Understanding sustainability and environmental issues and their impact on facilities management

Assignment Brief

Unit FM4.19: Understanding sustainability and environmental issues and their impact on facilities management

Learning outcomes

Understand sustainability and corporate responsibility

• 1.1 Explain the terms sustainability and corporate responsibility (including the wider relationship between the organisation, its stakeholders and the community)
• 1.2 Explain the legislation that is associated with sustainability and environmental issues (supporting the explanation with examples of specific legislation (e.g. waste management) and of relevant broader legislation and agreements (e.g. building regulations, town & country planning, Kyoto)
• 1.3 Explain the role and responsibility that a Facilities Manager has in supporting a corporate responsibility policy (supporting the explanation with examples of relationships (e.g. with employees, suppliers, neighbours, local community etc.) and of specific responsibilities (e.g. for ISO 14001, environmental management systems, Carbon Trust certification)

Understand the impact of facilities management on the environment

• 2.1 Explain the range of impacts of facilities management activities on the environment (supporting the explanation with examples (e.g. potential impacts on greenhouse gases, pollution, resource depletion, biodiversity) rather than trying to provide an exhaustive list)
• 2.2 Explain how the Facilities Manager can mitigate, reduce or manage the impact of their activities on the environment (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies)
• 2.3 Explain the environmental advantages and disadvantages inherent within the various resources utilised by Facilities Managers (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies and including how the same activity can have a positive and a negative impact)
• 2.4 Explain new and on-going developments in environmental management and explain how these may affect Facilities Managers (using to up-to date reference sources and examples rather than trying to develop an exhaustive list)

Understand how to manage waste and its safe disposal

• 3.1 Explain the principles of waste minimisation (by reference to the 3R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle)
• 3.2 Describe methods and systems used to manage waste (using example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies)
• 3.3 Identify the relevant legislation in relation to handling, transporting, treating and disposing of waste (by reference to the same example/s as for the previous assessment criterion)

4. Understand how to improve environmental awareness and responsibility

• 4.1 Explain how the Facilities Manager can influence uses of natural resources, consumption and emissions control to improve the environment (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies (e.g. monitoring consumption, promoting better use of space and assets, encouraging use of video conferencing), rather than trying to develop an exhaustive list)
• 4.2 Explain how the Facilities Manager can increase awareness and involvement of staff, contractors and suppliers in relation to environmental policies and sustainability (supporting the explanation with example/s from the learner’s own experience and/or case studies (e.g. environmental committee, publicising initiatives, targets and results, including in senior management and supplier review agenda), rather than trying to develop an exhaustive list)

Sample Answer

Understanding Sustainability and Environmental Issues in Facilities Management

Introduction

In recent years, sustainability and corporate responsibility have become key considerations for all organisations. Facilities Management (FM), which oversees the built environment, energy use, and resource consumption, plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable practices. This report examines the meaning of sustainability and corporate responsibility, relevant environmental legislation, and the specific duties of a Facilities Manager. It further analyses how FM activities affect the environment and outlines ways to manage waste and promote environmental awareness within an organisation.

1. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

1.1 Definitions and Stakeholder Relationships

Sustainability refers to meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves managing resources responsibly, reducing environmental harm, and promoting long-term economic and social well-being.

Corporate responsibility (CR) means an organisation’s commitment to act ethically, legally, and responsibly towards its stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and the wider community. CR includes environmental care, fair labour practices, and community engagement.

The relationship between an organisation and its stakeholders is central. For example, a company reducing its carbon footprint benefits the local community (better air quality), employees (healthier workplaces), and shareholders (enhanced reputation and potential financial gains).

1.2 Environmental Legislation

Facilities Managers must understand various laws and agreements that govern environmental responsibilities:

• Waste Management Regulations 2011 (UK): Require proper handling, storage, and disposal of waste. For instance, businesses must use licensed waste carriers and keep waste transfer notes.

• The Building Regulations 2010 (UK): Include Part L, which mandates energy efficiency standards in buildings.

• Town and Country Planning Act 1990: Guides land use and development to reduce environmental impact.

• Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement: International agreements requiring countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, under these regulations, Facilities Managers must ensure energy-efficient lighting and proper waste disposal.

1.3 Facilities Manager’s Role in Corporate Responsibility

A Facilities Manager (FM) supports CR policies by:

• Ensuring compliance with ISO 14001, an international standard for environmental management systems.

• Managing relationships with stakeholders, e.g., suppliers who provide eco-friendly products or local communities affected by building operations.

• Applying for Carbon Trust Certification to demonstrate reduced carbon emissions.

Example: An FM may coordinate with employees to implement recycling schemes and with neighbours to manage construction noise.

Continued...