Sustainable FM KTP
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important issue for Government, professional institutes and the business community in general. The facilities management profession represents collectively the largest group of multi-disciplinary built environment specialists dedicated to the on-going improvement, operation and management of the UK’s existing building stock, and as such, has a primary role to play in implementing the sustainability agenda.
It is however recognised by those at the forefront of Sustainability and Facilities management research and practice, that although the FM profession has been presented with an opportunity to make a real and measurable difference by driving the sustainability agenda forward, it does not at present have easy access to the specialist knowledge, tools and supporting case study material necessary to make this a reality.
To these ends, the University of Reading’s School of Construction Management & Engineering, internationally renowned for their research activity in this area, have partnered with the Facilities Management profession, represented by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM). This alliance has been made possible by the Technology Straregy Board’s (TSB previously the DTI) Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme (KTP), which has provided considerable funding for the project.
The KTP project is also being supported by headline sponsors Kinnarps.
Kinnarps is one of Europe’s leading office furniture manufacturers, with a reputation for the strength of their environmental credentials and sustainable practices. http://www.kinnarps.com/en/uk/
There is however a need to attract further funding in order to go the extra mile, and exceed industry expectation. This represents a significant opportunity for innovative and socially responsible organisations to become involved and help shape the future of FM service delivery.
The project has appointed a full-time Research Associate and has formed a Steering Group, comprising individuals from leading organisations operating within this area. Project plans and terms of reference have been drawn up.
An “Online Sustainability Survey” was launched in May 2009. The Sustainability Survey report and summary report can be found below.
“Sustainability in FM Knowledge-Portal”, a major deliverable under the project was launched in March 2009, at the BIFM Annual Conference. Further project deliverables include:
- In November 2008, publication of BIFM Good Practice Guide “Implementing Sustainability Policy"
- A series of regional roadshows and training sessions
- The integration of sustainability into professional competencies and skills for BIFM members.
The value of both internal and external PR from association with this project will clearly be high. To find out more about project sponsorship opportunities please contact Carolyn Knight on 0845 058 1356
For more general information about the project, its progress and deliverables, please call Gordon Ludlow on 07986 819084 or email gpludlow@yahoo.co.uk
Headline Sponsors for the Sustainable FM KTP Project
Documents
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BIFM Annual Sustainability Survey 2009 - Full Report
Sustainable FM Summary Survey Report 2009
