FM the decarboniser: IWFM works with SFMI to release Scope 3 framework 

News

As previously reported, IWFM has been collaborating on a Scope 3 framework for managing indirect carbon emissions thus moving the workplace and facilities management profession another step closer to the heart of the built environment’s decarbonisation pathway.  

Released on Tuesday 5 December, the framework has been developed under the guidance of the SFMI’s Scope 3 framework Board committee which includes IWFM. The process has also taken feedback from a range of organisations across the industry to ensure that it is applicable to the ambitions of the sector and the built environment. It is designed to have multiple uses for FM while being aligned with the GHG Protocol and RICS’ Whole-Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment.  

The SFMI framework has been developed to address consistency and accuracy gaps in FM’s measurement of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This will enable the industry to position itself to achieve reductions consistent with achieving net-zero emissions and, importantly, establish the WFM profession as pivotal in delivering zero-carbon. The Framework’s key components are suitable for different audiences: 

Framework for corporate FM providers Scope 3 Emissions: A methodology to measure relevant emissions sources from a corporate level and include a wider range of Scope 3 emissions that will enhance customer relationships. 

Framework to measure emissions of FM activities: A tool to enable the measurement of contract-level emissions to allow FM to identify where reductions can made in Scope 1, 2 and 3 on-site with clients. 

The comprehensive framework provides a standardised approach to carbon emissions measurement related to FM activities. Supported by robust data, it is applicable to FM service providers measuring their corporate emissions and measuring contract level emissions with customers, corporate in-house FM teams identifying their impact in a business and building owners and their service providers measuring elements of whole life carbon of a building. 

Speaking on the release of the Scope 3 framework, IWFM’s Head of Policy and Research, Sofie Hooper, stated: ‘As COP28 draws to a close, organisations across the world are striving to pursue sustainability and ultimately reach net zero. With the release of SFMI’s Scope 3 framework, organisations now have a powerful tool to measure, manage and decrease emissions in their processes and built environment, often the key contributor to emissions.  

‘At IWFM, we’ve relished the opportunity to join forces with others in the FM community to meaningly contribute to the Scope 3 framework, making the information actionable and relevant for organisations as they continue their sustainability journey.’  

Click here to download the standard and read the supporting summary document.