How facilities managers are protecting against climate risks – JLL
Sustainable Facility Management and Climate Resilience: A Report on Current Practices
Introduction
As global temperatures rise and climate challenges intensify, companies are increasingly focusing on maintaining the health and comfort of their employees while advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Effective systems maintenance and innovative technologies are playing a critical role in achieving these objectives, particularly in relation to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Optimizing Energy Efficiency through AI
Harris Karim, Senior Sustainability Product Director at JLL, emphasizes the growing importance of systems maintenance in the context of rising temperatures. AI tools such as Hank are being utilized to continuously optimize HVAC equipment, resulting in potential reductions of up to 20% in energy consumption and costs. This advancement supports SDG 7 by promoting affordable and clean energy solutions.
Flood Resilience and Water Management Strategies
In flood-prone regions, companies are adopting multiple strategies to protect critical infrastructure and support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action):
- Relocating critical systems to safer locations
- Installing sump pumps and flood doors
- Upgrading drainage systems
An example is New York’s Hudson Yards development, which collects nearly 10 million gallons of stormwater annually from roofs and plazas to irrigate green spaces, thereby advancing SDG 6 and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Water Scarcity and Smart Irrigation
In regions facing water scarcity, challenges such as soil contraction affecting building foundations and biodiversity have led to increased adoption of smart irrigation systems and water recycling technologies. These measures align with SDG 6 by promoting sustainable water management and conservation.
Corporate Water Efficiency Initiatives
Companies are reassessing water usage within their operations to contribute to SDG 6 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). For instance, South African company Firmenich has implemented water-efficient plumbing systems that reduce water consumption in lavatories by 84% at its Johannesburg headquarters. Additionally, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems reduces dependence on municipal water supplies.
Drivers for Sustainable Resource Management
- Rising utility costs incentivizing efficient energy and water use
- Occupier demands for transparent sustainability reporting
- The increasing urgency of resource management amid climate change
Facilities managers are becoming more aware of these factors, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices that contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action).
1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Water-efficient plumbing, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling efforts mentioned in the article relate directly to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Use of AI tools to optimize HVAC equipment and reduce energy consumption connects to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Implementation of smart irrigation systems, upgraded drainage, and flood protection infrastructure relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Stormwater collection and green space watering at Hudson Yards development aligns with making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- Efforts to manage energy and water consumption efficiently in response to climate change highlight climate action.
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified
- SDG 6 Targets
- 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and increasing water recycling and safe reuse.
- 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply.
- SDG 7 Targets
- 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
- SDG 9 Targets
- 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
- 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
- SDG 11 Targets
- 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated planning and management.
- 11.5: Reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including water-related disasters.
- SDG 13 Targets
- 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress
- Energy Consumption Reduction
- Indicator related to percentage reduction in energy consumption through AI optimization of HVAC systems (e.g., 20% reduction mentioned).
- Water Use Efficiency
- Percentage reduction in water use in facilities (e.g., 84% less water used in lavatories at Firmenich headquarters).
- Volume of rainwater harvested and reused (e.g., stormwater collection of nearly 10 million gallons annually at Hudson Yards).
- Infrastructure Resilience
- Implementation of flood protection measures such as sump pumps, flood doors, and upgraded drainage systems.
- Climate Adaptation Measures
- Adoption of smart irrigation systems and water recycling in water-scarce regions.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation |
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy |
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities |
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SDG 13: Climate Action |
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Source: jll.com