International. ASHRAE (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Guild Association) issued a statement signed by 26 of the world's leading construction industry organizations, including the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), to government representatives attending the United Nations Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 27). ), committing to take a leading role in efforts to decarbonise the built environment.
Acutely aware of the negative environmental impact of the construction sector, mainly on global resource consumption, waste and energy use, IFMA announced that it is firmly committed to helping FMs around the world put their organizations on the path to positive sustainable action.
"The burden of addressing and solving the climate crisis does not fall to a single industry, nation, organization or movement. The challenge is in all of us; But people should be inspired by real-world examples of successful sustainable outcomes. Those of us in the construction industry are in a prime position to provide those examples, showcasing the economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable facility practices and policies. We have an incredible opportunity to change mindsets and lead imperative action by reporting widely on measured performance results, which is what construction professionals do every day," said Laurie A. Gilmer, P.E., CFM, FMP, SFP, LEED AP, chair of IFMA's Global Board of Directors.
To do business on the world stage, organizations must allocate resources to enhance efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to the U.S. Green Building Council, there is demand for green jobs, and facility management (FM) is gaining recognition as a green building career.
FMs are uniquely positioned to lead sustainability strategies to the next level; and Sustainability Facility Professionals® (SFP®) are qualified to set important goals, turn commitment into responsibility, and make a measurable and meaningful difference.
IFMA's SFP credential was updated to address significant changes in the sustainability realm such as energy purchasing and consumption, ESG reporting, and the circular economy, and to accommodate facilities professionals' limited time in pursuit of valuable credentials.
