As environmental concerns become increasingly pressing, businesses are under pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. More and more people are aware that wasteful and non-eco-friendly practices will be more of a hindrance than a help. Even worse, it can cause a socio-economic backlash.

Facility management, in particular, is an area where significant improvements can be made. While unsustainable practices might seem a lot handier and cheaper,  they compound into larger problems later on. This can lead to overspending in areas like repair and maintenance.

Operations directors play a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices in their facilities. In this article, we will provide a guide for operations directors to implement sustainable practices in facility management.

Sustainable Practices in Facility Management: Why Operations Directors Should Care?

Operations Directors should care about implementing sustainable practices in facility management because it benefits not only the environment but also the business.

Here are some reasons why:

Cost Savings

Implementing sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation can result in significant cost savings for the facility.

For example, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems can reduce energy bills, while reducing water usage can result in lower water bills. Additionally, reducing waste can lead to lower disposal fees.

Reputation and Branding

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important factor in how consumers and investors evaluate businesses.

By implementing sustainable practices, a facility can enhance its reputation and branding, attract environmentally conscious tenants, present a good brand image, and potentially attract investment from socially responsible investors.

Regulatory Compliance

Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly implementing environmental regulations that businesses must comply with.

When facility management implements sustainable practices, it ensures that it is compliant with current and future environmental regulations.

Employee Morale and Engagement

Employees are more engaged and motivated when they feel they are working for a company that values sustainability and is taking action to reduce its environmental impact.

Implementing sustainable practices in facility management can also provide opportunities for employee involvement, such as recycling programs and energy-saving campaigns.

Future-Proofing

By implementing sustainable practices in facility management, a facility can future-proof itself against potential resource shortages or price increases.

Not to mention that implementing sustainable practices can reduce the facility’s dependence on non-renewable resources, ensuring its long-term viability.

How to Implement Sustainable Practices in Facility Management

Since operation directors deal with the day-to-day operations of the facility, they can be MVPs when it comes to implementing sustainable practices in facility management. They oversee the maintenance of the facility, manage the resources, and ensure that the facility is operating efficiently.

If you’re one of them, here are some handy ways to make all practices more sustainable and efficient.

Conduct an Environmental Audit

The first step in implementing sustainable practices is to conduct an environmental audit. This involves assessing the current state of your facility and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

An environmental audit will help you understand your facility’s energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and carbon footprint. Based on the findings of the audit, you can develop a sustainability plan.

Conduct a Sustainability Assessment

The first step in implementing sustainable practices in facility management is to conduct a sustainability assessment of your organization’s operations. This assessment will help you identify areas where sustainable practices can be implemented, and it will provide a baseline for tracking progress.

During the sustainability assessment, consider the following questions:

• What are the current energy and water usage patterns in your facilities?
• Are there any waste reduction opportunities?
• What is the current state of your building’s infrastructure?
• Are there any sustainable materials that can be used for renovations or construction?
• How can your organization reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Develop a Sustainability Plan

A sustainability plan outlines the steps you will take to reduce your facility’s environmental impact. It should include specific goals and timelines for achieving them.

The plan should also identify the resources you will need to implement the plan successfully. You should involve all stakeholders in the development of the plan, including employees, tenants, and suppliers.

You might consider using a shareable medium (e.g., handouts, explainer videos, infographics, etc.) to make sure everyone involved is on the same page.

Reduce Energy Consumption

Reducing energy consumption is one of the most effective ways to reduce your facility’s environmental impact.

You can achieve this by implementing energy-efficient practices such as installing LED lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, and using smart building technology. You should also encourage employees to turn off lights and equipment when not in use.

Reduce Water Usage

Reducing water usage is another important step in implementing sustainable practices. You can achieve this by installing low-flow toilets and faucets, fixing leaks promptly, and using drought-resistant landscaping.

You should also educate employees on water conservation practices, such as turning off faucets while brushing their teeth.

Reduce Waste Generation

Reducing waste generation is an essential aspect of sustainable practices. You can achieve this by implementing a recycling program, reducing the use of disposable items, and composting organic waste.

Remember also to ensure that hazardous waste is properly disposed of and that all waste is separated and recycled appropriately.

Encourage Sustainable Transportation

Encouraging sustainable transportation is another effective way to reduce your facility’s environmental impact. You can achieve this by providing bike racks, electric vehicle charging stations, and public transportation information. You should also encourage carpooling and telecommuting.

Implement Sustainable Procurement Practices

Implementing sustainable procurement practices is another important step in implementing sustainable practices.

You should source products and services from suppliers who meet environmental standards and have sustainable practices. It’s best also to consider the entire life cycle of products, including their disposal.

Monitor and Evaluate Progress

It is essential to monitor and evaluate progress regularly to ensure that sustainability goals are being met.

Use the KPIs outlined in the sustainability plan to track progress and make adjustments as needed. Regularly communicate progress updates to employees and stakeholders to keep them engaged and motivated.

Wrapping Up

Facility management is a critical aspect of business operations, and with the growing emphasis on sustainability, it is essential to implement sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and support long-term business success.

Implementing sustainable practices in facility management can be challenging, but with the right strategy, it can be done successfully.

All those points mentioned above help you understand what you need to bring to the table to make improvements in facility management and make the whole process more sustainable.