Strategising sustainability at the Transforming NHS Estates Conference and Exhibition

News

Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Institute of Government & Public Policy’s Transforming NHS Estates Conference and Exhibition at the Kia Oval, London. The focus of my presentation and panel discussion was IWFM’s 2024 Sustainability Survey Report, released in partnership with Equans UK & Ireland.

The Report shows that organisations having net zero plans correlated with higher levels of action, particularly in high impact areas such as heating, renewable energy sources/energy storage solutions and controls. The first section of the Report, on investments, shows the real impact workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals are having, especially on the types of investments made.

It’s a call for the profession to put value into action: step up and lead or somehow get involved. It’ll benefit the organisation, sector and world.

The UK’s 2050 target for net zero includes Scope 3 emissions, which are the indirect emissions generated in an organisation’s supply chain. Particularly within WFM, Scope 3 accounts for a large portion of emissions, yet our Sustainability Survey findings highlighted issues with the uptake of Scope 3 which may hinder progress to net zero targets.

With insights on featured investment decisions from experts in the Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG), I encourage every WFM professional to engage with the 2024 Sustainability Survey Report. A webinar is also being held to analyse the main findings in further detail on Wednesday 4 December. To sign up to attend, click here.

Finally, my thanks to the conference’s organisers, the audience and the teams who endeavoured to make the conference a success.

Mark Whittaker CIWFM

IWFM Chair