by Jbs090509 a3 — September 9, 2009—The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has issued position papers on energy and skills. They set out the BIFM’s views on these two important topics and make specific recommendations to U.K. policy makers.
Energy
BIFM’s Energy Position Paper updates the previous paper issued in January 2007. Since then, the U.K. government has responded to the threat of climate change by enacting the 2008 Climate Change Act, which requires at least an 80 percent reduction (on 1990 levels) in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
According to BIFM, the construction, occupation, and maintenance of buildings account for around 50 percent of the U.K.’s carbon dioxide emissions. BIFM asserts that facilities managers are on the frontline when it comes to operating buildings more efficiently; they can combine whole lifecycle thinking with a practical understanding of how buildings are used.
BIFM urges a dual focus, not just on the design and operation of new buildings but on improvement and better management of the existing stock. The Institute makes several recommendations, including the involvement of FMs in “user testing” of new developments and PFI projects; wider use of “operational” rather than “asset” ratings; and greater support for the role of FMs in both the public and private sectors.
Skills
BIFM understands that education, training and skills are vital to professional and career development, and believes that the government should continue to facilitate further training and career development wherever possible. However, if the U.K.’s skills base is to be improved, further work will be needed on communication, access and flexibility, says BIFM.
BIFM has undertaken a detailed two-year program of evaluation, research and market testing of its membership’s skills and training needs. The profile of its membership requires training and qualifications to be suitable for a group not normally targeted for, nor accustomed to, formal career development.
The launch of a new suite of qualifications in 2010 and the creation (in alliance with the Institute of Leadership and Management) of a new Level 3 qualification in FM will mean that a diverse range of options for learners, studying, and working at all levels is finally available, says BIFM.
BIFM’s Energy and Skills Position Papers are available at the bottom of the News Web page.
