There are a lot of innovative solutions that boast sustainable outcomes on the market. As Facility Managers have the power to make significant decisions that affect their buildings and their occupants, they can utilize said technologies to positively impact their environment. Despite the restrictions of time and budget, there are some simple initiatives that could be started immediately.
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Implementing a preventive maintenance routine can make a facility more sustainable. Correctly maintained equipment has a longer life, hence, it costs less money and increases savings. The most effective way to implement a preventive maintenance plan is automating the process with a software that would allow for accurate tracking and reporting of data like, assets’ age, previous issues, maintenance history, and future appointments. Another benefit of CMMS software is eliminating paper waste.
GREEN CLEANING ALTERNATIVES
Another easy way to see green results in your facilities is by choosing environmentally friendly cleaning supplies for the janitorial staff. Not only do these cleaners have a direct impact on the world we live in like, less runoff into water bodies and fewer toxic chemicals being released into the air, but they can also provide a safer working environment for the team. Green cleaning supplies keep the air quality and working conditions healthier for employees, mitigating risk from exposure to dangerous substances and decreasing the chances employees miss work due to health issues. Additionally, many suppliers are beginning to offer greener alternatives for cleaning supplies at competitive prices.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
With recycling rates between 20% and 60% worldwide, there is still a lot of waste ending up in landfills. Since almost everything can be recycled, there’s always room for improvement. For facility managers, this means being conscious of how much waste is getting thrown away that could be recycled by your building teams, donating old equipment or materials that you no longer use, and providing your occupants with ways to recycle throughout the facility. You can start by adding and strategically dispersing recycling bins in the facility. Once all your occupants have convenient access to a bin, you can start increasing awareness about what can and cannot be recycled.
