The practice of green procurement in facilities management in higher education institutions

Abstract

Applying sustainability principles in facilities management is vital as it assists in reducing and eliminating adverse impacts on the natural environment. Sustainability principles also have a significant impact in higher education institutions as they have numerous buildings on campuses. Several studies have confirmed that applying sustainability principles in facilities management can yield positive results such as water conservation, reduction of energy consumption and waste whilst increasing long term cost savings and producing green conducive environments. Green procurement is avital aspect of sustainability as it focuses on purchasing of environmentally friendly products and services. Therefore, green procurement practices are key in achieving sustainable facilities management. Even though literature exists regarding green procurement in facilities management, little is known about actual green procurement practices in facilities management in higher education institutions, the capacity to implement green procurement, knowledge of green procurement, readiness to implement green procurement and influencing factors faced in the quest to implement green procurement. The aim of the study was to identify the actual green procurement practices that are being implemented in facilities management in higher education institutions in South Africa. This study was carried out in the interpretivist philosophical manner. An inductive reasoning approach was utilised through the multi-method of semi-structured interviews and direct observations that was used in a survey strategy. The sampling methods used, was non-probability sampling. The findings of the study reveal that the current green procurement practices in the participating South African universities include energy efficiency, water conservation, innovative building designs, sustainable landscaping, building management systems, recycling of waste and energy efficiency on heating, ventilation and air conditioning. However, financial constraints were highlighted as an important factor influencing the level and frequency of green procurement implementation