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.

Citation

Adewunmi, Y., Omirin, M. and Koleoso, H. (2012), "Developing a sustainable approach to corporate FM in Nigeria", Facilities, Vol. 30 No. 9/10, pp. 350-373. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632771211235206