by Brianna Crandall — October 21, 2019 — Global facility services provider ISS Group recently announced a new partnership to provide FM services to Reliance Worldwide Corporation, and a successful outcome for the company’s third annual Zero Waste Challenge.
FM services to four RWC locations
ISS confirmed a new partnership to provide facilities management (FM) services to Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a leading manufacturer of plumbing pipe, valves and fittings. ISS will deliver a range of services to include security, front of house, catering and cleaning services.
The contract will cover four locations in the UK including RWC’s EMEA head office and their main manufacturing site in London.
The Atlanta-based RWC group is a family of innovative brands that help transform performance and efficiency for plumbing and heating, smart homes, and specialist industries around the globe.
Matt Williams, RWC EMEA operations director, stated:
We have been reviewing our business processes to deliver efficiencies across all departments and functions. During this process we realized the importance of bringing in an expert FM partner to facilitate our business needs. ISS has been helpful in providing expert guidance and support at every step — from assessing which FM model would best meet our needs, through to the delivery of an integrated FM solution suited to our buildings and people.
James Lester, managing director, ISS UK and Ireland, commented:
We’re delighted to support RWC. We established that a key factor of success would be to make the day-to-day business operations as smooth and efficient as possible, without any disruption. We recognize and value the importance of a human touch in providing a comfortable work environment, this aligned with our experience of the manufacturing sector, will support RWC with easier and effective management of their facilities.
Third ISS Zero Waste Challenge exceeds target
To mark Recycle Week, ISS announced the outcome of its third annual Zero Waste Challenge (ZWC). Held on June 5 to highlight World Environment Day, ZWC saved over 90,000 items from being consigned to waste bins, smashing the campaign goal of 80,000 items.
More than 90,000 items were saved from going into waste, beating the 80,000-item target. Infographic courtesy ISS
ZWC began in 2016 as a waste reduction campaign within ISS for clients, partners and individuals. This year the challenge was open to all individuals and organizations. There were 142 different organizations that took part across 50 countries, with 23% of the 18,364 participants coming from external organizations.
The initiative, which was created by the Waste Services division at ISS UK, asks all involved to reduce their waste on the day, with activities as large or as small as each pledgee can achieve.
Reducing waste, increasing awareness
In 2018, and 2017, a combined total of 143,000 items were prevented from becoming waste products. The increase in awareness and positive behavior is reflected in the goal of 80,000 items being exceeded in the one day in 2019, says ISS.
This year, several ISS business areas from waste management and technical services, through to Food Services and retail services, showcased their waste reduction initiatives. By developing programs and projects in all areas of workspace management, ZWC also provided the wider public with sustainable practices to drive a more environmentally balanced lifestyle.
As a sector, FM has increased power in achieving sustainability via waste management, asserts ISS.
FM service providers have the buying power to challenge their suppliers and partners to develop and provide more sustainable solutions, which deliver sustainable initiatives for FM clients, customers and stakeholders, adds the company. In the longer term, ISS has a continual and sustained program of projects designed to eliminate waste and promote a mindful approach to sustainability.
Local and global waste reduction results
There is huge potential to have a positive influence both for FM and clients. For example, telemetric vehicle monitoring used by the ISS UK fleet provides more efficient fuel consumption, while reducing CO2 emissions. For the second consecutive year, ISS achieved top ratings in the Masternaut ratings, which measure efficiencies achieved and reduction in environmental impact.
Among the global participants, ISS clients in various sectors are on track to reach zero landfill targets:
- A professional services client in the Netherlands used ZWC to launch its “Waste Free Office” program to drive them towards achieving zero waste by 2020.
- A telecoms client will save 0.5 million single-use items per year with the roll-out of a reusable lunchbox scheme.
- Gatwick Airport ran a children’s poster competition to boost awareness of reduction, reuse and recycling in operation both on site and within the wider community.
- Among the ISS Financial Services and Retail sector clients, a major retail bank hosted a “Waste Generation Game” to challenge individuals to sort recycling correctly in the quickest time. This gamification approach also raised awareness of items that are recyclable.
- The ISS Food Services business created a “save your surplus” sustainable recipe book to encourage individuals to try out new recipes at home to use surplus food. The result was dozens of meals prepared with improved sustainability.
Matthew Brabin, CEO ISS UK and Ireland, stated:
I’m incredibly proud of the initiative launched by our people in the UK two years ago, and even more so of the positive results and positive impact we have made at a global and local level. In the FM sector, it’s our responsibility and our privilege to drive improvement and to support organizations and partners wherever we can. We have demonstrated how we can combine innovation with the power of the human touch to safeguard our environment for the future.
Tim Proctor, director of Health, Safety, Environment, Quality and Corporate Responsibility, ISS UK, commented:
Small, local changes can make a big difference globally when we collaborate and work together. In the UK, our #ThinkForward@ISS strategy embraces the beneficial impact we can have on our communities and to drive sustainable choices. Initiatives such as the ZWC are proof of our commitment across our business to support every one of our people to do the right thing, in everything they do, every time they do it.
Contact ISS for full results, available in an infographic.
