September 2, 2005—Facilities managers reported an increase in the use of green building practices, according to findings from the 2005 Sustainability Study released by the International Facility Management Association.
The vast majority, 70% of those responding to the online survey, reported implementing green concepts within their organization’s buildings.
Using daylight, purchasing recycled office products, water conservation, participation in incentive programs offered by utilities or government agencies and adding environmental criteria to the supplier and product selection process topped the list of the most common green building practices.
When asked about the motivation behind implementing green policies, FMs noted concern for improved employee health and productivity, cost savings, environmental responsibility, reduced liability and life cycle cost strategies. Of slightly less importance were public opinion and corporate or government mandates, IFMA reports.
Compared to 2002 survey results, there was a 3% increase in those who reported adhering to a master plan to implement all feasible green concepts. The data for this study was drawn from web-based questionnaire sent to over 3,500 US and Canadian members of IFMA in May. For more information, see the IFMA Web site.
