COVID-19 has inspired Facility Managers to recommit their efforts to keep people in their buildings safe and healthy. But another public health crisis requires our attention and action: climate change.
Most of last year was marked by impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and society’s sacrifices to combat it. World leaders showcased determination and political will to defeat the virus and to quickly develop an effective vaccine. Hopefully the world will come out of the pandemic stronger, wiser and more resilient for future crises-situations. However another important crises, which is already upon us is the climate change. With all our attention focused on battling the pandemic, we’ve paid considerably less attention to the ongoing changes in our planet’s climate.
Both our politicians, as well as ourselves within the FM and CRE industry, have a unique opportunity to bring the same urgency and determination we’ve shown in tackling the pandemic towards helping our communities adapt to and mitigate climate change.
From increasing storms to rising sea levels, climate change is already affecting everyday life. Every year more than 100 million tonnes of plastics are dumped into natural environments, especially the oceans. It’s critical that we adapt our buildings to these impacts for the sheer purpose of protecting public safety, as well as for supporting longer-term property value. As we learn to adapt, we must also actively work to reduce future impacts by removing carbon from the equation. A recent McKinsey Global Institute report states that holding global warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels could help limit the most dangerous and irreversible effects of climate change.
One powerful way FM's can support this dual mission is by helping their institutions move toward electrification, and away from fossil fuels. For example, McKinsey reports that, electrifying space and water heating in residences and commercial buildings where it is possible could reduce their overall heating emissions by 20% by 2050. Simpler solutions abound, too, such as improving fabric insulation, or reducing glazing areas to minimize heat loss. If you haven’t conducted one lately, the best place to start is with a climate change risk assessment.
We as Facility Managers and Corporate Real Estate Professional, have the power to actively promote environmental sustainability and become stewards of the environments. If we can create climate-friendlier buildings, we will not only better support our organizations and the people who power them but help build a better world. We have a unique role to play in adopting evidence-based, tech-fueled solutions that deliver better health and wellbeing to the people in our buildings and the communities that surround them – and doing it in a way that is responsible, sustainable and unharmful to the environment.
Our work as FM's can play an invaluable role in achieving the Paris Agreement goals for net zero carbon delivery, particularly when you consider that the built environment accounts for nearly 38% of total carbon emissions according to the UN. Creating climate-friendlier buildings can also support our organizations’ bottom lines in many ways. For instance, JLL findings that more sustainable buildings can have increased rental value of 6-11% and lower void periods.
Together, we have the power to affect positive change.
Making bold moves on a facility level is never easy and I know climate change is not an issue that will be resolved overnight, but together, we can take the steps to create healthier buildings for a healthier world.
Perhaps now more than ever, we have the collective will to make meaningful progress. With COVID-19 forcing fundamental questions about the way we live and work, companies are prioritizing their most valuable asset - their people - more than ever.
In addition, COVID-19 has exacerbated existing inequalities, heightening demands for a fairer, more inclusive society. Making our buildings and properties safer for the diverse people who live and work in and around them is part and parcel to an organization’s ability to lead with social purpose, and to create more resilient communities that reflect core values of equality and inclusion.
During the pandemic, the global FM community has moved closer together. We have witnessed both the fragility of our systems, and the incredible warmth of community spirit. We must take advantage of the opportunity and use this time to learn lessons and rebuild our businesses and communities for the sustainable and just society we all want – not only for ourselves, but also and especially for the generations to come.
To that end, I am proud to report that IFMA has been enhancing its tools to help our members in the quest for a net-zero emissions future. Our Environmental Stewardship, Utilities and Sustainability Community (ESUS) is responsible for driving the sustainability agenda of FM at a global scale. We are also currently upgrading our Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) credentials as a next generation program that improves the learner experience and is available in more languages.
Our shared mission to deliver healthy buildings and places has become more vital than ever. Let us meet this important moment, together.
Peter Ankerstjerne, MBA, COP, IFMA Fellow, is the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Planon and immediate Past Chair of IFMA's Board of Directors. He will be presenting at the Global Executive Summit taking place in London from March 14-15, 2023.