“Carbon Footprint,” a free publication in the IFMA (International Facility Management Association) Foundation's "Sustainability ‘How-to’ Guide" series, provides a comprehensive approach to understanding greenhouse-gas-emission accounting, reporting, and minimization.
Written by Sharon Jaye, D.Ed., CAPM, SFP, assistant director of facilities for The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, “Carbon Footprint” is divided into six sections covering:
• What a carbon footprint is.
• The role of the facility manager.
• Calculating greenhouse-gas inventory.
• Analyzing results.
• Best practices and benchmarking.
• Setting goals for reduction (climate-action planning).
• Making a business case (cost savings and tangible and intangible benefits).
• Case studies.
“With changing regulations in the environmental field, carbon footprinting is becoming increasingly more important to organizations and facility-management professionals alike,” Jaye said. “My hope is that this guide demystifies the process for facility managers and makes it easier for them to save money for their organizations and reduce the environmental impact of their carbon footprint in the process.”
According to the IFMA Foundation, in the United States, about 40 percent of carbon emissions can be attributed to the construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings.
“Carbon Footprint” is available by clicking here. The IFMA Foundation produced the guide in partnership with the Atlanta chapter of IFMA and the IFMA Sustainability Committee.