In the face of ongoing challenges such as the skills gap and an aging workforce, Arcus FM understands the need for innovation and foresight within the sector. Building upon our commitment to learning and development outlined in Part One of this series, and our dedication to addressing social value and impact discussed in Part Two, we now delve into how sustainability lies at the heart of our strategy to protect the future of FM…
As we navigate an era marked by environmental consciousness and the urgent need for sustainable practices, Arcus FM recognises the pivotal role that sustainability plays in ensuring the longevity and resilience of the FM industry. Every business has a focus in this area – and more developed businesses are not just looking at their own emissions (scope 1 emissions), but also looking into their supply chain to ensure their providers have an actionable sustainability plan that drives down their indirect emissions (scope 3). Arcus FM has such a plan.
Central to this is our Net Zero Pathway. This strategy sets out how as an organisation, we strive towards sustainable development and focus on embedding sustainability principles into the operation and management of the business.
Our main sustainability target is to reduce scope 1, scope 2, and business travel greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, normalised by revenue, by 2025 from a 2019/20 fiscal year basis. By doing so, we can support our customers in reducing their Scope 3 emissions.
During 2022/23, we implemented several impactful initiatives which continue to deliver real value. For example, our Soft Services department now has uniforms made from 100% recycled fabrics, 72.3% of our waste was recycled or reused, increasing by 29.6% from the year before, and 18 electric vans into our fleet, saving 122.85 tonnes of CO2. You find out more about our impact in our Sustainability Impact Report. This is a report published annually, to ensure complete transparency of our operations.
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our internal operations to encompass the services we provide to our customers. We are dedicated to helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals while optimising the performance and resilience of their facilities.
From energy-efficient building management systems including remote monitoring and sensor technology, to waste reduction initiatives and renewable energy solutions, in the last fiscal year, our team of technology experts, known as the SMaRT Hub (Smarter Maintenance and Real-time Technology), saved our customers £4.8m of energy costs, equating to 23m kWh in gas, 11m kWh in electricity and 3,300 tonnes of CO2.
In essence, sustainability is not just a goal but a mindset that drives us to innovate, collaborate, and lead the way towards a more resilient and future-proof FM industry. By embracing sustainability as a core value, we are not only protecting the future of FM but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous world.
As we continue to forge ahead on this journey, we invite you to partner with us in building a more sustainable future for FM and beyond.
