FEATURE


W A MUST IN FACILITIES BOTTOM LINE


environment. He or she learns about the products and procedures that can reduce a company‘s environmental footprint. In addition, by tracking energy reductions, facility managers can reduce harmful emissions to meet imposed or voluntary reduction goals.


NEC Group’s first Carbon Survey identified potential savings of £600,000 through simple sustainable FM measures. In addition, by taking a comprehensive approach to facilities, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) addresses C-level concerns and bottom line results. It requires top level leadership and an understanding that all facility aspects (from mechanical to maintenance) can be improved through a stronger environmental approach.


In addition, LEED certified buildings have been shown to provide many economic benefits, including lower construction costs, reduced site preparation and landscaping, lower waste disposal costs, reduced operating costs, reduced maintenance costs, higher building valuation, and lower utility costs. In addition, improved lights, building controls, windows, and other technologies make it easier than ever to achieve savings and increase productivity. When exploring the environmental aspect of the triple bottom line, whether it’s prompted by the marketplace or law, including federal regulations or even global Kyoto mandates or a combination of both, it is clear that companies are paying more attention to the impact of their operations on greenhouse gas emissions. LEED-EB (for existing buildings) and


LEED-CI (commercial interiors) are the most comprehensive way a facility manager can have an impact on the


PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN HOW COMPANIES OPERATE AND TREAT THEIR EMPLOYEES. Socially, organisations can largely benefit from adopting sustainable FM procedures; a recent report by the World Economic Forum indicated that more than 70 CEOs surveyed believed that mainstream investors will have an increased interest in corporate citizenship issues when working with sustainability focused organisation. Facility managers who operate their buildings sustainably tend to have a healthier, more productive environment, with better tenant and worker attraction/retention and less absenteeism. In addition, whilst working with human resources professionals, facility managers can conduct employee education campaigns that teach employees about the impact they can have on the environment at work, in their communities and at home. Ultimately the facilities industry is very much about people, and sustainable changes in behaviour, therefore results require continual investment in technical and behavioural training and improved communication. The shift of maintenance focus towards environmental impact has necessitated investment in additional technical staff and training, particularly around energy. In light of this, businesses and FM Consultancies should be on the hunt for FM employees that specialise in energy management, sustainability and the environment. Leading International sustainable Recruitment Consultancy, Allen & York have worked with twenty top FM suppliers throughout 2010, all of which were seeking to employ energy and sustainability professionals, and were successful in gaining new employees, through Allen & York’s search and selection activities.


The Energy Group Manager, Mark


Vidler, comments: “It is increasingly necessary for companies to recognise the


SUSTAINABLE FM | DECEMBER 2010/JANUARY 2011 |49


importance of sustainability and its application in every aspect of FM, in waste management, water and energy management. This is a highly competitive market, our candidates at Allen & York are of the highest calibre, and with most being CIBC Registered we work with our FM clients in order to place the most ideal sustainability professional that will actively contribute to that triple bottom line”. For a business to be truly sustainable, management systems and processes must be continually reviewed to ensure their effectiveness. It is important to ensure that activities remain customer focused and that results are reviewed to confirm a complete match with expectations and specifications. A firm that uses this approach therefore has to have a culture that encourages and rewards FM employees for their contribution to the process.


The positive results associated with the triple bottom line of enhanced economical, environmental, and societal benefits make sustainability a sound corporate governance practice within FM that has far reaching consequences. And the companies, organizations, and governments that integrate sustainability into their values and vision will reap the benefits for years to come. Allen & York are a leading


international Sustainability Recruitment consultancy, offering jobs, executive searches and head hunting services across the FM sector as well as within Natural and Built Environment, CSR & Sustainability, Energy Management, Renewable Energy and Carbon Management, plus Health and Safety Management. You can contact Allen & York by


visiting www.allen-york.com or calling 0844 371 8986.


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