The modern world calls for the world of facilities management (FM)v to adapt to the needs of sustainability and greener alternatives.
Sustainable facilities management (SFM) focuses on reducing environmental impact, optimising resource use, and improving efficiency in the operation of buildings and infrastructure.
Implementing these best practices can improve the environment and the lives of the people who work in the facility.
At Almeda, we keep sustainability at the heart of what we do. Read more about our social responsibility goals here.
Here, we outline some key best practices for sustainable facilities management.
Energy efficiency
Leading facilities management companies will regularly assess energy consumption patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.
There are many examples of where this is regularly implemented on sites across the country.
This includes energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with smart controls and regular maintenance to prevent energy waste.
Modern buildings will need to replace traditional lighting with LED bulbs, which are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
When it comes to lighting, FM companies will use motion sensors for lighting and heating or cooling systems to reduce energy consumption in unoccupied areas.
Water waste and conservation
It is not just electricity use that is monitored – but water that is used for a variety of reasons across a business park or facility.
Sites should be using water-saving devices, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and urinals to minimise water consumption.
When it comes to outside the buildings on site, FM providers will introduce ways to collect and use rainwater for landscaping, for example.
Sensors should also be used for water waste monitoring. Timers can also optimise landscape irrigation and reduce water waste.
However, the most common – and useful – way of conserving water is regular maintenance of facilities.
Engineers, mechanics, and plumbers should regularly inspect for leaks and repair them promptly to prevent water waste.
Waste management
Waste segregation systems should be implemented in every industry – and a facility management provider will help create a strategy to keep on top of waste and increase recycling where possible.
Materials such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals are easily recycled, but other ones may be more difficult to dispose of.
Finding the right facilities management company will aid in this.
They will also conduct waste audits to find opportunities to ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ where possible.
As technology use increases in all industries, it can be used to find modern ways to improve sustainability.
This can be as simple as moving towards paperless operations to minimise paper waste and reduce office waste streams – to using the latest innovations in artificial intelligence and data analysis to improve the lives of those on site.
When it comes to maintenance, the use of environmentally-friendly materials where possible, means that disposal of them is sustainable.
Renewable energy
Buildings can be adapted to have solar panels installed on site. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuels.
There are also options to implement battery storage systems to store excess renewable energy for later use, improving energy efficiency.
Speak to your facilities management provider to find out how they can help you be more sustainable.
Certification for sustainability and green energy
Before signing up with the facilities management company, ask them for their certifications.
This can be for sustainability, green energy, and other essential qualifications for maintenance.
Technology
There are many new innovations in the world of technology that can help increase sustainability.
For example, by installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support the use of electric vehicles among employees and visitors.
Smart technologies are systems, devices, and applications that utilise advanced sensors, data processing, automation, and connectivity to improve efficiency, decision-making, and user experience.
This is essential for modern facilities management.
These technologies are typically powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing software.
If you would like to speak to Almeda about sustainability, SFM, reactive maintenance, facilities management, or our building fabric services, call 0117 937 6320 or email [email protected].