Implications of a sustainability policy for facilities management organisations

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to look at the prevalence of facilities management (FM) companies having in place a sustainability policy, and to understand the link between a sustainability policy, company characteristics, and the application of sustainable business practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method was a data analysis of 65 facilities management companies. Frequency analyses, multiple correspondence analyses and Pearson's χ² tests were used to test the link between the company size, the presence of a sustainability policy and the implementation of sustainable business practice.

Findings

There is a link between company size and the likelihood of a sustainability policy being created in the FM industry. The research shows there is a link between the presence of a sustainability policy and the implementation of sustainable business practice.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the method of data capture, there are no perception research areas, so the reasons behind companies' actions are not known. This can be developed in further research.

Practical implications

The research shows the importance of a sustainability policy in forming commitment to sustainable business practice, as well as highlighting areas where the FM industry is lacking in commitment to sustainable business practice.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to study the implications of a sustainability policy in the development of sustainable practice in the FM industry. It also develops the link between the characteristics of FM companies and the level of sustainable business practice implemented.

Citation

Price, S., Pitt, M. and Tucker, M. (2011), "Implications of a sustainability policy for facilities management organisations", Facilities, Vol. 29 No. 9/10, pp. 391-410. https://doi.org/10.1108/02632771111146314