Facilities Management (FM) is at the confluence of operational efficiency and sustainability, managing buildings that consume vast amounts of natural resources such as energy, water, and materials. With 40% of an organisation’s budget spent on maintaining these facilities, the onus is on the FM teams to adopt practices that are both economical and sustainable. Saji C Sebastian, a seasoned professional in Real Estate & Facilities Management, drawing attention to the urgency of adopting sustainable practices in FM.
Drawing a parallel between a hotel’s kitchen and an office setting, Sebastian highlights that the quality and quantity of waste generated are indicators of efficiency and sustainability. Astonishingly, while 70% of office waste is recyclable, only 7.5% is currently being recycled. With an average office worker generating approximately 2 kgs of solid waste per day, large offices with thousands of occupants contribute to a significant quantum of waste. To address this, there is a call for greater collaboration between SMEs in waste management and actual practitioners in the field, fostering a mutual understanding of the challenges faced and the solutions available.
Case Study: Saahas Zero Waste
Shobha Raghavan, Chief Operating Officer at Saahas Zero Waste, a social enterprise, presents a case study on RMZ Corp., illustrating the practical implementation of waste management solutions. Saahas Zero Waste operates a Zero Waste Program, collaborating with corporate entities and FM service providers to achieve zero waste to landfill status. Their approach includes a 4-step process: sensing, visioning, prototyping, and scaling. By identifying waste management champions within RMZ Corp., conducting a comprehensive analysis of their waste management practices, and implementing targeted interventions, significant progress was made. The results were impressive, with waste to landfills reduced from 60% to 6% in one year, and 94% of waste becoming recyclable.
Sustainability in Energy: A Glimpse into Praj Industries Ltd.
Mandar Kulkarni, Lead- Sustainability, Praj Industries Ltd, a leader in ethanol manufacturing, shared insights into their journey toward achieving Net Zero. Emphasising energy sustainability, the company has set a formidable goal to cut 50% of its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. This commitment is part of a broader strategy that includes substantial investments in renewable energy and the adoption of sustainable practices across their operations.
Praj Industries is innovating in the field of bioenergy, exploring first and second-generation ethanol, alongside compressed biogas, to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This transition is critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy. The company’s foray into renewable chemicals, particularly bioplastics, showcases their holistic approach to sustainability, addressing both energy consumption and material use.
Their technologies have demonstrated potential for a 60-80% reduction in emissions, reflecting the significant impact of their initiatives beyond their immediate operations. Kulkarni’s insights underscore Praj Industries’ role in driving industry-wide change, proving that industrial progress and environmental stewardship can coexist.