ASSESSING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF BROLL GHANA LIMITED

ABSTRACT
Over the years, awareness has increased on the negative effects that human activity has on the environment. It has become evident that human activities cannot continue as usual and it has become imperative that government and private organisations and individuals “meet their present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs - a concept known as sustainability. There are few studies if any that assess whether or not the practice of facilities management in Ghana is sustainable and why. This study therefore explores how the principles of sustainability applied in the practice of facilities management in Ghana? The aim of this research was to assess how the concept of sustainability has been applied in the practice of facilities management in Ghana using the case of Broll Ghana Limited using. Grounded on literature,a questionnaire survey was conducted among facility officers of Broll Ghana who were purposively selected to for information pertaining to the study. The study concludes that although there are certain sustainable principles that are practiced with regard to Facilities management in Broll Ghana, it cannot be said that the practice is entirely sustainable due to a lack of knowledge of the concept and client influence on decision-making. Consequently, the study recommends that Broll Ghana Limited develops a sustainability agenda which should include knowledge and awareness creation amongst relevant stakeholders as well as training.


CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 
1.1 Background Information
Over the years, awareness has increased on the negative effects that human activity has on the environment. It has become evident that human activities cannot continue as usual and it has become imperative that government and private organisations and individuals “meet their present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (Brundtland, 1987) – a concept known as sustainability.

The modern concept of sustainability has its origins with the United Nations 1972 Stockholm Conference where Ward and Dubos (1972) made a presentation on Sustainable development but the Brundtland report is credited with proliferating the concept.

Since then, the concept has gradually increased in awareness and is a key consideration in public and private organisations across the globe. Governments as well as the private sector are increasingly being pressed to act sustainably.

In Ghana, as well sustainability has become a relevant consideration in the building industry with major implications such as the launch of the Swiss-Ghana Sustainable Public Procurement Project and the construction of sustainable buildings such as Airport One Square and the World Bank Head office. Often in the application of sustainability principles in the building industry the focus is on the early life of the building (design and construction) as these stages in the life cycle offer the greatest opportunity for influence. However, it is also important that the stage of occupancy be taken into account as this represents the longest of the life cycle phases.

There is the need to assess whether the management of building facilities in Ghana during the occupancy stage is also underpinned by the concept of sustainability.


1.2 Problem Statement
There are few studies if any that assess whether or not the practice of facilities management in Ghana is sustainable and why. A sustainability assessment like a performance appraisal will evaluate whether or not a set objective has been met and why – in this case whether an endeavour is sustainable or not and/or the extent.

In carrying out this assessment, the study uses the case of Broll Ghana Limited. Broll Ghana Limited is a property management company established in Ghana in 2006. It is arguably “the first company in Ghana to offer formalised approach to property management.” The services offered by the organisation include commercial broking, corporate real estate services, facilities management, property and project management, retail leasing and consulting, residential estate management, shopping centre management and valuation and advisory services. The organisation has received many awards and is affiliated with CBRE, a global real estate firm. In the light of its track record as a leading facilities management organisation in Ghana, it is selected as an important player in the industry worth studying.

1.3 Research question
How are the principles of sustainability applied in the practice of facilities management in Ghana?

1.4 Aim
The aim of this research was to assess how the concept of sustainability has been applied in the practice of facilities management in Ghana using the case of Broll Ghana Limited.

1.5 Objectives
To identify a guiding framework for sustainability assessment of Facilities Management;


To determine the compliance of sustainable practices at Broll Ghana using the framework; and

To determine the factors that influence the application of sustainability in the practice of facilities management at Broll Ghana.

1.6 Scope/delimitation
The assessment will be limited to the facilities management services of Broll Ghana Limited in Accra

1.7 Research Design and Method
A case study research design was used to assess how Broll Ghana Limited applies the concept of sustainability to its facilities management practices. This design is selected because of the need to study the phenomenon within its context.

1.8 Significance of study
Sustainability is now significant factors when determining global business strategy. Increasingly recognising this, organisations are changing their values, whether by leading change or by reacting to meet their obligations. This is evidenced by a survey of a thousand CEOs from 43 countries by PricewaterhouseCoopers which indicated that 79% of these CEOs believe that sustainability is vital to the profitability of any company. Sustainable practices are profitable because they can reduce risk, make business and consumers more efficient, and advance them technologically while reducing environmental and social concerns. One of the areas that this responsibility is being focused within is the FM function. FM which is traditionally tasked with providing a facility fit for purpose is also evolving to incorporate a new environmental and sustainability focus. To meet this challenge there is a need to understand the technical issues involved, which can mean significant training opportunities and the development of more sustainability focused FM consultancies.

The study will provide a framework for conducting assessments and also provide recommendations on how to influence facilities management in Ghana towards more sustainable practices. With regards to research, a majority of sustainability assessment initiatives lack conceptual rigour and this research will seek to fill this gap by underpinning the assessment process with a strong conceptual framework.

1.9 Structure of report
Chapter One Introduction provides an overview of the thesis and consists of the background to the study, problem and purpose statements, research aim and objectives, a summary of the research design and the outline of the thesis.

Chapter Two Literature Review presents a brief history and development of the concept of sustainability and an in-depth information on the current knowledge existing on the concept of sustainability assessment and procedures/method to carry out such an assessment

Chapter Three Research Method addresses the approach to the research, method of inquiry and data collection

Chapter Four Analysis and Discussion discusses the techniques used for analysis as well as the results obtained

Chapter Five Recommendations and Conclusions summarises the findings that emerge from the study and the significance as well as opportunities for future research.

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Item Type: Ghanaian Topic  |  Size: 49 pages  |  Chapters: 1-5
Format: MS Word  |  Delivery: Within 30Mins.
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