Facilities management sustainability progress in Malaysia
For the places where we live, work, or play, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes efforts that keep them running. From clean offices to well-maintained parks and functional airports, a lot goes into making sure everything operates efficiently. This is where facilities management (FM) comes in. But as we face growing environmental challenges, there’s an increasing focus on sustainable facilities management.
This article will explore FM as a holistic view, the leaders of industry in Malaysia, and job opportunities. While discussing how sustainability fits into FM.
What is Facilities Management?
At its core, facilities management is all about maintaining and managing buildings, infrastructure, and facilities like hospitals, malls, schools, and offices. It covers a wide range of services that help ensure the day-to-day running of a facility, from cleaning and security to maintenance, energy management, and even space planning.
Facilities management plays a key role in ensuring that environments are safe, efficient, and comfortable. This involves overseeing various operational activities like:
- Building Maintenance: Keeping equipment and the building’s structure in good shape.
- Energy Management: Ensuring the efficient use of energy to lower costs and reduce carbon footprints.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining a safe environment.
- Space Management: Use spaces efficiently, which leads to cost savings and improved workflow.
Leading Facilities Management Companies in Malaysia
Malaysia’s facilities management sector is growing as more organisations realise the value of outsourcing these critical tasks to experts. Some of the well-known facilities management companies operating in Malaysia include, but are not limited to:
- UEM Edgenta Berhad
A leading name in the industry, UEM Edgenta provides total asset solutions, including healthcare support, infrastructure, and facility management. They focus on integrating sustainability into their services, aiming to minimise environmental impacts. - GFM Services Berhad
GFM Services is another major player that offers a wide range of facilities management services, including maintenance, security, cleaning, and even landscaping. The company is committed to improving the sustainability of the facilities they manage by implementing energy-saving initiatives and green technologies. - Medivest Sdn Bhd
Specialising in healthcare facility management, Medivest is known for its high-quality services in maintaining hospitals and healthcare institutions. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their efforts to optimise energy usage and reduce environmental impacts in healthcare settings. - JLL
JLL is a global real estate and facilities management firm with a strong presence in Malaysia. They provide integrated facilities management services with a focus on sustainability, helping clients reduce energy consumption and adopt green building practices. - CBRE Malaysia
CBRE is another global leader in real estate services, offering facilities management solutions tailored to clients’ needs. Their focus on sustainability includes improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring compliance with green building standards.
Sustainability in Facilities Management
Sustainability has become a major focus in facilities management in recent years as organisations increasingly recognise their environmental responsibilities. So, what does sustainable facilities management actually mean?
Simply put, it involves managing buildings and infrastructure in ways that reduce their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy, minimising waste, conserving water, and ensuring buildings are energy efficient. Sustainability in facilities management isn’t just about being green. It helps organisations save money in the long run by reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.
Some key aspects of sustainable facilities management include:
- Energy Efficiency: The most impactful way to make a facility more sustainable is by reducing energy use. This can be done through better insulation, using energy-efficient lighting, and optimising heating and cooling systems.
- Waste Management: Proper waste disposal and recycling are essential for sustainable facilities. This includes managing everything from everyday office waste to the disposal of hazardous materials.
- Water Conservation: Facilities can also reduce their environmental impact by managing water use more effectively. This can include installing low-flow taps, using greywater recycling systems, and fixing leaks promptly.
- Sustainable Materials: When it comes to construction or renovations, facilities managers can opt for sustainable materials, such as those that are recycled or have a low environmental impact.
By adopting sustainable practices, facilities managers can not only reduce their organisation’s carbon footprint but also lower operating costs and improve the well-being of building occupants.
Careers in Facilities Management
Facilities management is a diverse and dynamic field that offers a variety of career opportunities. From entry-level positions to more advanced roles, there’s plenty of room for growth.
Some common job roles in facilities management include:
- Facilities Manager: Overseeing the maintenance and operations of a building or group of buildings, ensuring that they are safe, efficient, and sustainable.
- Maintenance Supervisor: Managing teams of technicians to carry out repairs and maintenance on equipment, plumbing, electrical systems, and other building infrastructure.
- Health and Safety Officer: Ensuring that the facility complies with all health and safety regulations and that any risks are minimised.
- Energy Manager: Focusing on reducing energy use in buildings, implementing energy-saving initiatives, and improving overall efficiency.
With sustainability becoming increasingly important, there’s also a growing demand for roles related to sustainable building practices, such as:
- Sustainability Manager: Developing and implementing sustainability strategies for a facility or organisation.
- Environmental Consultant: Advising organisations on how to improve their environmental performance through better waste management, energy use, and sustainable materials.
Educational Pathways in Facilities Management
For those interested in a career in facilities management, several degree programs can help you get started. In Malaysia, you can pursue:
- Facilities Management: Many universities offer degree programs specifically in facilities management. These programs cover topics like building maintenance, health and safety, sustainability, and space management.
- Engineering or Building Services: A degree in engineering, particularly in fields like mechanical or electrical engineering, can also be a great way to enter the facilities management industry.
- Property Management: Some property management degrees also cover facilities management topics, especially in relation to managing large commercial or residential properties.
- Sustainability Studies: With the growing focus on sustainability, having a background in environmental science or sustainability can be a valuable asset in the field.
Why Sustainable Facilities Management is the Future
As Malaysia continues to develop, the demand for sustainable facilities management in Malaysia is only going to increase. With more buildings, infrastructure, and facilities being constructed, the need to manage these spaces in an environmentally responsible way is crucial.
Organisations are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact, and facilities management plays a key role in making that happen. Thus, the knowledge and skills of sustainability for facilities management professionals in Malaysia are sought after.
Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s the future of facilities management. By adopting sustainable practices, facilities managers can help their organisations save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and create healthier, more comfortable environments for the people who use their buildings.
In conclusion, sustainable facilities management is essential for the future of Malaysia’s built environment. As more organisations recognise the importance of sustainability, the demand for skilled professionals in this field will continue to grow. Another growing needs for facilities management professionals is the awareness and capability to leverage on technology. I have write an article based on actual research that was published on University of Malaya Journal.