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Policymakers act on decarbonising buildings
Two significant moves in recent days throw more weight behind climate change mitigation efforts.
Environmental leadership recognition for Mitie
The FM group has been awarded a place on CDP’s ‘A List’, signifying best-in-class carbon reporting and environmental management.
ISS championing workplace sustainability
ISS UK & Ireland has been approved as an official training centre for the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.
Sodexo Live! scores gold
The group’s venues specialist has achieved the Green Meetings Gold Award at Ewood Park, the home of Blackburn Rovers FC.
Third of office workers say remove plastic
Research reveals office workers are demanding greater sustainability, and businesses know they need to do more.
CIWM warns on skills and labour shortage
The professional body for the waste and recycling sector is calling on the government to provide additional support.
Major London retrofit project commissioned
The project will help decarbonise a heat network for up to 5,000 homes.
UKGBC launches circular built environment toolkit
The UK Green Building Council has published a new toolkit to accelerate the shift from a linear to a regenerative, circular economy.
Residents want more greenery in Britain’s cities
Research by living wall specialist Biotecture has found that two-thirds of people who live in urban environments want to see more botanical beauty.
Rising energy costs driving retrofitting
If there is a silver lining to the current energy crisis, it may be that rising costs are expediting the move toward more efficient buildings.
Government: double down on climate adaptation
The UK Green Building Council is calling on government to strengthen policies that will support a resilient built environment.
WGBC launches climate change resilience guide
New guidance from the World Green Building Council collates “effective and practical steps” to build resilience to the changing climate.
Industry calls for sustainable building task force
11 major players are calling for the formation of a new taskforce to ensure buildings are fit for the future.
Pinnacle commits to sustainable cleaning
The group is rolling out a new national standard to support the use of sustainable cleaning and hygiene supplies across its FM portfolio .
COP26: major groups call for action
Leaders of the CBI, the TUC and major green groups have called on the government to implement the Glasgow climate pact.
Making net zero fun
To coincide with the first week of COP26, a business simulation games specialist is launching a new initiative to help companies engage with their workforces in the drive towards net zero.
EQUANS secures second sustainability award
ENGIE’s services operations have been awarded a Platinum EcoVadis medal for the second year running.
Amey cleaning up on waste and emissions
The services group reports that it has reduced plastic and CO2 waste by 97% across its cleaning operations.
SFMI signs up water partner
Methven UK will help to raise awareness of water management and identify the value that FM can bring to this increasing risk area.
Mid-market focusing on ESG
Almost one third of mid-market businesses say they face a high risk of losing business if they fail to act on ESG issues.
Built environment must accelerate decarbonisation
The built environment is going in the right direction, but it is still not moving fast enough to decarbonise building stock.
Service providers move on sustainability credentials
With just over two months until the COP26 climate summit begins, companies across the spectrum in FM are taking action as well as talking about their policies and commitments.
Army looks towards greener future
The British Army is going green, with the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at military sites across the south of England.
Build back greener: new UKGBC advice
The UK Green Building Council has published new guidance to help developers and owners increase nature-based solutions within the construction and operation of built assets.
Climate site for built environment launched
The new Climate Framework website aims to cater for the needs and interests of all professionals working in built environment disciplines.
Ground Control in green fleet commitment
The landscaping and maintenance services company has won recognition for accelerating its transition to electric vehicles as part of a commitment to lower its carbon footprint.
Covid-19: lessons for managing outdoor spaces
One effect of pandemic restrictions has been an increase in the use of parks and open spaces. So, what are the best ways to manage these?
UKGBC to plot route to net zero
The UK Green Building Council has today announced a new project to plot a route to net zero carbon for the UK’s built environment sector.
Crown Estate commits to net zero by 2030
The Estate says it is committed to addressing the environmental emergency by aligning to the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Spurring the delivery of net zero buildings
The UK Green Building Council has published new guidance examining how current barriers to the delivery of net zero carbon buildings can be overcome.
BBP publishes net zero carbon framework
The Better Buildings Partnership's framework is designed to support property companies with change and encourage greater transparency on pathways.
A “radically collaborative” approach to sustainability
The UK Green Building Council has announced a new partnership with Enfield Council, seeking radical solutions for the delivery of sustainability on large schemes.
UKGBC opens consultation on social value
The UK Green Building Council is canvassing views on a definition of social value for the built environment sector.
Mitie offers to share EV expertise
The company has introduced a new Plan Zero Fleet Transition Service with the goal of supporting Britain in getting back to business in the most sustainable way.
Lockdown boost for sustainability
The UK's lockdown months have inspired individuals and businesses to think harder about the environment, according new research.
Arcus moves towards net-zero target
Arcus FM has achieved the CO2e Assessed Organisation Carbon Footprint standard, edging the company along in its journey to becoming a net-zero emissions business.
New SFMI report outlines sustainable ambition for FM
A new white paper published by the Sustainable Facilities Management Index provides FM organisations with a framework that can help propel them to leading sustainability status.
CBI calls on government to back green recovery
Fast-tracking green investment and making rapid progress towards net-zero emissions while delivering sustainable jobs must be central to recovery plans, the CBI says.
Sodexo reaffirms sustainability commitments
Last week's World Environment Day provided the opportunity for the group to reiterate its commitment to work with employees, clients and suppliers for a more resilient and green economic recovery.
Gardening: ISS and innocent go virtual
The annual ISS Green Fingers gardening event for schools has gone digital during the Covid-19 lockdown.
ISS commits to major reduction in single-use plastics
ISS UK & Ireland has published its Corporate Responsibility report for 2019, highlighting achievements in cutting single-use plastic consumables and raising funds to support water and sanitation projects in southern Africa.
JLL in second net zero move
To mark yesterday's Earth Day the property services group announced a plan to cut carbon emissions by two-thirds.
Circular economy: UKGBC offers implementation guidance
The UK Green Building Council has published two new implementation packs to support project teams in applying circular economy principles.
Property industry launches best practice framework
A new framework aims to advance the social, environmental and economic benefits of responsible business practices across the real estate sector.
Sodexo bans single-use plastics from supply chain
The services group is removing products containing unrecyclable polystyrene and single-use plastic bags as of 1 February.
Electric vehicles: an uphill fight
With the UK government backing a shift to zero-emission vehicles, a new survey has found mixed views on the switch to electric amongst UK office workers.
NHS launches green campaign
NHS Chief Sir Simon Stevens has announced plans to step up action that will tackle both climate change and the consequent health impacts.
Climate change soars up CEO agenda
Almost two-thirds of UK CEOs believe that climate change is a threat to their organisation, with a quarter being extremely concerned about the issue.
Wates commits to zero waste and carbon
The Wates Group has set itself the goal of achieving both targets by 2025.
Go green, says RICS
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has launched its General Election 2019 manifesto, calling on the future government to move past Brexit and to overhaul current domestic policies to build a more sustainable country.
Environmental sector launches emissions pledge
Environmental experts have launched Pledge to Net Zero, the first industry commitment in the UK requiring science-based targets from its signatories to tackle greenhouse gas emissions within their organisations.
ENGIE named best sustainable FM company in the UK
Energy and support services specialist ENGIE UK & Ireland has come out on top in the Sustainable Facilities Management Index Awards for the second year.
CBI calls for decade of action on climate change
The run up to the COP26 meeting in the UK must be used by the next government to kick-start ambitious and focused action to tackle the climate emergency.
Mitie puts electric vans on the road
In line with a commitment to remaking its fleet, the vans join 98 electric cars that are already in operation.
IFMA offers climate change guidance
'Climate Change Fundamentals for Facility Management Professionals' is the first report to address this subject as it relates to FM roles and responsibilities, the association says.
RICS launches Value the Planet campaign
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is calling on built environment professionals to promote and implement the UN's sustainable development goals.
NHS aiming for big cuts in plastic waste
The NHS says it will slash the use of plastic in hospital canteens as part of its drive to reduce waste and make hospitals healthier for patients and staff.
Property owners in climate change commitment
23 of the UK's leading commercial property owners have signed up to tackle the growing risks of climate change through the delivery of net zero carbon real estate portfolios by 2050.
Targeting net zero carbon by 2050
A new report from the World Green Building Council aims to revolutionise the buildings and construction sector, moving it towards a net zero future.
JLL commits to tough carbon targets
JLL is laying claim to being the first property consultancy in the UK to sign up to the World Green Building Council's net zero carbon commitment.
Measuring up
A new set of metrics for the workplace was the subject of fierce debate at last week's CoreNet Global summit in Amsterdam. Cathy Hayward reports.
Interserve cleans up its environmental practices
The support services, construction and equipment services group has adopted a series of improvements to the way its cleaning business runs, resulting in more than 270,000 plastic bottles per year being saved from landfill.
ISS scoops green fleet award
ISS UK has secured a top award from the Masternaut Fleet CO2 Certification Programme, driving forward its green credentials in fleet management.
New PM has 'once in a generation' chance to transform buildings
The new government team led by Boris Johnson has an unprecedented opportunity to dramatically shift policy on the built environment and deliver higher standards of safety, sustainability and social justice.
Built environment professionals back climate action
In line with growing calls for action in the face of the world's climate emergency, businesses, organisations and, more recently, built environment professionals have been signing up to new policies and practices.
Compass environment champion recognised
Compass Group UK & Ireland's head of environment Celena Fernandez has been singled out for her Special Achievement and Contribution to the Foodservice industry at the annual Footprint Awards, held in London last week.
EMCOR UK launches plastics e-learning module
The FM company has become the first service provider to collaborate with the FM Supply Chain Sustainability School to offer a free e-learning module aimed at the sustainable use and management of plastics in businesses across the UK.
UKGBC offers circular economy guidance
The UK Green Building Council has published a comprehensive guidance document for clients, aiming to promote the practical application of circular economy principles on construction projects.
More than a tick in a box
David Emanuel reports from the Bouygues Energies & Services 2019 Sustainability Conference.
Climate risk climbing corporate agenda
Two-thirds of UK corporates will be disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities in their 2019 annual reporting, according to new figures released by the Carbon Trust.
WRAP offers advice on plastics
As a growing number of companies in and around the FM sector vow to cut the use of plastic, the waste action group has set out a roadmap that any business can adopt.
Scottish Courts launch green engagement pilot
Sustainability targets are a great thing; but how do you get employees to change their behaviour in order to make consistent progress towards the objective?
OCS commits to reducing single-use plastics
The facilities services group has unveiled an action plan to reduce its single-use plastic footprint across the UK.
ENGIE named top sustainable FM company
The results of the sixth Sustainable Facilities Management Index were announced yesterday, with ENGIE emerging as the first company to win this accolade twice.
UKGBC launches innovation portal
The UK Green Building Council has unveiled its new online platform designed to provide an open forum to crowdsource solutions to some of the built environment industry's biggest challenges
UKGBC calls for action "at speed and at scale"
The UK Green Building Council has responded to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report with a call for the built environment disciplines to act now.
Balfour Beatty cited over climate risk reporting
Here's a warning to PLCs in particular. A specialist law firm has reported four UK companies to the Financial Reporting Council over failures to address climate change trends and risks in their reports to shareholders.
ENGIE joins in launch of Clean Van Commitment
Sixteen of the UK's largest fleet operators are responding to the issue of poor air quality caused by vans in cities across the country by signing up to this new commitment.
UKGBC launches circular economy programme
The UK Green Building Council has launched a new circular economy programme for the built environment, planned to test the principles on real estate assets and building projects.
Mitie tops Carbon Trust list
Mitie has been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard with a carbon management score of 81%, the best score awarded for a UK FM business.
ENGIE pledges to remove single-use plastics
Supporting its commitment to meeting rigorous waste reduction targets, ENGIE in the UK & Ireland has announced an initiative to remove single-use plastics as part of its Circular Economy strategy.
Greening the workplace: award winners
The biophilia movement got a significant boost last week as plants@work, the not-for-profit membership organisation for interior landscapers, announced the winners of the annual Leaf Awards.
Industry calls on government to raise the bar on environmental standards
Over 50 business leaders from across the built environment industry have signed an open letter to ministers urging them to introduce policy that will see all new buildings built to net-zero carbon standards by 2030.
Proud of your green initiatives?
The end of March is the closing date for the 2018 Sustainable City Awards, an ideal opportunity for FM teams to gain recognition for their contributions to the wellbeing of both people and the environment.
Campaign focuses on air pollution in construction
The construction industry group The Considerate Constructors Scheme has launched a campaign aimed at reducing poor air quality after a survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents feel the industry is not doing enough on this issue.
Bouygues E&S commits to elimination of single-use plastic
At the Bouygues Energies & Services annual sustainability conference, held recently, UK Chief Executive David Carr announced the company's ambitious sustainability targets over the coming years.
More to green buildings than energy savings
A Harvard University research team has concluded that green buildings can deliver billions of dollars in public health benefits, including fewer hospitalisations and reduced climate impacts.
WRAP to take on plastic pollution challenge
The sustainability champion is working on an initiative that will involve collaborative action by businesses, government, NGOs and the media to create a circular economy for plastic products.
UKGBC calls for urgent action on sustainability
The UK Green Building Council is calling for all built environment professionals to take responsibility for making positive and transformational change in order to meet sustainability goals.
EU-wide sustainable building toolkit launched
The European Commission has launched the pilot phase of 'Level(s)', a new EU framework for sustainable buildings. Backers say this will help transform the building sector.
Net zero by 2050: a mountain to climb
As the US considers withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, the World Green Building Council is warning that the building sector, responsible for 30% of global emissions, has a steep climb ahead towards achieving key targets.
IFMA offers updated guide on green cleaning
The newly revised guide examines green cleaning from a facilities management perspective, providing the tools needed for FM professionals to understand the benefits and make the business case for a green cleaning programme.
Skanska introduces green measurement system for FM
The group's system, originally developed for the construction side of the business, is designed to promote sustainability and increase the number of contracts, projects and lifecycle works with zero or next to no adverse impact on the environment.
Coffee good; cups bad
This spring will see the launch of the UK's biggest push to date to tackle the issue of disposable coffee cup recycling.
UKGBC launches Innovation Lab
The UK Green Building Council has unveiled what it calls 'a radical new approach to innovation in the built environment'.
Finding better ways to do things
Sometimes standard operating procedure isn't the best approach. Sometimes a different approach, even if it costs a bit more to get started, comes with significant promise. That could be the case with building services maintenance.
BRE to test biophilic design concepts on itself
The research and advisory group is to test the effects of biophilic design on office occupants by refurbishing one of its own buildings and monitoring the outcomes.
Green Councils to back net zero buildings
The Green Building Councils of Australia, Canada, Germany, the US and India have announced their intention to introduce schemes that recognise and reward net zero carbon buildings.
BIFM launches latest sustainability report
The BIFM has published the results of its 10th annual sustainability survey. Major findings centre around the shifting environment of facilities management, an evolving language of sustainability and emerging themes of technology and social factors.
Compass scoops environmental best practice award
Environmental campaigners The Green Organisation has presented one of its top accolades, the Green Apple Award for Best Practice, to Compass Group UK & Ireland.
New EPC regs for Scotland
Revised Energy Performance Certificate regulations for Scotland came into force with the arrival of September.
AUDE launches Green Scorecard
The Association of University Directors of Estates has launched its first ever Green Scorecard, designed to be a comprehensive tool to help higher education institutions plan and implement their sustainability strategies.
New waste duty of care guidance
Defra has published a new Code of Practice setting out practical guidance on how to meet waste duty of care requirements.
World's largest retrofit project launches
The world's largest collaborative project on building renovation has been officially launched by Green Building Councils across Europe in a bid to tackle one of the region's biggest climate challenges: existing buildings.
Helistrat scores at Wembley
Property management company Ravensale has appointed Helistrat to manage waste and recycling services for its Wembley Commercial Centre.
Greening the work environment
There's a lot of evidence that plants in the workplace do much more than just look nice. Now designers and suppliers are finding new ways to use them, adding practical dimensions to the list of benefits.
Helistrat renews Interxion recycling deal
Interxion, the European provider of carrier and cloud-neutral data centre services, has renewed its contract with environmental consultancy Helistrat.
The business case for action on the environment
A new report calls for action in this Parliament on the key policy priorities that will allow the UK to meet its carbon targets on time, on budget and in way that will be beneficial to the UK economy.
Shopping centres: sustainability pays
Investing in sustainable features increases the market value of shopping centres by up to 5% or even more, according to new research.
Action needed now on climate change
The Committee on Climate Change is calling for early action in the new Parliament in order to keep the UK's emissions reductions on track and to adapt to climate changes.
Skanska delivers its greenest ever project
The construction to FM group has completed the re-building of its Bentley Works site in Doncaster, using in-house expertise to achieve near-zero impact on the environment.
Making the business case for recycling
Recycling isn't just 'the right thing to do'. It can offer both quick wins and long-term gains: reducing costs and bringing benefits that impact staff, stakeholders and the environment.
Closing date looms for 2015 recycling 'Oscars'
There are only a few weeks to go until the 2015 Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management close for entries.
New recycling initiative for Merseyside
Facilities management and social enterprise business Vivark is leading an initiative to help the area meet its part of the national landfill waste reduction targets set by the EU.
How to make recycling a success
People with a negative view of recycling are more likely to change their attitude after seeing positive messages about the benefits.
MITIE effort on airport recycling
MITIE has set up a permanent food waste recycling scheme in partnership with Birmingham Airport, handling over 70 tonnes of food waste onsite which is producing renewable energy off-site.
Saving energy: just ask
The Carbon Trust argues that UK workplaces are missing out on more than £300m a year in savings that could be achieved through encouraging employees to adopt behaviours that cut energy use and waste.
Re-energise the green agenda: report
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Excellence in the Built Environment has backed the government's flagship green policy, but says it urgently needs to be reviewed.
BIFM offers recycling and waste guide
The British Institute of Facilities Management has published another in its series of Good Practice Guides, this time focusing on recycling and waste management.
World Green Building Week arrives
September 16 to 20 is due to see Green Building Councils in 98 countries hosting events, running campaigns and celebrating under the theme 'greener buildings, better places, healthier people'.
Insurance giant warns on climate threat
Marsh, the international insurance group, is warning the backers of big construction and infrastructure projects about the danger of not adequately considering the impact of climate change when making long-term decisions.
Lighting is top energy efficiency investment
Efficient lighting tops the list of green technology investments in a new survey from the Carbon Trust.
Ignoring the recycling message
Up to 80% of companies in the UK have no green policy in place and do not separate recyclable waste from non-recyclable, according to one of the country's leading waste and recycling experts.
Property sector bets on green retro-fitting
Refurbishing existing buildings to new standards, turning them into green assets, has been identified as one of the best bets for the property sector in 2013, according to industry investors.
Workplace Law surveys the year
The experts at Workplace Law have assembled a series of interviews looking back over the past 12 months and forward to see how events may shape and influence the next 12.
Does BREEAM work?
The environmental performance benchmark for buildings has been around for 20 years and has become the de-facto standard measure of sustainable construction in the UK.
UKGBC grades green progress
As we settle into World Green Building Week, the UK Green Building Council has been assessing the government's progress towards its aspiration to be the 'greenest ever'.
BRE tackles waste
The organisation behind the BREEAM building assessment system has developed a web-based tool designed to support building owners, occupants and facilities managers in managing, reporting and reducing waste.
CRC deadline success for most
More than 90% of businesses covered under the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme have met the first reporting deadline, according to figures released by the Environment Agency.
Waste management moves up the priority list
Waste management is one of those 'invisible' facilities services – very important, but generally taken for granted by employees, visitors and customers unless something goes wrong.
More businesses urged to disclose environmental data
The majority of Britain's biggest publicly-listed businesses are now disclosing some information about their environmental performance on an annual basis, according to new Environment Agency-led research published this week.
Greenest government ever?
Following an assessment of the Coalition Government's progress toward David Cameron's policy promise, a new report concludes there is a very long way to go.
Employers urged to give more guidance on green issues
Employers could do more to inform staff about simple ways to improve environmental performance at work, according to new research.
BIFM launches green survey
The British Institute of Facilities Management and Low Carbon Workplace Ltd are asking facilities and estate management professionals to share their green ambitions for the workplace.
Compass tops NI benchmarking survey
The support service group's Northern Ireland operation has been awarded Level One in the ARENA Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey.
Environment professionals call for mandatory reporting
According to a new report by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 80% of environmental professionals working in UK businesses say that mandatory reporting is needed if business is to play its part in the green economy.
IPD releases new Environment Code
IPD, the specialist in property performance, has released a new and improved edition of its Environment Code.
More change coming
It's not just the coalition government's new financial stringency that will shape our world. Legislation and policy in energy and waste are due for more change in coming months, too.
Environment is part of health and safety managers role
New research suggests that more than half of health and safety managers are now responsible for managing environmental issues at work.
HVCA backs compliance campaign
The Heating and Ventilating Contractors' Association has swung its weight behind the campaign backing action against non-compliance with new environmental regulations in buildings.
This week, go green
Welcome to Green Office Week, the ideal time to find a solution to the fact that a third of UK employees make no effort to be green at work even though they acknowledge it is important to act responsibly.
Two secure 14001 accreditation
Accent Catering and Harrow Green Interiors have both achieved accreditation for their environmental management systems.
Waste programme wastes money
The National Audit Office has laid into another government department for operating a spending programme that has no specific quantified targets and a shortfall of reliable information on performance.
Planned HFC ban too soon, HVAC warns
The proposed ban on refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbons by 2011 is 'entirely impractical', according to a newly published position paper from the HVCA Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Group.
Ich bin eine Breeamliner
BREEAM In-Use certificate awarded to British Embassy in Berlin
Councils urged to create green jobs
At least 70,000 jobs could be created across England and Wales if local councils moved to cut carbon emissions and fit green energy technologies to buildings.
Recycling pays
Better waste management, and specifically more recycling, should be a part of most businesses' economic survival plans.
Landlords and retailers prepare for new carbon tax
A campaign to raise awareness of a new mandatory emissions trading scheme for firms with an energy bill of £1m or more per year has been launched by major retail organisations.
Lukewarm on water conservation
A new study of facilities managers' attitudes towards water conservation has found 'a surprising degree of ambivalence', with actions taken in some areas and ignored in others.
Green loses in letting decisions
Is sustainability an issue for the good times? New research has found cost topping the list of concerns for corporate tenants, with energy efficiency sinking to the bottom of the pile.
Road charges will only mean higher costs, movers warn
The British Association of Removers argues that European Commission proposals to make road transport operators pay for the consequential costs of running their vehicles will not reduce congestion, improve the environment, or switch freight to rail.
Trigger-happy printing costs businesses a fortune
More than half of office workers admit to printing documents unnecessarily. As a consequence, half of all office waste is paper-based.
Greening of property will pay, research says
A study carried out by Deloitte in the US has found that existing commercial property that does not undergo a 'green retrofit' will lose value within three years - paying a price in higher operating costs, lower productivity and a negative image.
Whose carbon is it anyway?
Recent research carried out by technology company Fujitsu raises an interesting question. If you outsource a service, is the carbon footprint of that service still yours - or does it transfer to the provider?
Honda unveils the green car dealer
OK, cars may not be mankind's most environmentally friendly invention - but now Honda has taken a step in the right direction with the development of the green showroom.
Carbon reduction will be costly
The government's Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme will have a significant cash flow impact on companies according to business advisors KPMG.
Green will fade without incentives
As property markets continue their downward slide, it is growing harder to make a good financial case for improving buildings to make them more environmentally sustainable.
Use-less generation to show the way forward
A new report from the Institute of Directors, 'Energy Efficiency - Joining the Use-less Generation', points to the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions. A 20% improvement in current business energy efficiency is achievable, the IoD says.
Property professionals get serious about sustainability
The College of Estate Management has joined forces with the property team at insurance giant Legal & General in a campaign to embed the principles and practice of sustainable working throughout the property industry.
Techies get serious about energy
The UN-backed International Telecommunication Union has set up a new focus group to examine the impact of information and communication technology on climate change.
Green thinking - a bit too narrow-minded?
Green issues are on every corporate agenda these days, and energy efficiency ranks as a priority target as businesses look at trimming costs.
Putting sustainability into practice
Climate change and associated issues are firmly on the agenda for most organisations, with many planning action because they know it's the right thing to do - and they can see the benefits to their business.
Green agenda survives credit crunch
Energy efficiency is now the number one cost-cutting priority for UK businesses looking to combat the impact of a potential economic slowdown, according to new research released today by the Carbon Trust.
BREEAM set to take on the world
BREEAM, the sustainable building standards system whose time has surely come, is planning a series of enhancements and additions over the next several months.
GBC to develop sustainable building code
The UK Green Building Council is to launch an industry-wide consultation exercise as the first step in developing a Code for Sustainable Buildings.
Unwired roadshow tackles sustainability
Practical issues around the big topics of energy and the environment continue to be near the top of the corporate agenda, judging from the high turnouts at a series of events organised to present new research from the Unwired group.
Link management pay to green performance, union says
Unite, the UK's largest union, has called for company executives to have their pay and bonuses linked to environmental targets. Unite also wants union representatives to have a statutory right of access to companies' environmental impact information.
Environment Agency endorses Interserve guide
Interserve's recently published sustainability guide has received praise from the Environment Agency for its environmental leadership and commitment to sustainable development.
Carbon Trust turns focus on data centres
Energy adviser the Carbon Trust is to partner with the British Computer Society to develop a simulation software tool to help companies understand the energy use within their data centres.
Carbon Trust tackles 'greenwash' with certification
The government-backed energy adviser has developed a new 'Carbon Trust Standard'- the only way, it says, for organisations to prove they are tackling climate change and have made genuine reductions in their carbon emissions.
Green stays on the agenda, CBI says
The economic slowdown should not distract politicians from taking urgent action to tackle climate change and secure the UK's future energy supply. That's the argument from CBI Director-General Richard Lambert.
How-to guide to going carbon neutral
Claims to be carbon neutral are often just hot air. Now a new report investigates what is behind some of those claims and offers recommendations for hitting the mark effectively.
Bin the bottle campaign kicks off
In the UK £1.5bn is spent every year on bottled water, despite the fact that we have some of the highest quality tap water in the world. Now a campaign has been launched to promote the tap and reduce the amount of plastic destined for the bin.
Technology's role in sustainability
Unwired, the company behind the successful WorkTech conferences, is set to launch a new report on the key issues for organisations wanting to reduce the impact of their operations on the environment.
Compliance and PR driving green strategies
Most corporate sustainability strategies have been developed in response to increasing regulation or with a view to improving market perception, rather than meeting social needs or generating revenue opportunities.
Government strategy only a first step, says UKGBC
Business Minister Shriti Vadera launched the new Strategy for Sustainable Construction yesterday. The UK Green Building Council called it 'the tip of the iceberg' in terms of the effort needed.
Free building energy software
An American company is offering a free tool designed to assess energy consumption and carbon emissions, described as suitable for all building types in any location worldwide.
Interserve to launch sustainability guide
Interserve, the services, maintenance and building group, is set to launch a new sustainability guide timed to coincide with World Environment Day (5 June).
BIFM sustainability survey underway
The second annual survey looking at sustainability issues, knowledge and experience is underway, part of a project to identify existing best practice and innovation in sustainable FM.
Carbon Trust: need to try harder
The government-backed company set up to help organisations find ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions is the latest operation to come under the scrutiny of the Commons Public Accounts Committee.
Sustainability: too much information
The combination of EU and UK government requirements, with an increasingly engaged private sector, could lead to ‘initiativitis' - resulting in confusion and delay in effective action on climate change.
Link IT to estates strategy for greener future
Colleges and universities should integrate ITC and estates strategies to maximise energy efficiency and minimise environment impact.
Going green - but how?
Politicians and well-intentioned company directors may be quick to make commitments to a greener existence via renewable energy. But where does that leave FMs given the job of making it work?
Retailers sign up to climate change pledge
In a sector first, a string of household-name retailers today launched an industry-wide environmental commitment as their response to the climate change challenge.
Carbon assessment right from the beginning
There's no shortage of carbon calculators on offer. The latest takes a unique starting point: it is designed to evaluate options at the early stages of a project. The goal is to ensure costs of carbon saving techniques are budgeted for from the start.
JLL launches 'sustainability university'
Property and FM adviser Jones Lang LaSalle is to establish what it says is the first 'sustainability university' in the real estate services industry.
Carbon footprinter for furniture launched
A new web-based carbon footprinting system known as the ‘furniture footprinter' has been launched in London today.
Green fleets save money
That's the argument from green adviser The Energy Saving Trust, whose research suggests that UK firms could save £3bn annually by switching to greener company cars.
KPMG unveils green guide
Business adviser KPMG has launched a new publication that focuses on how companies can reduce their carbon footprint.
BCO to commission zero carbon office study
The British Council for Offices is looking for a research partner to carry out a 'significant' study into the question of how to create and occupy low carbon offices in Britain.
CFOs see financial benefits in sustainability
In the first in-depth study of its kind, CFOs and other senior finance executives overwhelmingly report that environmental sustainability is an increasingly important issue for their companies.
South Bank targets carbon footprint cut
A new project to help the capital's South Bank reduce its carbon footprint has been unveiled by the London Development Agency, London South Bank University and the South Bank Employers' Group.
Industry slams Part L enforcement
Senior members of contractors' group M&E Sustainability have denounced the government's reluctance to enforce Part L of the Building Regulations.
Zero carbon target brought forward
Mixed in with yesterday's budget was the news that the government intends to see all new commercial buildings meet zero carbon targets by 2019.
UK businesses: little interest in saving the planet?
That's the possibility raised in a new report from advisors Grant Thornton. Their research shows that UK businesses are more interested in implementing CSR policies to impress employees rather than saving the planet.
Dalkia and Honeywell to make GLA greener
Energy specialists Dalkia and Honeywell have been selected to help cut consumption in Greater London Authority buildings by 25%.
Makeover due for BREEAM
Built environment experts at BRE Global are to team up with the UK Green Building Council to further develop the BREEAM assessment system and give it a fresh boost in the marketplace.
New environmental measurement code unveiled
Property research and information company IPD has launched a 'ground-breaking' measurement standard designed to help organisations develop high quality environmental performance information about their buildings.
Zero carbon label offers false promise
That's according to sustainability expert David Strong who was speaking at the Ecobuild conference in London today.
Zero carbon target for 2020
The government is expected to announce a target of zero carbon emissions for all new non-domestic buildings, aiming for implementation by 2020.
Boardrooms ignore climate
Most senior UK executives think that climate change is a significant business issue - but most also admit they don't have a strategy in place to respond.
ICT industry to tackle climate change
Intellect, the trade association for the UK technology industry, has acknowledged the major role that ICT plays as a generator of carbon emissions and set out a plan to tackle the issue. Must start now, the group says.
Counting the cost of carbon
Carbon is becoming a cost to business. The quicker each business understands what that cost is, the better able it will be to take action and reap the benefits - cuts in energy consumption, reduced emissions and enhanced market position.
EBPD implementation disappointing so far
A review of how the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has been implemented across Europe has found progress to be 'disappointingly slow'.
Carbon disclosure tackles supply chains
The Carbon Disclosure Project, being driven forward by over 300 institutional investors, has turned its focus on assessing the greenhouse gas emissions generated in business supply chains.
Reputation drives green decisions
Footsie 100 companies are going green to protect their reputations, rather than from concern for the environment, according to new research.
Climate actions could cause collateral damage
A report from sustainable development charity Forum for the Future has warned organisations to think about the big picture before they make decisions about clean energy strategies.
Envirowise sets two-month green challenge
With statistics showing that over half of businesses break New Year's resolutions within a month the government-backed environmental adviser is claiming that benefits will flow if companies can just stick out two months.
Green resolutions for 2008
UK workplaces generate more carbon dioxide than homes, says the TUC. In response to that challenge, the group has started the year with advice for staff to tackle climate change. And the Carbon Trust has weighed in with a call to action for employers.
Embrace new climate change planning policy
That's the message from the CBI, who say if new climate change policy is to work then both developers and local authorities must be onboard.
£110m for green schools
Schools Secretary Ed Balls has announced plans for 200 projects aimed at making school buildings carbon neutral, together with funding of £110m over three years.
NHS lags behind on carbon action
A new report from the London Assembly concludes that London local authorities lead the way in reducing the carbon footprint of their offices, but the NHS is 'playing catch-up' in cutting energy consumption of its buildings.
Sustainability advice online
The Sustainability at Work website, developed in partnership with the National Audit Office, the Sustainable Development Commission and Defra, is up and running.
TfL staff pledge cuts CO2
Transport for London has been relying on its staff in the battle to reduce energy consumption - and it is working.
Big companies ahead on carbon issues
New research shows that large companies are much more likely to see climate change as an opportunity and to have already measured their carbon footprint than smaller businesses in the marketplace.
Shopping centres get sustainability charter
The British Council for Shopping Centres has launched a new web portal designed to offer the industry guidance and sustainability-focused resources in a single location.
Top companies get serious about cutting carbon
New research confirms that carbon management is high up the boardroom agenda for almost all FTSE 500 companies. More than nine out of ten report that carbon reduction is now a core business strategy.
Green goals must become shared national priority
A major new report from the CBI concludes that UK goals to tackle climate change will only be met if they become an urgent, shared national priority for companies, consumers and the government.
Edinburgh tops list of cities with smallest carbon footprint
Edinburgh produces the most amount of CO2 per sqm of commercial floor space but also has the lowest carbon footprint impact of ten major UK cities. The key fact, new research reveals, is the intensity of space use in the Scottish capital.
Waste not, want not
Waste management regulations have grown increasingly more stringent over recent years - a trend that looks set to continue.
New ISO standard for green building materials
The International Standards Organisation has launched a new standard for sustainable building materials, taking into account their full lifecycle.
Carbon Trust offers footprint calculator
The Carbon Trust has launched a new business carbon footprint calculator to coincide with a series of free workshops running throughout the UK.
CIBSE launches low carbon awards
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers has launched the Low Carbon Performance Awards 2008 to recognise proven achievements in delivering carbon savings in buildings.
Carbon footprint tool for building projects
A new online tool that will help construction companies plan 'carbon-wise' projects and reduce their carbon footprint has been launched by the Environment Agency.
CIC commits to sustainable construction
The Construction Industry Council, the umbrella group to which virtually every built environment institution and association belongs, is to increase its leadership role in sustainable construction.
New waste treatment laws in force now
Every business in the UK is now required to treat its own non-hazardous waste. But the majority of UK businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, are still completely unprepared for the change.
Sustainability still looking for its place on the business agenda
A study from the Economist Intelligence Unit reveals that organisations are failing to realise business benefits from sustainability programmes. While almost half said they helped improve brand value, just one in five felt they improved profitability.
BSF accused of lip service to carbon neutral goal
Experts claim government carbon emissions targets for schools are set so low they are 'almost meaningless'.
Brighton named most sustainable city in Britain
The new Sustainable Cities Index, produced by action group Forum for the Future, has identified Brighton and Hove as the most sustainable city in Britain.
In for a shock on new waste legislation?
A new report reveals that the vast majority of businesses are unaware and unprepared for new waste legislation, which comes into force at the end of this month in England and Wales. Most companies do not realise it could lead to rising disposal costs.
RIBA offers climate change guidance
The Royal Institute of British Architects has unveiled a suite of climate change guidance documents intended for both architects and a more general audience.
Big business slow to take on climate change battle
Less than half of FTSE 350 companies have introduced schemes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to the second annual report from the Carbon Disclosure Project.
CIBSE group launches energy information website
CIBSE's Energy Performance Group has developed a new website designed to improve the energy performance of buildings by increasing awareness amongst all professionals and supporting the implementation of legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Key role for investors in a greener future
More investors must send strong signals to the market about the importance of a company's environmental record via the investment decisions they make.
BT launches carbon impact assessment service
BT's newly formed global services sustainability practice has launched a service to help large corporates and public sector organisations reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint.
Going green needs the right starting point
Maybe it sounds obvious, but the place to start in pursuit of sustainability goals is at the beginning. Even the government, great sustainability advocate that it is, too often gets this wrong.
How big is your carbon footprint?
The Carbon Trust has launched a guide for businesses and public sector organisations concerned about climate change and their role in the process. The guide explains how a carbon footprint is calculated and offers advice on how to assess total impact.
BSRIA joins 100 days of carbon clean up
BSRIA has thrown its weight behind the 100 days of Carbon Clean-up initiative organised by CIBSE.
London set to go greener
London Mayor Ken Livingstone is inviting companies to submit bids to make Greater London Authority buildings more energy efficient.
Recycling's a success, but not much else so far
According to new research, over 90% of employers encourage recycling and almost two-thirds of employees use the facilities provided.
Green Apple for GSH
Hard services specialist GSH has won a Green Apple Environment Award and is now in contention for a spot in the European Business Awards for the Environment.
ICT waste: public sector needs to be greener
The public sector should plan more carefully how it disposes of its growing volume of personal computers and associated equipment, according to a report by the National Audit Office.
Insurers slam government over floods
Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the Association of British Insurers, has written to Environment Secretary Hilary Benn calling for an 'urgent review' of flood preparations and drainage maintenance procedures.
Property professionals learn to think green
Three out of four UK construction and property professionals think green when planning projects, according to a new survey. But the most important figure in driving through environmental commitments is the client.
Use less information from Dalkia
Technical facilities services and energy management company Dalkia has published two handbooks on carbon management under the 'use less' theme.
Can security be a green service?
Should FMs expect security providers to demonstrate their environmental credentials just like every other contractor? Or does going green threaten to compromise the security function by introducing a diversion from the real task?
MoD sets out sustainability targets
The MoD has declared its aim to reduce CO2 emissions from buildings by 15% by 2012. It has committed to increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and investing in more sustainable technologies.
Climate change set to top corporate agenda
Five years ago, climate change was ranked 8th on the agenda by major European companies. This year it has jumped to 4th.
Flood preparation guide: timely advice
Businesses are more likely to be flooded than burned down, yet fire safety is almost taken for granted - with flood preparation often ignored.
Missing the green opportunity
Envirowise, the government-backed business community green adviser, reports some worrying results from a recent survey focused on companies' readiness to take account of environmental awareness.
Most companies still not green enough
In a new TUC survey only 45% of respondents said they worked for an employer with an environmental policy.
Businesses failing to get green guidance and to give it
UK companies recognise their role and responsibility in tackling climate change yet many do not feel motivated by the current environmental tax and regulatory framework to make fundamental changes to corporate behaviour.
HSBC puts more money on green future
HSBC, the world's first major bank to become carbon neutral, has committed a further £45m over five years to reduce its impact on the environment.
Leeds Met tops list of green universities
People & Planet, the student campaign network, has published the first ever green league table showing the environmental performance of Britain's universities.
NHS must act to tackle climate change, says think-tank
A report from the New Economics Foundation calls on the NHS to brace itself for the health impacts of global warming and to act urgently to reduce its 'significant' carbon emissions.
CIBSE plans another 100 Days
Following the success of last year's 100 Days of Carbon Clean-up Campaign, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers is to launch a new carbon reduction project for 2007.
Want to go green? Ditch your current PC
A government-backed taskforce is to trial ways to reduce the vast carbon footprint left behind by existing ITC, with a specific focus on current office technology.
CIBSE launches sustainability toolkit
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers has introduced its Sustainability Toolkit, complete with a searchable online database of good practice guidance.
Climate change: what about us, CIOB asks
The Committee on Climate Change, a new body proposed in the government's draft Climate Change Bill, must include expert representatives from the construction industry says the Chartered Institute of Building.
London companies ‘blinkered' to green issues
Over 80% of companies based in the capital say they rate the environment as a 'quite important' issue - but less than half are actually taking any practical action.
Information and involvement key to saving resources
Buying energy from sustainable sources is just one of the strategies that every UK organisation should consider in order to reduce its consumption and shrink its carbon footprint.
Green software to point the way forward
Furniture company Steelcase has teamed up with the Technical University of Denmark to develop pioneering software that will allow public and private sector organisations to assess the environmental impact of their offices.
Few companies provide for green travel
Despite promises from companies across the UK to 'go green', it seems very few have implemented measures that encourage green travel to work.
Work from home…but only in summer
Research from global consultancy WSP Environmental shows that companies hoping to cut carbon emissions should encourage homeworking, but only in summer when the heating is off.
Carbon map reveals business carbon footprints
The Carbon Trust has published a new carbon map illustrating the CO2 emissions released by businesses in 33 towns and cities across the UK.
Biggest RE services group to go carbon neutral
CB Richard Ellis, the world's largest commercial real estate services company has announced a goal to become carbon neutral by 2010.
Getting serious about measuring climate impact
The Carbon Trust and Defra are to work with BSI on the development of a measurement standard for the embodied greenhouse gases in products and services.
Climate change becomes growth industry
Dark clouds and silver linings come to mind. It seems that the pressing issue of global climate change has created a whole new job market - with 'staggering' growth levels predicted over the next five years.
Economics favour non-sustainable development
Research from property consultant Donaldsons reveals that the best investment returns on commercial property currently come from the least sustainable options.
BT cuts carbon footprint with conferencing
BT says its staff worldwide have reduced the company's carbon footprint by at least 97,000 tonnes of CO2 and eliminated more than 860,000 face-to-face meetings by using conferencing instead of traditional methods.
Call to join in sustainability survey
The BIFM has launched a survey to find out what tools and information facilities managers need to ensure their organisations become more sustainable and to raise employee awareness.
Lend Lease in green retail initiative
Lend Lease Retail has struck up a partnership with Envirowise, the government-funded programme helping UK businesses to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
UK leading the way on green offices says BPF
The British Property Federation has called on Ken Livingstone to embrace the industry's already-launched initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of offices, following the London Mayor's high-profile visit to the recent C40 climate change summit.
Businesses still have limited view of the carbon issue
Businesses are not keeping up with the growing carbon awareness of the general public but more firms are starting to focus on the issue, according to a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Leaders critical in green initiatives
New research reveals that 70% of office workers believe that green initiatives are not their responsibility.
How to manage your carbon footprint
The carbon question poses new strategic, managerial and process challenges for companies, says international business research organisation the Conference Board, and the solution will be unique to a company's circumstances.
Carbon reporting on the agenda for UK businesses
Companies need to face up to the realities of climate change and the risks that it poses to their long-term interests, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson has declared.
Buildings singled out for impact on climate change
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlights the role that buildings play in generating carbon emissions - and the opportunities that change and modifications offer in dealing with the climate change threat.
Business group slams emission zone plan
London First, the business organisation representing London's leading companies, today slated Mayor Ken Livingstone's proposed Low Emission Zone, branding it an inefficient way to improve the capital's air quality.
Companies consulted on climate change
Action group Business in the Community has launched a consultation exercise seeking views from organisations across the UK on how best to compare climate change performance.
Landsec questions carbon offsetting
Land Securities, one of the UK's largest landlords, has declared that simply paying to 'neutralise' a carbon footprint is not good enough in terms of making a contribution to stabilising the effects of climate change.
Green technology initiative launched
IT can help save the planet with action today while waiting for greener technology tomorrow, the industry argues.
GSH drives green agenda
GSH Group is swapping its company cars for environmentally-friendly vehicles as part of a commitment to reducing carbon emissions for itself and its clients.
Demand for sustainable buildings to rocket
The demand for sustainable buildings is set to 'explode' claims CIBSE Chief Executive Stephen Matthews.
M&S and BRE launch five-year partnership
Marks & Spencer is to enter into a five-year partnership with research and consultancy group BRE, focusing on sustainability in the retail sector.
What does climate change mean for FMs?
It's the topic of the year (and probably of years to come), and it does have some very real implications for facilities managers.
Government misses sustainability targets on new buildings
The majority of government departments and agencies are failing to meet sustainability targets for new buildings and major refurbishments according to a new report by the National Audit Office.
Act now on climate change or face the consequences
It is hard to overstate how significant the issue of climate change is going to be for organisations - and therefore for facilities managers.
Going green: start with the easy wins
A timely feature, new on i-FM today, sees Dave Farebrother, Land Securities energy specialist, tackle climate change - specifically ways to achieve more sustainable operations. This is the start-point for FMs who want to be heroes in their organisations
May Day goes green
UK businesses will come together to create a single action plan on climate change at an event to be held May 1st, marking the launch of a business-led campaign for increased action on climate change.
BIFM conference launch for sustainability partnership
The opening day of the BIFM annual conference was the setting for the kick-off of a key Institute initiative: the Sustainable FM Knowledge Transfer Partnership project.
BT offers carbon footprint calculator
A new 'carbon calculator' from BT offers to help people calculate their annual CO2 usage at any point in time, from a home or office base, taking in fuel consumption and travel patterns.
Environmental policies fit for business
Claire Sellick reports on a seminar hosted by Reliance Integrated Services designed to reiterate the importance of green issues for those involved in the operational management of the built environment.
Climate change? SMEs more worried about being paid
Global warming, terrorism and other big-issue risks don't figure on the agendas of small and medium businesses in the UK. Their greatest concern is cash flow.
Employees are untapped resource in tackling climate change
More than two-thirds of employees are keen to help their organisations cut carbon emissions, making them a critical resource in tackling climate change.
FMs need to see the big picture, too
In his regular i-FM column this month, Martin Pickard argues in favour of the newly extended London Congestion Charge.
Report calls for new framework for emissions trading
PricewaterhouseCoopers has launched a new report on emissions trading, a strategy increasingly seen as a central part of the response to climate change.
It's one-bin day
OK - if you are reading this on Thursday, technically one-bin day was yesterday. But the principle is still a good one.
Welsh buildings face 'zero carbon' challenge
The Welsh Assembly Government wants all new buildings to meet 'zero carbon' standards in just four years, beginning with the Assembly's estate.
Offices may get responsibility for litter clean-up
Litter created by employees around their workplaces, including discarded cigarette ends, could become the responsibility of businesses to clean up under new proposals from Defra.
Features - Search found 32 features
Cargo bikes and the last mile logistics revolution
What should facilities managers know about cargo bikes? Do you let them into your building, do you use them to help decarbonise the workplace?
Sustainability: pushing back on the myths
Purpose-driven corporate leaders seeking buy-in for a sustainable business plan often run into objections that are based on outdated information and outright falsehoods.
How to make cleaning environmentally friendly
Whether you're using an outsourced cleaning company or staying wholly in-house, there’s a lot to consider when you're going eco-friendly. Hannah Wilson explains.
Hail the clean, lean recycling years to come!
This year will witness the start of the glorious clean, lean years of recycling as any business that wants to embrace the green agenda in a meaningful way will have to re-examine how they manage their waste resources.
Combatting the January blues with nature
Every January many head back to work after the excitement of Christmas, braving cold and wet weather and committed to ambitious diets and New Year’s resolutions. It’s no wonder many consider this their least favourite month.
Sustainability in FM demands holistic thinking
Active Workplace Solutions invited a select group of FM experts to discuss the critical components of sustainability and why the industry’s current challenges call for a reappraisal of what that word means. i-FM reports.
Simple steps to a sustainable future
A few years ago, the term ‘sustainability’ was fairly interchangeable with words such as ‘environmentally-friendly’ and ‘green’, in recognition of those first steps businesses were making to address some of the ecological challenges the planet was facing.
A secure approach to workplace sustainability
Caroline Hutchins outlines what best practice should look like when it comes to implementing green measures.
Unlocking the sustainability opportunities in catering
With two-thirds of UK consumers recently stating they would boycott brands that lack an ethical conscience, sustainability is an increasingly important issue for facilities managers with CSR targets to meet.
Biophilic design: sorting the facts from the myths
Ahead of The Facilities Event this April, i-FM talks to sustainable architectural and interior design guru Oliver Heath about biophilic design, separating the fact from the fiction about this deep connection between humans and nature.
Helping workers escape the concrete jungle
Research from bicycle manufacturer Ribble recently found that most Britons spend 92% of their time indoors. So, if people spend just 8% of their time outside, when do they get to interact with nature? Kenneth Freeman looks at some of the opportunities.
Green Writing on the Wall
The benefits of both interior and exterior planting for all working environments are proven. Now, it's becoming clear that green wall systems offer a high-impact way for businesses to display their green credentials and also increase staff well-being.
Driving Sustainability Across Major Estates
Facilities managers are ideally placed to drive innovation and profitability. Identifying and exploiting the hidden value in surplus resources can lead to significant savings and unique promotional opportunities.
Cost, Targets, Compliance
There are compelling business benefits for the FM sector in engaging with the waste and resource efficiency agenda.
Hiding Behind the Bins
Commercial waste management is one area of FM practice in which there is some confusion about the best solution – one which minimises environmental damage whilst ensuring value to the organisation.
Recycling is in the Genes
The Genome Campus is a 55-acre estate in the grounds of Hinxton Hall, a Grade II listed 17th century building nestled in the Cambridge countryside.
The FM's Guide to Waste
One of the benefits of working in facilities management is the diversity of the challenges faced, as everyone expects you to be a specialist in all things.
Recession Resistant Recycling
Martin Hewitt argues that with the economic downturn being felt in all industries and all areas, the need to cut costs and manage your resources more effectively is more important than ever.
Climate Change and Carbon Accounting
Sunil Shah takes a step back to look at the basics of climate change and some of what is happening out there, as well as the legislation - and costs - that will affect us at home and at work.
Waste Management Law: New Responsibilities for FMs
Nick Williams writes: UK businesses have faced a sharp increase in the demand to be more environmentally aware in recent years, with pressure coming from both official sources and consumers.
Start at the Beginning
Sunil Shah writes: As so often with building projects, getting the brief right means a better outcome. This is true when sustainability shapes the objectives, too.
The i-FM Top 50 Green Survey
Elliott Chase writes: Whether the future is bright or not may be debatable. What is surely beyond any debate is that the future is green.
Sustainable Prescription
Jane Fenwick reports on how one PFM award winner has made sustainability an integral part of everything the FM team does.
Climate Change - Concern or Just Con?
Sunil Shah writes: The topic of the year is climate change - is it happening or not? As the media attention turns full tilt, the facts can sometimes become blurred beneath attention-grabbing headlines.
Going Green
Dave Farebrother puts the case for practical, no-cost and low-cost steps that any FM can take towards more sustainable building operation.
Arresting Development
Jane Fenwick learns how harnessing the earth's ambient temperature has enabled the new Gloucestershire Constabulary HQ to drastically reduce its energy costs.
Building Sustainable FM
Sunil Shah outlines an ambitious project to make sustainability a meaningful feature of facilities management - and offers you an opportunity to get involved.
Waste Management - A New Age?
Ian Baxter writes: There is nothing new about recycling as an objective. But there are new and growing pressures on businesses to act responsibly and comprehensively to manage waste.
FM's Role in Sustainable Buildings
Sunil Shah writes: Changes in legislation, public perception, requirements from businesses and provisions by suppliers have all helped to increase significantly the sustainability performance of buildings.
The State of Waste
Martin McCann , head of PFI/PPP at solicitors Norton Rose, explains the current state of the UK waste sector and highlights some of the issues and changes on the horizon.
The Future is Green
Sustainability and corporate social responsibility are becoming increasingly important to everyone involved in facilities management, report Alison Nicholson and Quentin Leiper.
Successful strategies for high performance green buildings
LEED-EB, from the US Green Building Council, is a new tool for measuring the environmental performance of facility management in existing buildings.
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Waste: hero or villain?
If organisations were to remove their commitments to recycling from annual reports, would they risk an adverse judgement? And how does this reflect on the role of waste management?
Improving maintenance standards in our buildings
To safeguard the future of our cities, conserve resources and meet environmental demands, a radically improved focus on building maintenance and operations is necessary, says George Adams.
The Business Agenda: Corporate responsibility
The Government is proposing changes to company law requiring environmental and social reporting. Campaigner Brian Shaad says the proposals do not go nearly far enough.
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