Lorraine Reed
Workplace Strategist
The Time is Now to Make Changes and Reduce Costs
As thoughts turn to 2023 lease renewals, relocations, or even a completely new building, it is essential to realize that increasing a facility’s sustainability is not a one size fits all solution, and even small steps make a difference. Although many companies grapple with the new hybrid business model and the importance of human connection in the office, they also see opportunities to decrease energy use and operating costs by implementing a four-day workweek. While studies and conversations about this strategy continue, the reality is that we have numerous facilities that are not subject to the office workforce model and continue to exist and function 24/7 despite supporting a potentially shorter workweek.
In the spirit of “the only wrong action is inaction,” it is time to get started, and you may need assistance navigating the options and process of Going Green. It is crucial to identify a partner with the expertise to define what steps are right for your organization and can also guide Facility Managers through implementation. Experience should include creating LEED projects, biophilic design, and working with clients that utilize a CAFM system. In addition, CAFM software is key for feedback on the utilization of workspace streamlining, housekeeping, and food services, which are all key points to consider as you start to think about partnering with a Going Green Guide.
Five Considerations for Going Green:
1. Conduct a Sustainability Audit: Review existing equipment to establish a list of what is working, is no longer efficient, or needs replacement. This could include plumbing, low-flow fixtures, natural lighting suggestions, incorporation of biophilic design, and HVAC systems. This audit will provide a window into the current situation and help Facility Managers formulate budgets and maintenance plans for years to come.
2. Develop a Budget Based on the Audit Findings: Every project or change to a facility has an associated cost. Once a Sustainability Audit is completed, establishing project scope and budget will set expectations and ensure a positive outcome. When Going Green, it is important to remember that while there is an anticipated saving through reducing consumption, an initial investment is required to see the future benefits.
3. Strive for the Standards: LEED Certification: Many organizations pursue LEED Certification for new or existing buildings. There are varying levels and scopes for these certifications. The levels are defined by the points earned by a project within the categories of sustainability, while the scope can vary from a stand-alone building to an entire campus. This creates inclusivity and flexibility for organizations to design their unique path forward into Going Green by choosing from an ever-growing list of recycled construction equipment, water management initiatives, and paperless Asset Tracking Technologies.
4. Plan for Maintenance: Once a project is complete and the accolades have been passed around, it is essential to remember that there is always a cost associated with maintaining a facility and its certifications, no matter how efficient. Establishing and understanding life cycle costs early in the planning process is imperative. Facility Professionals need to consider that LEED Certified projects require recertification every three years by providing 12 months of data across the five performance categories. For instance, biophilic design may come with the renewal of an annual foliage vendor’s contract to water and maintain the health of the plants.
5. Take Measurable, Managed Steps: Not every organization or Facility Manager is ready to step onto the big stage of LEED certification but is willing to take the steps forward to increase the sustainability of their sites. Biophilic design and increasing natural light are smaller steps that can make a significant impact. With changes like these, Carnegie Mellon University research shows that worker and student productivity could increase from 2% to 16%. Work with your HR Department to assess the impact on your organization.
These points are an abbreviated view of the many possibilities and things to consider when Going Green. Every Facility Manager needs to evaluate their current challenges, needs, and goals to pick the ones that make the most sense for achieving their desired outcome. People in the U.S. spend 90% of their time indoors, and occupants of green buildings are exposed to lower levels of indoor pollutants and greater satisfaction within a space. Therefore, there is no better time than now to consider strategies like centralized trash, eliminating single-use plastic and Styrofoam, letting in a little more light, and welcoming plants. HF Planners can help organizations, facility teams, and managers develop creative and innovative solutions to overcome hesitations or opposition to Going Green.
