There is a constant, overwhelming sea of information around the topic of sustainability. For facility managers who commit themselves to doing better on this front, their good intentions are often overshadowed by that information tsunami, which unintentionally leads to inaction.
Which metrics should be observed, which ones should be prioritised and which ones should be programmed as long-term objectives, rather than pouring in an unnecessary amount of immediate resources into them?
The truth is that there is no single ready reckoner when it comes to this subject. However, organisations, such as the Green Building Council of Australia, which is also our Supporting Partner for this edition, have brought much-needed clarity into the conversation.
Its white papers, exclusive panel discussions and rating tools allow facility managers to regain a degree of control over their sustainability mandate.
Whether it’s a data centre, a build-to-rent facility or sprawling mixed-use commercial precinct, the requirements of each are diverse and here at FM Media we’re doing our best to help further the conversation around sustainability best practices across all of them.
Over the course of this sustainability-themed edition, read our exclusive article on the energy and water saving measures now being built into data centres in Australia at the construction stage itself (pages 38-41), understand how the build-to-rent sector is using sustainability as a differentiator when positioning itself against build-to-sell (pages 16-19) and take a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to operate a world-class aquatic facility (pages 48-51), which has to juggle between several priorities including water conservation, recycling and maintaining public health.
Across this issue, there’s more information – direct, helpful advice – for facility managers planning on installing vertical greening systems (pages 32-35) in their facilities, and those considering getting ahead of the curve and preparing for the widely-anticipated digital material passports (pages 28-31), which give facilities managers a true asset life cycle record with traceability and accountability throughout the process.
We do hope that every facility manager reading this edition comes away with a little more clarity of thought and a little more determination – because tackling sustainability can be daunting, but equally rewarding when witnessing its enormous impact.
Enjoy the issue.
