What is electronic waste (e-waste)?

E-waste is a term used to cover all items of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)  and its parts discarded by its owner as waste without the intent of re-use. (UN University)The UN defines e-waste as any discarded product with a battery or plug. It includes toxic and hazardous substances such as mercury that can pose severe risks to human and environmental health. Electronic waste (e-waste), also known as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), includes items containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury-containing items, CRTs and CRT glass, batteries, and whole and shredded circuit boards classified as ‘Focus R2’ materials by the EPA.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

e-waste Collection rate

Focusing on three stages, procurement, use, and end-of-life, can address the challenges and how to manage Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) effectively.

Electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste or WEEE, is still one of the most overlooked aspects of waste management in commercial buildings and industrial units. Despite the growing awareness of its negative impact on the environment and human health, many businesses still need to implement effective strategies to manage and dispose of their electronic waste.

The World Bank’s report, “What a Waste 2.0”, provides a staggering statistic: every year, the world generates a whopping 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste. Even more concerning is that at least 33% of this waste is not being managed in an environmentally safe manner. This highlights the urgent need for effective waste management practices.

Throughout its operational phase, it is estimated that an office building or industrial unit will produce an average of 0.05 cubic meters of waste per every 10 square meters of floor area (or per person) per week. This waste can come in many forms, such as paper, plastic, food, and electronic waste. Those managing these facilities need to be aware of this waste generation rate to adequately address and manage the waste produced, whether it be through recycling programs, waste reduction initiatives, or proper disposal methods. (source: BS 5906)

Managing waste generated by buildings and industrial infrastructures is a topic of increasing concern due to its environmental and economic impact. To address these concerns, Facilities Management service teams oversee the stages of waste management that arise during civil infrastructure projects, including construction, deconstruction, demolition, building systems operations, maintenance, and disposal. Achieving efficient waste management requires a comprehensive understanding of local rules and regulations and a science- and technology-based approach.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the classification of waste generation, the control tools, and the reporting framework necessary for effective waste management in facilities management. By setting facility-specific guidelines, Facilities Managers can ensure that waste is managed responsibly and sustainably, thus minimising its adverse environmental impact and promoting economic efficiency.

Some interesting facts about the Global Waste Management

Waste Management Operating Process Gaps – Causes, Impacts, and Control Measures.

Efficient waste management is a critical aspect of sustainable environmental management. Complying with regulatory frameworks, implementing best practices in business operations, and understanding the technical know-how to manage waste effectively is imperative. By adopting these measures, we can work towards building a cleaner and greener future.

Let us begin with a few interesting facts about Janitorial Services and Environmental Health.

Why Green Janitorial Service is essential to business?

Post-pandemic, facility occupants across Gen X, Y (Millennial), and ‘Zers are conscious of business operating practices that adversely impact health and environmental ecosystems. Beyond the need for compliance with local statutory and regulatory guidelines, investors, brand image for social responsibilities, and overall optimised business operating costs call for operating practices enhancing health and environment protection measures. Transition to Green Janitorial service from the conventional regime is given for business image and sustainability.

Economic, Social and Governance Drivers for Green Janitorial Service –

Successfully implementing a Green Cleaning regime requires overcoming common challenges.

To overcome the challenges listed, it is essential to design and implement tailored solutions that meet the unique requirements of each building’s application, including Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

Policy, Processes, Practice, and Profit

Policy, practice, and profit are critical elements of an environmentally friendly janitorial service regime.

Policy

Developing policies aligned with ‘Environmental Sustainability’ principles and complying with Green Cleaning standards, such as GS-42 or other equivalents, is essential to fostering an environment-friendly Facilities Management service. The successful implementation of sustainability objectives can be determined by a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with service providers for a commercial or institutional building, encompassing Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

Processes and Practices

A robust janitorial plan requires a governing standard and effective process. This ensures a clean, safe, organised space that promotes productivity and well-being. Developing site-specific processes, adapting them, and standardising critical elements of janitorial services is crucial for ensuring the best outcomes, including Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

As a good practice, when procuring cleaning materials, priority should be given to those that adhere to environmentally friendly guidelines and standards. Only cleaning products certified by globally recognised ecolabel certification programs, such as the Eco Global Label (NSO-NAP 3 standard), Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services (GS-42) or EU Ecolabel, should be used. These products must be certified by a recognised institute for easy reference and verification. At least 75% of general-purpose cleaning items should be approved for environmentally safe usage, aligning with Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

When purchasing cleaning equipment, consider eco-friendly options and gradually replace high-impact equipment by assessing its carbon footprint and emissions, in line with Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

Profit

Cost is a paramount factor when considering the transition from traditional cleaning methods to eco-friendly alternatives. Specifically, labour, consumables, implements, and equipment comprise 75%, 15%, and 10% of the total cost of janitorial services. The optimisation of person-hour costs can be achieved through proper training, upskilling, and the efficient application of tools and equipment. Monitoring and analysing industry benchmarks and the facility’s baseline throughout the transitioning process will optimise the usage of cleaning agents. Waste treatment to upcycle or recycle contributes to operational earnings, supporting Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

An efficient green cleaning program must be tailored to the facility’s needs, and the outlined steps will result in a successful transition while keeping costs in check, incorporating Energy Efficiency Assessment, Building Carbon Footprint Assessment, and Building Indoor Environment Quality Services.

Comparison of cleaning agents between conventional and green cleaning methods.

The reporting of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) is gaining prominence among corporate stakeholders due to various factors, including regulatory compliance, investment considerations, and voluntary initiatives to protect the environment and enhance brand image. During the operations and maintenance, the Facility Management team is entrusted with monitoring, tracking, and improving the organisation’s carbon footprint annually. To this end, the team is tasked with deploying effective strategies to meet the organisation’s carbon reduction targets while ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are informed and engaged. By adopting best practices and leveraging their expertise, the Facility Management team can help the organisation achieve its environmental objectives while enhancing its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

To identify areas for improvement, Facility Management teams must understand greenhouse gas emissions, estimation tools, and maintenance practices. In this context, basic activity data templates are presented to assist in clarifying and implementing these concepts.

Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions

Scope 1 emissions

Activity data from the Facility

 Energy from Captive Power Generating Station

 Annual CO2e (kg) emissions from Building Airconditioning equipment

Activity data – Annual HFC and PFC emissions from cooling equipment operations

Case Study : Carbon Management