Sustainability can only be achieved through collaboration between all stakeholders, says Rajesh Choudhary, CEO, Privee Green, in an exclusive write-up for Clean India Journal.
Facilities management sustainability is an organization’s process of changing how its physical environment operates to minimize its harmful impact on the environment and people. With sustainability emerging as a major global trend, industries worldwide are intensifying their efforts towards environmental conservation.
The Budget 2023–24 has accentuated the emphasis on ‘green growth’, identified as one of the seven priorities for the government. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an ESG rating framework called Core Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), which lists 49 parameters for ESG reporting. While this is mandatory for business at present, its scope is expected to include more companies in the near future. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, released a set of guidelines in 2011 called the National Voluntary Guidelines (NVGs) on the Social, Environmental, and Economic Responsibilities of Business. It was anticipated that this would give companies advice on what constitutes ethical business practices. The National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC) are the new guidelines that were revised and updated. The NGRBC, like the NVGs, is intended to help companies go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to regulatory compliance.
This mandate and incentive-driven shift towards sustainability is also fueled by a genuine desire among companies to examine and mitigate their environmental footprint. Housekeeping and maintenance were the only non-core business support tasks assigned to FM specialists in the past. Not any longer. The responsibility for making sure that an organization’s facilities reflect its sustainable ethos shifts to the FM community which takes on more duties and provides more services. Because of this, facility managers now drive ESG rather than just supporting it, turning service providers into service partners.
A brief synopsis of how facility management companies are contributing to managing sustainability is by following best and updated practices. They are introducing eco-friendly methods in the cleaning process by adopting green cleaning products. FM is auditing the facility’s performance by analyzing utility bills and energy consumption and additionally increasing preventive maintenance, which keeps the environment functioning well.
It is recommended to choose sustainable vendors and sustainable supplies and resources. Industries are also pursuing environmental certifications for their buildings, such as LEED and BREEAM, as well as certifications for operational practices like Green Key, Green Globe, ISO 14001, and EU Ecolabel.
Different studies have shown that executives struggle to understand the value and benefits of sustainability. This implies that you will not have the resources to oversee your sustainable facility management journey without their assistance. In order to surmount this obstacle, train your executives and staff on the advantages of sustainability.
Adoption of new technologies is also difficult for many and has cost implications. For workplace sustainability to be improved, technology is crucial as it can offer quick, comprehensive, and significant information regarding your building’s health performance. The Internet of Things and big data analytics have revolutionized resource monitoring and sustainability. In the long run, it is proven to be cost-effective and has a huge impact on achieving sustainability goals.
Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. The facility management space in India, a critical driver of economic growth, has a critical role to play in building a greener tomorrow. While challenges like infrastructure gaps, regulatory complexities and lack of awareness remain, the future holds immense promise. Adopting innovative technologies, promoting energy efficiency, and championing circular economy models are crucial steps. We need to leverage the power of collaboration—between industry leaders, policymakers, and the community—to foster a sustainable ecosystem.
