Price, SJ; (2012) To deliver a sustainable built estate; the management and operationalisation of sustainable facilities management. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This study determines the ability of FM to operationalise the management of sustainability through delivering a change in culture towards Sustainable Facilities Management (SFM). Delivering a sustainable built estate is an increasingly important aspect of society considering that it produces 45% of all UK Carbon emissions (Kelly, 2008). Through a combination of case study and observational research methods this study answers the query of where Facilities Management (FM) can fit in as part of the solution. A mixed methodological approach was taken using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. A grounded theory was followed with the research findings developed through multiple stages. A content analysis conducted on 65 FM organisations established the current position of the industry towards SFM. Interviews were conducted with 10 FM professional to create an understanding of sustainability in the FM context. However, the main focus of the case study was a two year ethnographic study to test the response of an FM organisation to environmental policy. To test the result of this primary energy and waste data was used to analyse the impact of SFM operationally. Energy and waste were two sections of sustainability that were chosen to be used to further analysis due to the availability of measureable data. Finally, the impact of physical facilities upon the environmental behaviour of building occupants was tested through a questionnaire regarding recycling facilities; 500 questionnaires were issued, with a response rate of 38%. The research shows that FM is in a key position to participate in delivering environmental policy for the built environment. SFM can be operationalised to deliver a consistent, methodological approach that has sustainability as a core element. This shows that the model of FM is changing. Facility design and provision does impact on occupant behaviour, physical facilities should be considered as a factor implementing environmental behaviour.

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