UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
For those of us in facilities management, these may seem too big, too broad and not applicable to us. But for change to occur, we all must embrace this challenge. So, when considering an organization’s sustainability goals, we must think on a global level. We can start by thinking about the impacts to our local community, region, or country.
These 17 actions for the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focuses on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN recognizes that action in one area will affect outcomes in other areas. That development must balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability -- just like the triple bottom line.
SDGs that are especially relevant to facility professionals:
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Cities occupy just 3 percent of Earth’s land, but account for 60-80 percent of energy consumption and 75 percent of carbon emissions.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Global greenhouse gas emissions will increase by nearly 14 percent between 2010 + 2030 under current national commitments to climate action.
Emissions must be reduced by 43 percent by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Circular economy
When looking at a product’s life cycle, before sustainability was part of the conversation, we looked at that life cycle in a linear way: from raw materials to disposal. When viewed this way, it leads to resource depletion and the increase of pollution and waste.
A better way to think about resources is through a circular economy, which minimizes how much is going into the waste stream by recycling and reusing as much as possible before it all eventually becomes waste. When you look at it this way, you create opportunities for creativity and innovation for the total cost of a product and its life cycle..png?width=382&height=310&name=Circular%20economy%20(3).png)
40% of IFMA credential-holders received a promotion
after earning their credential.
The average 5-year ROI for IFMA credentials is 16:1
a 15 percent increase since 2017.
SFP-holders who also have their CFM make €118,000+
on average.