Sustainability has become a major focus for facilities managers in today’s world. It’s not just about reducing energy consumption or waste and leveraging the power of data; it’s also about being transparent in sustainability efforts. Transparency plays a crucial role both internally and externally, and here’s why it’s so important in efforts to achieve lasting change.

Building a Sustainable Corporate Culture

Transparency about sustainability efforts within an organization helps to establish trust among employees. A study by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that about 70% of employees (or potential employees) find sustainability programs make employers more appealing, whether in accepting an offer or remaining at a company. When facilities managers are open about their sustainability objectives and actions, it fosters a shared sense of purpose and solidarity among the team. Employees are more inclined to support sustainability endeavors when they understand the objectives and the advancements being achieved. This can result in heightened employee involvement and a more favorable work atmosphere.

According to a Deloitte survey, 80% of leaders have stated that employee activism has significantly influenced their sustainability initiatives and strategies, leading to improved brand recognition, higher employee morale, and better recruitment outcomes. With more young employees joining the workforce, these figures are expected to rise. Many Gen Z and Millennial workers have a strong environmental awareness and expect that their employers will value and act on their feedback.

Steps for Facilities Managers to Consider

Creating a consistent flow of collective intelligence and engagement opportunities is crucial for sustainable improvement and innovation. Consider these significant internal changes to establish effective sustainability practices.

• Establish a user-friendly system. If a manufacturing facility opts to recycle materials like cardboard, plastic, metals, pallets, and mixed wood, it’s important to establish an easy-to-learn system that encourages employee participation and engagement. This may involve the use of sensors and clear signage throughout the facility to simplify the sorting of recyclables and waste.
• Consider making material changes to the company’s operations based on data. If the data shows that a particular material is generating excessive waste, explore more environmentally friendly alternatives. Use insights from the facility’s operations to guide these important decisions.
• Invest in learning and development that empower employees to contribute. Being responsive to their suggestions, sharing sustainability data, and opening dialogue can create visible reminders of the facility’s commitment, making employees feel integral to the process. By valuing employee input and maintaining transparent communication, managers can visibly demonstrate the facility’s dedication and make employees feel essential to the initiative.

Facilities managers should actively engage their environmentally conscious employees, as they can offer valuable expertise in addressing sustainability challenges, identify potential issues for leadership, and drive significant meaningful change. This can be done by organizing regular sustainability meetings, creating a platform for employees to share their ideas, or even implementing a reward system for sustainable suggestions.

The Power of Partnership and Effective Waste Management

Research shows that 94% of stakeholders, including consumers and investors, are more likely to be loyal to a brand that’s completely transparent with its sustainability initiatives. This highlights the significant impact that transparency can have in building brand loyalty and trust.

In addition to building trust and credibility, external transparency offers the following possibilities:

• Increasing investor confidence. Investors are increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. Transparent reporting allows them to evaluate a company’s sustainability performance and evaluate potential risks and opportunities. By providing accurate and open information, organizations can appeal to ethical investors and enhance their ability to secure funding.
• Capturing stakeholders’ attention. Sharing relevant details allows businesses to help stakeholders understand their role in ESG initiatives. This involvement can allow for constructive discussions, encourage collaboration, and uncover opportunities for enhancement.
• Improving performance. Companies can enhance their performance by communicating goals, tracking progress, and addressing obstacles. Gathering input from stakeholders and embracing successful approaches encourages ongoing development and enables companies to align their strategies with stakeholder expectations.
• Encouraging innovation and collaboration. Sharing information about sustainability initiatives inspires others and promotes knowledge-sharing. Transparent reporting enables benchmarking, comparison, and the identification of industry leaders, fostering healthy competition and driving continuous improvement.

Businesses don’t have to embark on the sustainability journey alone. For example, they can partner with waste handling and service providers to identify the most efficient methods without disrupting their operations. Customized solutions are also available to involve everyone in the process, enabling facilities managers to concentrate on their primary business activities.

By establishing clear objectives, keeping stakeholders informed, gathering feedback, and promoting a sustainable corporate culture, businesses can effectively progress their sustainability efforts with their stakeholders’ support.

Ray Hatch is the president and CEO of Quest Resource Management Group, a national provider of waste and recycling services to help large businesses achieve their environmental and sustainability goals and responsibilities.

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