Recorded live at The Workplace Event 2025 in Birmingham, this special EuroFM Podcast episode brought together a strong panel of facilities management professionals for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about sustainability in FM.
Host Vera van de Loo was joined by EuroFM chair Natalie Hofman, facilities manager Sarah Orpwood, and FM consultant Bernard Crouch. Together, they explored the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.
More than an environmental issue
One of the key messages from the discussion was that sustainability is much broader than emissions and energy use. It also includes behaviour change, employee experience, mobility, and social impact.
The panel stressed that this requires a wider view of FM, along with stronger knowledge sharing, better training, and more collaboration across organisations and departments.
Turning ambition into action
The conversation also focused on the practical side of sustainability. From confusing recycling rules and contaminated waste streams to limited reuse options for construction and fit-out waste, the challenges are real and often complex.
At the same time, the speakers highlighted where progress can be made: through smarter procurement, stronger supplier engagement, and better cooperation between FM, HR, sustainability teams, and external partners.
A clear message for the industry
A recurring theme throughout the episode was the need for facility managers to play a more visible and strategic role. Sustainability cannot sit with one department alone. It needs leadership, shared responsibility, and action at every level.
The discussion ended with a strong call for better sustainability education, more practical learning, and more employee champions to help drive lasting change across the workplace.
Watch this episode:
In FM Without Frontiers, we talk to facility managers from across Europe — and beyond. Through open conversations, we explore how Facility Management is practiced in different countries, highlighting both the similarities and the differences within our diverse network.
Each episode offers insights, experiences and perspectives that cross borders. By sharing stories from our members and partners, we aim to inspire and learn from one another — because FM challenges may differ, but our drive to create smarter, more sustainable and people-focused environments unites us all. Tune in and discover how Facility Management connects us — without frontiers.