FEATURE
IS EDUCATING YOUR COLLEAGUES,
SUPPLIERS AND CUSTOMERS ABOUT
SUSTAINABILITY ON YOUR AGENDA?
Over 80% of carbon emissions associated with the life cycle of a typical
commercial property can be attributed to its operation and maintenance
A
s yet, there are no formal targets people also need to know what actions they can sustainability criteria in
in place to reduce this, but there is take to make a difference. In the office the tender document.
increasing interest from policy environment, for example, staff can be shown Bids can then be
makers on ways to drive this figure how their everyday actions can help mitigate evaluated against cost,
down which will have implications climate change. Simple steps such as not opening quality and sustainability
for corporate occupiers. windows over radiators, boiling the right amount criteria. Once a
Jane Wilkinson from Forum for the Future of water and choosing not to use disposable cups supplier is appointed, a
explains that facilities managers are keen to play can be highlighted as easy ways to reduce energy. relationship can be
their part and how education can help address Identifying quick wins is essential. developed that supports
sustainability challenges. mutual learning.
As a facilities manager you might be all too STEP THREE: SUPPORT AND MOTIVATE Encouraging suppliers to
aware of the carbon emissions of your buildings. Taking sustainable actions on an ongoing achieve ISO140001
But do your colleagues, suppliers and customers basis needs mutual support. Once this exists, status can help. B &Q
understand them too? behaviour can become increasingly mainstream is an excellent example
The UK Government recognises that and normalised. Companies such as the flooring of a company that has
behaviour needs to change in all parts of our manufacturer, Interface FLOR appoint staff worked with its suppliers
society in order to achieve true sustainable (volunteers) as sustainability ambassadors, to to ensure all the wood they purchase is from
development. Government also recognises that provide support and stimulus to colleagues. sustainably managed sources and is Forest
education is one of the key ways to realise that Running a staff sustainability ‘fair’, with a local Stewardship Council (FSC) certified.
aim. So what do we mean by education? Is it just food stall, individual carbon foot printing, Educating sub-contractors is also worthwhile.
imparting knowledge, such as the relationship competitions centred on creating art from waste For example cleaning contractors can leave lights
between the rise in greenhouse gases and and asking for individual sustainability pledges, on after they complete their work. Sustainability
average temperatures or how double sided has proven to be a good way to motivate and also incorporates the health and wellbeing of
copying can reduce paper consumption? Or is kick-start supportive networks. cleaners. It is useful to consider if cleaning at
there more to it than that? more social hours is appropriate, rather than the
Forum for the Future has been working with STEP FOUR: REFLECT AND ENJOY middle of the night - this simple question enables
organisations in the private and public sector for People need to be helped to reflect on what the possibility of economic, social and
the last eleven years, educating them on how to they have done and the barriers to doing more, environmental gains to be made.
make change happen. The organisation believes the impact they have had and so on. Raising customer awareness about
that several elements are required for education in Environmental Management Systems allow sustainability is now being taken seriously by
sustainability to be effective. They are as relevant reporting back in the workplace on energy use leading organisations. Marks and Spencer aim to
for workplaces as they are for universities. and recycling rates. These results can be help their customers and suppliers cut their carbon
communicated to staff. Some organisations emissions. Their website currently features ‘Are
STEP ONE: FEEL THE PASSION motivate staff by introducing recycling league you dreaming of a green Christmas?’ which
Understanding the problem is key. Al Gore tables between teams, harnessing competitive includes a carbon calculator alongside tips for
recently won the Nobel Peace Prize for his film, ‘An motivation within staff and allowing them to enjoy reducing the energy used in cooking.
Inconvenient Truth’ and it is well deserved. the activity. Organisations have a large circle of influence
According to the awarding committee he is through their staff, suppliers, contractors,
“probably the single individual who has done STEP FIVE: RECOGNISE AND REWARD customers and other stakeholders. By giving
most to create greater worldwide understanding of Individuals need to be supported by an some thought to the steps needed to educate the
the measures that need to be adopted”. The film organisational framework. This should include the ‘eyes and ears’ of the organisation, namely the
has been widely distributed. This proves that is a recognition, reinforcement and rewarding of staff, facilities managers can not only create less
real opportunity for climate change to be sustainable behaviour. It is surprising how many waste but motivate employees too. Educating
communicated in a way that means its impact is employees are aware of the waste in their suppliers and customers shows that the
felt at an emotional level. Touching people in this organisation but don’t take action because they organisation cares about sustainability, thus
way can be a real motivator and something is that see no signal from the top. In addition, the enhancing its reputation. Helping others address
Jonathon Porritt, Founder Director of Forum for the necessary resources need to be made available. the very real imperative of our day can lead to
Future, regularly practices, particularly in his better financial results, more efficient service
sustainability master classes for senior leaders. In WIDER INFLUENCE delivery and help you achieve your aims.
doing so he is able to help leaders recognise that Educating staff on actions in the workplace is Jane Wilkinson is a Principal Sustainability
taking action now is just as essential for improving crucial. However, just as important is to educate Advisor at Forum for the Future - the sustainable
their long-term business profitability as it is for and empower buyers so that they are able to development charity, working with business and
ensuring natural resources for future generations. implement sustainable procurement principles. the public sector to deliver a sustainable future.
Buyers can then educate suppliers in turn. For more information: visit
STEP TWO: QUICK WINS MAKE A The first stage in sustainable procurement is www.forumforthefuture.org.uk
DIFFERENCE reducing demand. The next stage is to shortlist All the organisations mentioned are partners
In addition to understanding climate change, responsible suppliers followed by specifying with Forum for the Future.
SUSTAINABLE FM | NOVEMBER 2007 37|
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