The implementation of UN sustainable development goals using facilities management standards in South Africa

The suite of ISO 41000 standards for facility management (FM) seeks to address 17 of the 24 UN sustainable development goals (SDG). Implementing these ISO systems will enhance SDG’s management and operations of facilities. In their daily actions, facility managers are in a unique position to guide facility and property owners in implementing sustainability measures without expensive construction changes to the building fabric. A viewpoint paper through the review of the literature and South African laws and regulations was undertaken to determine areas that incorporate SDGs into the management of facilities. South African institutional reports, and local standards were reviewed to develop a detailed set of guidelines towards achieving these goals. The outcome of the study included measures that can be incorporated in the FM areas of maintenance, utility management, hygiene, waste management, landscaping, and transport. These measures can have a significant impact towards sustainability and are recommended for FM practitioners and for further research into SDG’s in the field of FM.