Developing a sustainable approach to corporate FM in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose -This paper aims to examine common environmental practices and strategies for implementing sustainable FM among Nigerian FM practitioners. Design/methodology/approach -A review of the literature on sustainability and environmental management was undertaken. Data collection was through self-administered questionnaires directed to a sample of 150 facilities managers who are members of the International Facility Management Association (Nigeria Group), Lagos, Nigeria. Structured interviews with five top facilities management professionals were also conducted. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, means, z-test, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and relative importance index. The survey achieved a response rate of 30 percent. Findings -The survey revealed that many of the practitioners put a premium on achieving energy efficiency as a very vital environmental practice within their organizations. A strategic management procedure is more important for the implementation of environmental management in the Nigerian FM industry. Originality/value -There is a paucity of literature in sustainability within facilities management in Nigeria. An integration of sustainability considerations into FM practice is required to promote the development of suitable environmental initiatives and practices within Nigerian cities, as many facilities managers are employed by companies whose activities harm the environment.

An investigation on policy direction and drivers for sustainable facilities management practice in Nigeria

“…Though a relatively new field, it was introduced into the country as a result of relocation of two foremost multinational oil companies, namely, Chevron and Mobil in the early 1980s (Adewunmi et al, 2012). However, the concept of sustainable FM practice is grossly under-researched even as awareness is abysmally low and attitude towards the concept inadequate.…”

“…As Elmualim et al (2010) asserted, the social strand of sustainable development, for example, provides a focus on social justice and development which gives the community a voice in the decision-making process about issues that affect their lives in the wider society. The recent study by Adewunmi et al (2012) equally dealt on the environmental aspect of sustainable FM in Nigeria and addressed issues on environmental management. The general submission of the study is that efforts should be devoted to environmental concerns of customers and employees of FM organisations, while the use of energy-efficient equipment should be accorded priority to save costs and reduce agony from frequent power challenges in the country.…”

“…To examine the sustainability agenda as it relates to FM practice, recent studies have started to make contributions on how FM practice can be sustainable Elmualim et al, 2010;Price et al, 2011;Adewunmi et al, 2012;Elmualim et al, 2012;Valen and Olsson, 2012). It must, however, be pointed out that this line of inquiry is still at an emerging stage which is why leading academic journals in FM research, such as Journal of Facilities Management, are dedicating special coverage to the concept as a way of underscoring the pace to which FM as a profession is latching over the sustainability debate.…”

“…According to Adewunmi et al (2012), other recognised environmental protection provision include the Harmful Waste (Special Criminal Provisions) Act Cap 165 which was in response to the illegal dumping of toxic waste in Nigeria in 1988, the EIA Decree 86 of 1992 which emanated directly from the provision of Principle 17 of Rio Declaration (Anago, 2002). However, the most direct national legal framework on sustainability by Nigeria was the National Energy Policy (NEP) enacted in 2003.…”

“…According to Adewunmi et al (2012), the issue of environmental sustainability in Nigeria centres on soil degradation, rapid deforestation, urban air and pollution, desertification, oil pollution (which has destroyed water, air and arable lands in the Niger Delta) and rapid urbanisation. Even though it is required under Nigerian law (Environmental Impact Assessment Decree 86 of 1992) that environmental impact assessment be conducted for any building projects with more than four floors, it remains to be seen if it has made any appreciable impact on sustainable FM practice in Nigeria.…”