IFMA: Green Building Practices Growing

Facility management professionals report a continued increase in the application of green building practices, according to findings from the 2005 Sustainability Study released by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

Seventy percent of those responding to the online survey report implementing green concepts within their organization's facility.

Using natural daylight, purchasing recycled office products, water conservation, participation in incentive programs offered by local utilities or state/provincial agencies, and adding environmental criteria to the vendor and product selection process topped the list of the most common green-building practices.

When asked about the motivation behind implementing green policies, facility managers reported concern for improved employee health and productivity, cost savings, environmental responsibility, reduced liability and life-cycle cost considerations. Public opinion and corporate or government mandates were listed less than the previously mentioned "motivations."

Compared to the 2002 survey results, there is a 3 percent increase in respondents adhering to a master plan to implement all feasible green concepts.

In this year's study, the majority of facility managers, 59 percent, report implementing selected green building concepts, unguided by a master plan; 11 percent are following a master plan to implement all feasible green concepts; 17 percent haven't implemented any green strategies, but will do so within the next two years; and 13 percent haven't implemented any green strategies, and do not plan to do so.

Full results of the study can be viewed at www.ifma.org

Singapore-based Cleaners to Attend Restroom-cleaning School
The World Toilet Organization is setting up its "Toilet College" in Singapore. Cleaners will receive training at the school, which is dedicated to changing the scope and perception of restroom-related cleaning jobs.

Targeting negative image, low morale and low pay, the college will emphasize using new equipment and techniques from Japan.

Cleaners will be trained to become all-around "managers" of restrooms: doing typical maintenance and repair work, as well as "recommending changes to the toilet layout," according to Jack Sim, president of the World Toilet Organization.

The first class of 30 students from a local cleaning company will start their training in October, Channel NewsAsia reported.

When re-entering the work force, newly skilled "restroom specialists" will see their salaries increase to more than $1,000 a month. Untrained cleaners earn approximately $500 a month.

The World Toilet Organization is a nonprofit organization with 17 members, including the Restroom Association of Singapore, the Japan Toilet Association and the Beijing Tourism Bureau.