ackground and aim – Driven by new technologies and societal challenges, futureproof facility managers must enable sustainable housing by combining bricks and bytes into future-proof business support and workplace concepts. The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) acknowledges the urgency of educating students about this new reality. As part of a large-scale two-year study into sustainable business operations, a living lab has been created as a creative space on the campus of THUAS where (novel) business activities and future-proof workplace concepts are tested. The aim is to gain a better understanding amongst students, lecturers, and the university housing department of bricks, bytes, behavior, and business support. Results – Based on different focal points the outcomes of this research present guidelines for facility managers how data-driven facility management creates value and a better understanding of sustainable business operations. In addition, this practice based research presents how higher education in terms of taking the next step in creating digitized skilled facility professionals can add value to their curriculum. Practical or social implications – The facility management profession has an important role to play in the mitigation of sustainable and digitized business operations. However, implementing high-end technology within the workplace can help to create a sustainable work environment and better use of the workplace. These developments will result in a better understanding of sustainable business operations and future-proof capabilities. A living lab is the opportunity to teach students to work with big data and provides a playground for them to test their circular workplace, business support designs, and smart building technologies.
Background and aim ʹ Many countries signed the Paris Agreement to mitigate global average temperature rise. In this context, Dutch government decided to realize a reduction of 50% using resources and raw materials in 2030. This paper explores how practice-based research into facility operations can contribute to this aim. Methods / Methodology ʹ Practice-based research which includes direct observations, desk research, and participatory action research. Results ʹ This explorative research presents principles and suggestions for facility managers and procurement managers on how they can embed sustainable materials management in the organisation and how to take control of waste. The proposed suggestions are derived from practice-based research and presented as topics of attention for facility professionals. Originality ʹ Within education of Dutch universities of applied sciences and daily professional facility practices, the phenomenon of materials management is underexposed. To contribute to the national and international climate objectives, (future) facility professionals need better support to reduce waste. Bachelor students were involved throughout this research. This approach gave refreshing insights into waste at the end of the supply chain (control separation units) that can improve informed decisionmaking at the beginning of the supply chain. Practical or social implications ʹ Facility management professionals have an important role to play in the mitigation of global average temperature rise, because of their leading role in procurement, service operations, and materials management. However, they struggle to find sustainable solutions. This paper seeks to inspire professionals with interventions that have proven effectiveness on the reduction of waste. Type of paper ʹ Short research paper.
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