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Sustainability practices just got
easier for the facility management profession as the International
Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced a collaborative
agreement with
the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments to develop and
deliver sustainability educational programs, as well as provide
research and planning tools.
Since 2003, the Alliance—which includes the international companies Johnson
Controls, Milliken and Company, Forbo Flooring, Philips Lighting, JohnsonDiversey
and Owens Corning—has been working to educate the marketplace and top management
on the benefits of reducing the overall impact facilities have on the natural
environment and on building occupants.
This new partnership will bring sustainability concepts and state-of-the-art
practices to a vital division of business organizations. Currently, more than
18,400 facility management professionals are members of IFMA, managing nearly
23 billion square feet of workspace combined.
“Fifty-nine percent of IFMA’s North American members are currently
implementing some sustainable practices, often without a plan, and another 17
percent plan to do so in the next two years,” said David J. Brady, IFMA
president and CEO. “The Alliance has become a focal point for green building
practices, with the right resources and unparalleled commitment.”
IFMA/Alliance programming and activities will include a number of environmental
metrics, including the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design (LEED) programs, Energy Star, Climate Leaders and others.
The Alliance also will take a key role in developing the first dedicated sustainability
educational track at IFMA’s annual World Workplace Conference and Expo
Oct. 8-10 in San Diego. More than 5,000 facility management professionals are
expected to attend.
“Facility management professionals have an incredible impact on how their
organizations implement high-performance, green solutions for their buildings,” said
Bill Gregory, director of sustainable strategies for Milliken and Company, and
a spokesman for the Alliance. “Since these individuals collectively manage
nearly 60 billion square feet of building space in the United States, getting
resources to them, combined with their commitment and experience, will greatly
benefit the sustainability movement within the built environment.”
IFMA is the largest and most widely recognized professional association for facility
management, supporting more than 18,400 members. The Association’s members
are represented 54 countries worldwide.
Globally, IFMA certifies facility managers,
conducts research, provides educational programs, recognizes facility management
degree and certificate programs, and produces World Workplace, the largest facility
management-related conference and exposition.
The Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments is a group of industry leaders
who practice and are recognized for leadership in sustainability; that is economic,
social and environmental responsibility. It is committed to delivering high-performance
sustainable solutions for the built environment. |
