Which metrics signal progress in sustainability within FM?

Which metrics signal progress in sustainability within FM?

• A. Energy intensity, carbon footprint, water use, and waste diversion.
• B. Employee satisfaction and vacancy rate.
• C. Number of meetings.
• D. Inventory Days On Hand.

Answer: (A)

Sustainability progress in facilities management is shown by metrics that quantify resource use and environmental impact. Energy intensity tracks how much energy is used relative to building size or occupancy, so trends over time reveal improvements in efficiency. Carbon footprint measures total greenhouse gas emissions from building operations, giving a direct picture of environmental impact and progress toward reduction goals. Water use monitors consumption, highlighting conservation and efficiency efforts in facilities. Waste diversion reflects how much waste is redirected from landfills through recycling and composting, signaling progress toward circular waste practices.

The other options focus on people or general operations rather than environmental performance: employee satisfaction and vacancy rate are HR indicators, the number of meetings is an activity measure, and Inventory Days On Hand is an inventory/operational metric. None of these directly signal sustainability outcomes in FM.