FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published the final part of its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) on global climate change, which outlines how a liveable future is possible if Governments show the critical will to finance, incentivise, activate and mainstream solutions.
Scientists said in the latest report that “there are multiple, feasible and effective options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to human-caused climate change, and they are available now”.
According to the report there is a clear way ahead, and the solution lies in “climate resilient development”. This involves integrating measures to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in ways that provide wider benefits.
For example: access to clean energy and technologies improves health, especially for women and children; low-carbon electrification, walking, cycling and public transport enhance air quality, improve health, employment opportunities and deliver equity. The economic benefits for people’s health from air quality improvements alone would be roughly the same, or possibly even larger than the costs of reducing or avoiding emissions.
The report also states that changes in the food sector, electricity, transport, industry, buildings and land-use can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adding “At the same time, they can make it easier for people to lead low-carbon lifestyles, which will also improve health and wellbeing. A better understanding of the consequences of overconsumption can help people make more informed choices”.
In response to the IPCC Report, Simon McWhirter, Deputy Chief Executive at the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) said: “This report is the final call for governments across the world, reinforcing again that the pace and scale of what has been done so far, and current plans, are totally insufficient to tackle the climate crisis. Quite simply, we are walking when we should be sprinting.
“The report clearly identifies the solution lies in climate-resilient development in which the built environment has a critical role to play. Our industry can deliver countless viable opportunities to not only slash emissions but to build a more climate resilient, nature positive and equitable economy. But we need the political ambition, financial incentives and harnessing of talent and technology to make this happen at scale.
“The UK Government must use this report as an opportunity to finally put our net zero future at the heart of everything it does. By delivering nationwide projects to upgrade home energy efficiency and reforming the planning system to deliver buildings and spaces fit for our net zero future, the Government can mainstream proven, scalable solutions to the climate and cost of living crises. The forthcoming Net Zero Strategy, response to Mission Zero, and third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3) must tangibly and practically map out how the UK will deliver on the IPCC’s urgent calls to action.”
The report summarises and integrates the findings of three IPCC Working Group contributions and three Special Reports on Warming of 1.5 °C, Climate Change and Land, and the Ocean and Cryosphere.
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
