End-user requirements for green facility management

Purpose The study was set to determine the environmental objectives of building end-user organizations in an office environment and to anticipate the environmental management demands this could set on facility management. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study uses four independent data sets and triangulation approach by combining data archives with time series analysis method, semi-structured interviews, case study and a survey. Findings The results of the paper state the gap between the environmental objectives and practical management of environmental issues. Same environmental management themes, namely energy efficiency, waste management and reduction of climate change emissions, seem to be important for end-users of buildings. A new trend, in which the end-users require facility organizations to provide environmental management services, was observed as well. End-user companies wish to receive comprehensive reporting and recommendations on improving a company's or facilities' environmental performance. Research limitations/implications Since the study included only globally and/or environmentally active end-users, the results of the survey are most representative for large European or North American companies which are progressive in environmental management. Future research is suggested to focus on information management, collaboration and communication between facility and end-user companies. Practical implications At the practical level, the potential of FM has not yet been well utilized due to the lack of communication and understanding by both parties. Facility management companies can make use of the findings, e.g. when developing more comprehensive services or evaluating their own operations. Originality/value The results anticipate present and upcoming trend of end-users' setting environmental requirement for FM organizations.