Net zero presents the “single biggest challenge that anyone working in the built environment has ever faced”, and pressure is increasing to achieve the aim, according to a report by the The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
By 2030, emissions need to be reduced by 50%, and by 2050, net zero must be achieved, according to Government pledges.
The study, The role of FM and building services in achieving net zero and energy efficiency by the Institute, in partnership with Mitsubishi Electric, emphasises that “increasing numbers of clients are eager to know how much embodied carbon exists across their estate”.
Some local authorities, such as the Greater London Authority (GLA), are also asking for whole-life carbon assessments on proposed new developments.
The GLA’s planning authority is “driving for zero-carbon emissions on every new development and to impose charges on developers for any carbon emissions they create”.
It adds that “there was a clear recognition that traditional thinking around investment and costs had to change for net zero”.
Chris Newman, from the net zero design team at Mitsubishi Electric, said: “People need to understand that if they do not decarbonise, then their asset might not be worth what they think it is in future. This is where FMs should work with manufacturers to optimise their products and develop solutions which add value to organisations and enable better outcomes.”
Sofie Hooper, IWFM’s head of policy and research, said facility managers have “a central role to play in achieving net zero, and with organisations still lagging behind on targets, it is time for the profession to step up, challenge traditional ways of thinking, and take the lead. Shift conversations from cost to investment, bring into focus the bigger picture of wider, longer-term returns, and collaborate with the supply chain to find solutions. This report helps FMs to move the dial and take organisations forward on the road to net zero.”
Alan King, Syntegra MD, said: “Net zero is clearly dominating people’s thoughts in the built environment and rightly so.
“There are sustainable solutions available for many of the challenges in the sector and it is encouraging to see how seriously this issue is being taken. We are always happy to meet with FMs to discuss available options, many of which are eminently affordable for companies and represent an excellent ROI in these times of climate crisis.”
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