The IWFM Sustainability Report for 2024 was published this week, with two of the headline findings being…
- A growth in the intent for organisations to reach net zero by 2050, up from 53% in 2022 to 75% in 2024; and
- Planning for energy efficiency and decarbonisation has increased by 37%, from just 19% in 2023 to 56% in 2024.
With the IWFM 2024 Market Outlook report also indicating carbon reduction solutions enjoying the largest investment increase, in addition to considering this aspect further, the Sustainability Report this year also delves into Scope 3, including awareness, uptake and impact on feasibility of net zero plans.
Sofie Hooper, Head of Policy and Research at IWFM, commenting on the report said, "Workplace and facilities management transforms organisations and WFMs have real agency in net zero planning. We are encouraged to see that WFMs are influencing investments, especially the type of investments organisations are making but we want to see much more involvement of these lynchpin operators overall. As well as providing expert help and encouragement to WFMs, today’s report turns up the volume on our call to the profession to put its value into action: ‘Step up and lead. Your organisation will benefit'.
As part of the IWFM Sustainability SIG and contributor to the report for a number of years it is always good to be able to produce some meaningful insight, especially into such an important topic. Scope 3 (when delivered well) is difficult, requiring organisations to look at emissions externally through the supply chain, as well as those generated internally. It will need effort and honesty if the targets being set are to be met.
We cannot lose sight either of the wider sustainability agenda. Health, safety and wellbeing, EDI and social value are other important elements of the mix, from a talent attraction/retention, reputation, compliance and indeed profit perspective - for the 21st century business, these are 'as well as' - not instead of.
A link to the survey is Sustainability Survey 2024