Climate resilience and sustainability are crucial to mitigate climate related disasters : Opinion

Written by Alexander Susai, General Manager, South Operations Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd.

The Real Estate sector accounts for nearly 40 Per cent of the energy consumption globally. The majority is consumed by commercial buildings & industries and over 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate this, climate resilience and sustainability are crucial aspects. Facility management plays a role in strengthening infrastructure and reducing negative environmental impacts.

These professionals collaborate with architects, engineers, and sustainable consultants to incorporate sustainable design principles in new buildings and renovation projects.

With the help of energy-efficient materials, implementing renewable energy systems, optimizing water usage and waste management, and promoting green building certifications like LEED, facility managers reduce resource consumption and environmental impact. They incorporate climate-responsive concepts such as orientation, skylights, shading devices, and landscaping further enhance infrastructure
resilience.
In the healthcare sector, facility managers are focused on the implementation of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides guidance on designing healthcare facilities that meet these objectives.

Facility managers can use this guidance in collaboration with healthcare professionals to implement sustainable measures such as flood-resistant infrastructure, green spaces, and backup power systems, ensuring continuous critical services during climate-related disruptions.

Additionally, facility managers are responsible for developing and implementing climate adaptation and resilience plans in buildings and facilities. They assess vulnerabilities to climate change impacts and implement measures to mitigate risks. These measures include flood-resistant infrastructure, green spaces to reduce urban heat island effects, and backup power systems.

Facility managers focus on building efficiency measures to reduce energy dependence and integrate renewable energy
sources like solar and wind power.

By leveraging IoT, mobile apps, and advanced technologies, facility managers collect real-time data and monitor to improve operating efficiencies and enhance facility healthiness. They promote rainwater harvesting, incorporate recharge pits to reuse systems, and effective waste management practices like recycling and organic waste conversion.

Facility managers also integrate natural elements and green infrastructure into urban planning, creating green spaces, stormwater
management systems, and biodiversity-friendly habitats.

Facility managers engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and environmental organizations, to foster collaboration and promote sustainability in urban planning.

They participate in sustainability initiatives, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience and ecosystem health. Engaging stakeholders and fostering partnerships are essential for creating sustainable and resilient cities.

Monitoring and reporting sustainability indicators such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions are essential. This data enables FMs to identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance sustainability and resilience over time.

Regular monitoring and reporting facilitate setting targets, measuring progress, and adapting practices to
achieve long-term sustainability goals.

In conclusion, facility management professionals play a crucial role in creating liveable, environmentally friendly cities by prioritizing sustainability and resilience in infrastructure design and operations. By incorporating sustainable design and construction practices, developing climate adaptation and resilience plans, utilizing advanced technologies, and monitoring progress, facility managers contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future.