by jbs121008 j3 — December 12, 2008—The Global Facility Management Association’s (Global FM) recent sixth International Workshop focused on sustainability and presented the results of Global FM’s Sustainability Study. Leading international building product manufacturers, representatives from Global FM member organizations, and members of the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments (ASBE) presented their perspectives on how global and national trends are affecting the sustainability movement within the built environment.
Global FM Chairman Steve Gladwin said, “We must ensure that sustainability is not just a buzz word, but that it is implemented and translated into corporations’ strategies and actions,” said Gladwin. “With 43 percent of US carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions coming from building operations, facility managers have a key role to play.”
The objective of the Sustainability Study was to compile and understand the initiatives Global FM member organizations are undertaking to promote sustainability. Global FM issued a survey that polled members regarding past, ongoing, and upcoming activities, projects, and products related to sustainable practices.
Key findings from the study show that:
- There is no standard definition of sustainability. Several associations use other organizations’ definitions including those derived by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), Study Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ORSE), and European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Others have drafted their own or are in the process of creating a definition. When defining sustainability in the built environment, the associations that shared a definition embraced a holistic view of the facility and the stewardship of those who manage and occupy it.
- Education is a broad area, and it is one of the three main areas in which member associations are making their biggest impact. Sustainability is embedded into competencies that are taught and practiced in seminars, conferences, Webinars, and roundtable discussions.
- The amount of research pertaining to sustainability is growing. Some survey data, published reports, and dissertations exist, but the challenge is bringing this information forward as an accessible tool. Another broad area in which most associations have advanced their knowledge in sustainability is through magazines, books, and reports. Links to these publications are included in the Sustainability Study.
- Other practical tools include awards programs which recognize member companies that embrace innovative sustainable practice and best practice compilations.
- Knowledge portals containing a repository of sustainable information are a goal for two of the organizations, the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
For a detailed overview of the Sustainability Study (.pdf file) and its results, or for the speakers’ full presentations, visit the Global FM Web site.
