More organisations 'greening' facilities

THIS YEAR, Earth Day was observed on April 22 with the theme "A Billion Acts of Green". Likewise, World Environment Day was observed on June 5 under the banner "Forest: Nature at your Service". These two events highlight increasing efforts to raise global awareness of the effects of our activities on the environment and the need for affirmative action to ensure the sustainability of our planet. How does facilities management impact on the environment - and more importantly, how can facilities managers contribute to sustainable development, i.e. "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Commission, 1987)?