Consider the difference in focus, metrics, and decision-making below:
Decision-Making: Traditional FM decisions are often driven by short-term needs, while sustainable FM considers the long-term impact on the environment and company culture.
Focus: Traditional FM prioritizes functionality and cost-effectiveness, while sustainable FM balances these priorities with environmental and social responsibility.
Metrics: Traditional FM measures success through operational efficiency and cost control, while sustainable FM incorporates metrics related to energy consumption, waste reduction, and employee well-being.
6 practices to maintain a sustainable facility
Implementing sustainable practices in your facility management strategy is crucial for creating an eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective workplace. But what are some direct changes you can make to reduce your environmental footprint? As you develop your sustainability goals, consider the following practices:
Optimize energy efficiency
Optimizing energy usage is one of the most impactful ways to achieve sustainable facilities management. Consider installing renewable energy sources such as solar panels or upgrading to LED lighting, which uses significantly less power and has a longer lifespan than traditional lighting. Smart HVAC systems that adjust heating, ventilation, and air conditioning based on occupancy and outside weather can also drastically reduce energy costs.
In addition to equipment upgrades, consider implementing an energy management system that monitors and controls energy use in real-time. Encouraging energy-saving habits among employees, such as turning off unused equipment and lights, can also contribute to a more sustainable facility.
Reduce waste and promote recycling
Waste management is essential for creating a sustainable facility. Begin by conducting a waste audit to understand what kinds of waste your facility produces and in what quantities. Clear waste reduction and recycling goals should be set based on the findings.
Ensure recycling bins are easily accessible throughout the office and clearly labeled to avoid contamination. Encourage digital documentation to reduce paper waste and promote a culture of reuse and recycling among employees. Additionally, consider working with vendors that use sustainable packaging materials and offer take-back programs for products like printer cartridges or electronic waste.
Invest in space management software
A key component of sustainable facilities management is maximizing the efficient use of space. Investing in space management software lets you understand how your office space is utilized. With features like real-time occupancy tracking, room reservations, and workspace optimization, these tools help reduce wasted space and energy consumption.
Workplace management platforms, such as OfficeSpace, provide a data-driven bird’s eye view of office usage, making it easier to identify underutilized areas and adjust your layout accordingly. By optimizing space, you can decrease the need for additional square footage, lower utility costs, and create a more flexible, sustainable workplace environment.
Investing in technology that bridges remote and in-office work, such as virtual collaboration tools, secure access to company resources, and regular communication platforms, can make the transition to hybrid work smoother for employees and management. Offering flexible work arrangements also enhances employee satisfaction and retention.
Incorporate green spaces and biophilic design
Green buildings and biophilic design integrate natural elements into the workplace and are critical for sustainable facilities management. Adding plants and greenery enhances air quality, creates a more welcoming environment, and improves productivity. Natural light, water features, and organic materials can create a calming atmosphere that reduces stress and improves focus.
Consider creating an indoor garden or green wall, using sustainable materials for furniture and fixtures, and designing spaces that maximize natural light and ventilation.
Ensure sustainable resource procurement
The procurement process is a significant area where companies can make strides toward environmental protection. When evaluating asset management, choose suppliers who share your commitment to environmental responsibility. Look for vendors that offer sustainably sourced materials, low-waste packaging, and energy-efficient products.
Establish guidelines for purchasing practices that prioritize products made from recycled or sustainable materials and encourage using energy-efficient equipment. Conduct regular reviews of suppliers to ensure they meet your sustainability criteria and look for opportunities to consolidate purchases to reduce shipping emissions and packaging waste.
Implementing sustainable management practices
It’s important to remember that sustainability doesn’t happen overnight. The practices mentioned above take time to implement, requiring patience and consistency. These are key factors to remember when implementing sustainability initiatives:
- Set clear goals and expectations. Defining specific sustainability objectives helps guide your strategy, align efforts across the organization, and ensure measurable outcomes.
- Engage stakeholders. Involving employees, leadership, and external partners fosters collaboration, secures buy-in, and encourages a culture of sustainability.
- Conduct a baseline assessment. Evaluating your current environmental impact provides a starting point for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement.
- Develop a comprehensive plan. A well-structured plan outlines the steps, resources, and timelines necessary to achieve your sustainability goals, ensuring a coordinated approach.
- Leverage workplace management technology. Tools like OfficeSpace can help optimize resource use, reduce waste, and monitor sustainability metrics in real-time.
- Communicate and educate. Regular communication and training help keep sustainability front of mind, empowering employees to adopt greener practices and contribute to company-wide goals.
- Measure and track progress. Ongoing evaluation allows you to assess the effectiveness of your initiatives, adjust strategies as needed, and demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.
The path to a greener future
Adopting sustainable facilities management practices benefits the environment, enhances brand reputation, reduces costs, and improves employee satisfaction. By prioritizing sustainability in your workplace, you’re creating a healthier and more productive environment for your team while contributing to a greener future.
These steps will help your company anticipate regulatory changes, meet growing consumer and employee expectations, and achieve long-term success in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.
Leveraging tools like OfficeSpace can streamline this transition with features like real-time occupancy tracking, room reservation systems, and space optimization analytics. These capabilities provide valuable insights that help reduce energy consumption, minimize wasted space, and promote more efficient use of resources across your facility.
Ready to begin your journey toward a more sustainable facility? Request an OfficeSpace demo and learn how key metrics can drive efficient use of space across your real estate portfolio.
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