Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. Facilities managers in Australia are increasingly tasked with developing and implementing sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste, and support long-term environmental goals. A well-structured, sustainable facilities management plan can provide numerous benefits, including cost savings, enhanced corporate reputation, and compliance with evolving regulations. In this blog, we’ll walk through the key steps to create a sustainable facilities management plan for 2025.
The push for sustainability in facilities management stems from both environmental concerns and financial incentives. With rising energy costs and increasing pressure from government regulations, particularly in Australia, facilities managers are under growing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. Implementing sustainable practices not only helps the environment but can also lead to significant cost savings by reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste.
Key benefits of a sustainable facilities management plan:
- Use of sustainable materials in building maintenance
- Enhanced building efficiency and performance
- Compliance with environmental regulations such as the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and Green Star ratings
- Improved employee well-being and productivity
- Positive corporate social responsibility (CSR) impact
1. Conduct a Sustainability Audit
The first step in creating a sustainable facilities management plan is to assess your current practices. A sustainability audit provides a comprehensive overview of how your facility operates in terms of energy usage, water consumption, waste generation, and environmental impact. This audit can highlight areas where you’re already performing well and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.
Key areas to focus on during an audit:
- Energy consumption and efficiency
- Water usage and conservation measures
- Waste management and recycling programs
- Air quality and ventilation systems
- Use of sustainable materials in building maintenance
2. Set Clear, Measurable Goals
Once the audit is complete, it’s important to establish clear, measurable sustainability goals that align with your company’s overall environmental objectives. These goals should be specific, realistic, and time-bound to ensure accountability and progress tracking.
Examples of measurable sustainability goals:
- Reducing energy consumption by 15% over the next year
- Cutting water usage by 10% through improved conservation techniques
- Achieving a zero-waste-to-landfill goal by 2025
- Transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources for the building by 2030
Setting clear benchmarks will help guide your sustainability efforts and provide a roadmap for continuous improvement.
3. Implement Energy-Efficient Solutions
Energy efficiency is often the cornerstone of a sustainable facilities management plan. In 2025, there are numerous opportunities to upgrade facilities with energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and building management systems (BMS) that optimise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) usage.
Energy-efficient solutions to consider:
- Lighting upgrades: Switch to LED lighting or motion-activated systems to reduce electricity consumption.
- HVAC systems: Ensure your HVAC systems are regularly maintained, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient models that reduce power usage.
- Renewable energy: Explore the installation of solar panels or wind turbines to reduce reliance on grid electricity.
- Smart technologies: Utilise sensors, automated systems, and data analytics to monitor and adjust energy usage in real-time.
4. Focus on Waste Reduction and Recycling
An effective sustainable facilities management plan must include strategies for waste reduction and recycling. Implementing a robust recycling program, encouraging paperless operations, and ensuring proper disposal of hazardous materials are essential steps to minimising waste.
Waste reduction strategies:
- Implement a comprehensive recycling program that includes paper, plastic, and e-waste.
- Reduce paper usage by transitioning to digital record-keeping and communications.
- Encourage the use of reusable materials and reduce single-use plastics across the facility.
- Partner with certified waste disposal and recycling services to ensure compliance with local regulations.
5. Promote Water Conservation
Water conservation is another key component of a sustainable facilities management plan, especially in Australia, where droughts and water scarcity are ongoing concerns. Facilities managers can take steps to reduce water consumption and promote conservation across the facility.
Water-saving initiatives:
- Install low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads to reduce water usage.
- Implement a water recycling system to repurpose greywater for landscaping or cooling systems.
- Monitor water usage through smart metering and fix leaks promptly to prevent wastage.
- Incorporate drought-resistant plants in landscaping to reduce the need for irrigation.
6. Engage Employees in Sustainability Efforts
For any sustainability plan to succeed, it’s essential to engage employees in the process. Facilities managers should educate staff on sustainable practices and encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors within the workplace.
Ways to involve employees:
- Offer training on energy-saving practices, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use.
- Set up a “Green Team” to champion sustainability initiatives and gather employee feedback.
- Use signage and reminders around the facility to promote recycling, waste reduction, and energy conservation.
- Recognise and reward employees who actively contribute to sustainability goals.
Plan for the Future
Creating a sustainable facilities management plan in 2025 is about more than just reducing energy costs; it’s about future-proofing your facility against rising environmental pressures, meeting regulatory requirements, and supporting broader sustainability goals. By conducting audits, setting measurable goals, and implementing energy-efficient solutions, facilities managers can make a meaningful impact on both their company’s bottom line and the planet.
Learn about JKFM’s end-to-end facilities management
Useful resources: Learn more about sustainability measures for your building via National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS).
