Key Takeaways from the IWFM & Equans UK & Ireland 2024 Sustainability Report

The IWFM & Equans UK & Ireland 2024 Sustainability Survey Report, strongly emphasises the vital role of learning and development (L&D) in equipping facilities management (FM) professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead the charge toward a more sustainable built environment. 

At Portobello Institute, as Ireland’s leading facilities management education provider, we consistently witness the benefits of L&D on our graduates’ personal, professional and career development. 

The IWFM Sustainability Survey 2024 Report, created by the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) in partnership with Equans UK & Ireland, was recently published for IWFM members. 

The report presents findings from a survey conducted between July and September 2024, which gathered responses from 537 workplace and facilities managers (WFMs) and FM service providers. It focuses on decarbonisation efforts and Scope 3 emissions, aiming to guide WFMs on investment strategies, financing options, and the measurement and management of Scope 3 emissions. 

The Importance of Learning and Development in Facilities Management for a Sustainable Future 

Navigating the Complexities of Sustainability 

The report underscores the intricate nature of sustainability challenges, particularly in areas like Scope 3 emissions and decarbonising heating systems. Scope 3 emissions, also known as indirect emissions, are generated from assets not owned or controlled by an organisation and include both upstream and downstream activities. For example, for workplace and facilities managers, Scope 3 could include emissions from waste, business travel, and purchased goods and services. 

It notes that "decarbonising heat is difficult in the UK," and highlights the widespread failure to grasp the inclusion of Scope 3 in net-zero targets. This complexity necessitates robust L&D programs to ensure FM professionals can: 

• Comprehend Scope 3: FM professionals need a thorough understanding of the Scope 3 framework, its categories, and measurement methodologies to effectively track and manage these often-overlooked emissions. 

• Decarbonise Heating Systems: Given the significant challenge of decarbonising heat, specialised training in the latest technologies and strategies for transitioning to low-carbon heating solutions is essential. 

• Master Building Controls: The report identifies controls as one of the most complex investment areas, demanding specialised knowledge to optimise building systems for energy efficiency. 

Adapting to the Evolving Investment Landscape 

The report reveals a shift in investment priorities, moving from traditional areas like lighting toward more innovative solutions like renewable energy sources and energy storage, research and development, and heating. Effective L&D programs must equip FM professionals to: 

• Embrace New Technologies: Training should incorporate the latest advancements in renewable energy, energy storage, and heating technologies to enable FM professionals to make informed investment decisions and manage these systems effectively. 

• Analyse Financial and Environmental Impacts: L&D should emphasise data literacy skills, enabling FM professionals to measure and report the financial and environmental impacts of sustainability investments, justifying continued funding and demonstrating the value of FM in achieving sustainability goals. 

Bridging the Client-Service Provider Gap 

The report highlights a disconnect between client-side FM professionals and service providers, particularly in Ireland, regarding the progress of decarbonisation planning. L&D can play a crucial role in bridging this gap by: 

• Promoting Collaboration: Incorporating collaborative learning activities and projects involving students representing both client-side and service provider perspectives can foster dialogue and understanding, leading to more effective partnerships. 

•  Enhancing Communication: Training in effective communication and negotiation skills can equip FM professionals from both sides to articulate their perspectives, align goals, and work together to achieve shared sustainability objectives. 

Addressing Ireland-Specific Challenges and Opportunities 

The report's dedicated section on Ireland underscores the need for L&D programs tailored to the unique context of the Irish market including: 

• Integrating Irish Policies and Regulations: The curriculum should incorporate modules covering relevant Irish policies, such as the Green Public Procurement Initiative, the National Energy and Climate Plan, and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, preparing graduates to operate within the Irish regulatory landscape. 

• Highlighting Local Resources: Students should be familiarised with Irish organisations like the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and funding initiatives like the Green Transition Finance product, equipping them to access resources and support for sustainability projects in Ireland. 

How can Portobello Institute help? 

Portobello Institute has a longstanding reputation as a quality education provider in Workplace and Facilities Management.  

By prioritising these L&D areas, our FM faculty plays a pivotal role in shaping a new generation of FM professionals who are not only technically proficient but also equipped with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative mindset to drive sustainable practices and create a more environmentally responsible built environment in Ireland into the future. 

Check out our facilities management faculty here.