Sustainable building management for a greener tomorrow
There's a profound shift underway in the built environment landscape. It's marked by an intensified focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), ESM (Energy & Sustainability Management), and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). As the world grapples with environmental challenges, the role of buildings in this narrative becomes increasingly pivotal.
Now more than ever, environmental concerns are resonating with individuals, businesses, and communities. The environmental footprint of buildings is under increasing scrutiny, because the impact extends beyond mere construction; it encompasses the lifecycle of these structures, influencing energy consumption, resource utilisation, and overall sustainability.
What it comes down to is this: the demand for sustainable design and environmentally-friendly asset management practices has never been more critical.
We're going to take a closer look at the urgency of addressing the environmental impact of buildings and highlight the path toward sustainable building management. We'll discuss the importance of establishing a robust asset register — a foundational measure for transparent reporting and effective management of the environmental aspects of built structures. Let's get started.
Understanding ESG, ESM and CSR in building management
You've probably come across these terms before, but it's useful to define them in the context of building management.
Buildings are responsible for 37% of the world’s emissions - a combination between embodied and operational carbon. And it’s our job as Facility and Asset managers to plan for ways to reduce these emissions for the good of our customers and the planet.
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
ESG are the three pillars that measure the sustainability and ethical impact of an investment or business. When it comes to building management, ESG focuses on the environmental aspects, such as energy efficiency and emissions, the social implications, including community engagement, and the governance structures that uphold ethical standards.
ESM (Energy & Sustainability Management)
Energy & Sustainability Management (ESM) refers to an integrated suite of tools designed to monitor resource consumption across diverse portfolios. They enable organisations to track goals, assess targets, and continuously evaluate progress.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
CSR is a company's commitment to operating in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner. In building management, CSR extends beyond profitability, emphasising the broader impact on communities and the planet. It's about responsible construction practices, community engagement, and transparent reporting on environmental initiatives.
Collectively, these frameworks serve as compass points for responsible corporate practices, guiding organisations towards building and managing structures with a minimised environmental footprint. If you're serious about sustainable building management, decarbonising your building portfolio, the integration of ESG, ESM, and CSR principles is essential. Responsible corporate practices not only mitigate the environmental impact of buildings but also lay the foundation for a resilient, eco-conscious future.
Environmental impact assessment in construction
As the foundation of sustainable building management, an understanding of the operations and maintenance of buildings crucial. Key areas where building management contributes to environmental impact include:
- Resource utilisation - extraction of raw materials, such as timber, concrete, and metals, depletes natural resources and contributes to habitat destruction
- Embodied carbon - the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire life cycle of a building, including its raw material extraction, construction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and eventual disposal
- Energy consumption - operational efficiency to reduce energy usage and carbon production, i.e. renewable energy sources, replacing old equipment with their modern equivalent, and shutting down spaces within buildings that aren’t used - lights and air conditioning
- Waste generation – maintenance of buildings produces a certain amount of waste. Improper waste disposal contributes to pollution and land degradation
- Water usage - construction activities, especially in large-scale projects, can lead to significant water consumption, impacting local water sources
Sustainable building practices
Environmentally-friendly construction materials are really important when it comes to sustainable building management. You need to keep the following in mind:
- Utilising materials with lower environmental impact, such as recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and sustainable concrete alternatives, reduces resource depletion and minimises waste
- Incorporating passive design strategies, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources enhances the overall energy performance of a building, contributing to long-term sustainability
- Integrating green roofs and walls not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also provides insulation, reduces urban heat island effects, and promotes biodiversity
- Implementing water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable landscaping reduces water consumption and promotes responsible water management
These sustainable building practices not only contribute to the reduction of environmental impact but also foster healthier, more resilient communities.
Managing environmental impact through robust asset management and planning
The team at SPM Assets has long been committed to helping our clients mitigate the environmental impact of their built assets. Leveraging robust asset management solutions and strategic planning, we can help transform your approach to sustainable building management. Here's how:
Asset register
At the heart of effective environmental stewardship lies the creation of a comprehensive asset register. A detailed asset register is the measure for transparent reporting on environmental factors. This register serves as a baseline, providing a clear snapshot of the environmental footprint of each asset.
Sustainable planning
We ensure sustainable planning by combining four fundamental elements: sustainability, efficiency, resilience, and people-centricity. Each of these elements is interconnected, forming the foundation of property stewardship that goes beyond monetary wealth. It's about creating a legacy of sustainable, efficient, resilient, and people-centric properties that transcend generations.
Lifecycle analysis
Comprehensive lifecycle analysis ensures strategic and informed decision-making across the entire asset lifecycle.
Informed decision-making
Armed with accurate data from the asset register, you can make informed decisions aimed at minimising environmental impact. Moving from asset level analysis to project level decision making where budgets are set by ensuring the right projects are done for the right reasons at the right time.
Monitoring and reporting
Our solutions go beyond initial planning, providing tools for continuous monitoring and reporting. Regular assessments enable you to track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and showcase their commitment to sustainable building practices.
By fostering the creation of a robust asset register and integrating sustainability into every facet of asset management, we give you what you need for proactive environmental stewardship.
Conclusion - a clear pathway to understanding the environmental impact of your built assets
Through environmentally-friendly planning, informed decision-making, and continuous monitoring, we can help you minimise the impact your buildings have on the environment. Sustainable building practices are becoming increasingly common, and with good reason. By integrating ESG, ESM, and CSR principles into day-to-day facility management, you can transform your intentions of a sustainable built environment into a tangible reality.
SPM Assets. Building lifecycle connections.
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