Integrated facility management to come of age in India

Human induced warming has risen since pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways are highly affected. The report strengthens the need for a global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. This heightens the need for widespread collective global action. There has been an increase in extreme weather events across the world and 8 of the 10warmest years on record occurred in the last decade. We are now seeing a revolution towards a zero-carbon future and India is not holding back from it. We are particularly vulnerable to climate change as we see the inconsistency in rainfall across our various states. Rising sea-level make lives living around at-risk during all times of the year.

India is progressing aggressively and creating its own space in adopting environmentally sound technologies and initiatives to align with the globe in combating climate change. We see advancement in the corporate culture as millennials are entering the workforce with a commitment to the environment. Hence, they demand a sustainable workplace. Integrated facility management (IFM) is yet to reach to its full function to provide this. We see the culture is evolving due to the rising demand on providing well-kept, lasting and sound environments.

Sustainable practices help to improve overall environmental health, lifestyle and maintains a more holistic environment in the respective communities. Progressing towards a better environment requires a social shift in the way mankind thinks and approaches the subject. More sustainable ways of living include advancement in environmental friendly technologies like focus on renewable energies and sustainable construction like green buildings. In creating a sustainable environment, industries need to adopt the latest eco-friendly methods in bringing in changes.

Facility management companies are committed to creating a desirable environment at work which not only contribute to productivity but also helps in employee retention. A sustainable FM function demands better upkeep of the workplace, is more engaging, creates lively working atmosphere, has a more long-term approach and encourages cost optimisation. This pushes corporates to outsource facility services to a competent IFM provider. IFM leaders are now involved in the designing and planning of buildings so that the infrastructure can be more efficiently managed and is more functional. Corporates wish to perform sustainably because of their sense of commitment and operational impact on the environment. They are also accountable towards society and implement simple, cost-effective yet smart methods for reducing all types of consumption for their everyday work life.

Sustainable practices are not only good for environment but also budget-friendly. The core area for transition to be more sustainable is integrated water management, energy-efficient system, waste management, fleet management, process digitisation etc. A united movement towards the future will lead to huge changes in the corporate landscape. Therefore, our end-goal should be to safeguard premises and ensure they function optimally through a sustainable approach.