What is Climate Change?
We’ve all had our fair share of news when it comes to climate change in recent years and we know that climate change is a long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole and it has been connected with damaging weather events such as more frequent and more intense hurricanes, floods, downpours, and winter storms. Together with expanding ocean waters due to rising temperatures melting polar ice, the resulting rise in sea levels has begun to damage coastlines as a result of increased flooding and erosion. The cause of current climate change is largely human activity, like burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials releases what are called greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. There, these gases trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise.
The facilities management sector and climate change
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and it is having a profound impact on the facilities management sector. As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more common, facilities managers are increasingly being challenged to keep buildings both safe and comfortable for occupants.
At the same time, facilities managers are under pressure to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings. Energy efficiency and sustainability are now major considerations in the design, construction, and operation of buildings.
The facilities management sector is responding to these challenges in a number of ways. Some facility managers are implementing energy-saving measures such as sensors, solar panels, and LED lighting. Others are developing plans to deal with extreme weather events, such as heat waves and floods. And some are working on both fronts, striving to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while also preparing for the impacts of climate change.
How are we helping combat climate change?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way for facilities management to help combat climate change will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each organization. However, there are a few general strategies that can be adopted in order to make a difference.
At Al Asmakh A To Z Services, we help combat climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of our company and implementing this at our clients’ facilities. Some of the ways we do this includes using energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, recycling and using recycled materials, and using green cleaning products.
We also strive to promote sustainable practices within the organization. This includes encouraging employees to carpool and take public transportation to work, encouraging employees to recycle, and to reduce their water consumption.