How can you ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible?

Waste management and circular economy are two key aspects of sustainable facility management (FM). They involve reducing, reusing, and recycling the materials and resources that are used in your buildings and operations. But how can you make sure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are not only environmentally friendly, but also socially responsible? In this article, we will explore some tips and best practices to help you achieve both goals.

1 Define your social impact

Before you start implementing any waste management and circular economy initiatives, you need to define what social impact means for your organization and stakeholders. Social impact refers to the positive or negative effects that your actions have on people and communities, such as health, safety, well-being, inclusion, diversity, and empowerment. You need to identify who are the main beneficiaries and potential losers of your initiatives, and how you can measure and communicate your social impact. For example, you can use frameworks such as the Social Return on Investment (SROI) or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to assess and report your social impact.

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Amelie Yan-Gouiffes

Group Chief Impact & Sustainability Officer. Executive Committee Member. Vice-Chairperson UNGC Board, Indian Ocean network. Author of 'Speak & Live Your Legacy'.
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Totally aligned with the recommandations and would like to highlight the point of anchoring waste and circular economy strategies in SDGs and other international standards and frameworks. They provide the company with a pathway practiced by others and enable us to measure , to compare and to set S.M.A.R.T targets . I would add that it is essential to ask oneself : WHY waste management and WHY circular economy What is the company’s Why ? And in that answer lay the foundations of our sense of social responsibility and impact.

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Nishant Pandey

Director of Product Management @ JLL Technologies | Driving Product Innovation
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Start by clearly defining the positive social impacts your initiatives aim to achieve. This includes creating jobs, promoting social equity, improving public health, and reducing inequalities. Assess the direct and indirect effects of your waste management practices on the local community and the broader society. Establish clear, measurable goals for social improvement, such as reducing waste-to-landfill, increasing recycling rates, and ensuring fair employment practices within your recycling and waste management operations.

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2 Engage with your stakeholders

One of the best ways to ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible is to engage with your stakeholders throughout the process. Stakeholders are the individuals or groups that have an interest or influence on your initiatives, such as employees, customers, suppliers, contractors, regulators, and community members. You need to consult with them to understand their needs, expectations, and concerns, and to involve them in the design, implementation, and evaluation of your initiatives. For example, you can conduct surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, or feedback sessions to gather stakeholder input and feedback.

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3 Align with the SDGs

Another way to ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible is to align them with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030. They cover various social, environmental, and economic issues, such as clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and responsible consumption and production. By aligning your initiatives with the SDGs, you can demonstrate your commitment to the global agenda and contribute to the common good.

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Nishant Pandey

Director of Product Management @ JLL Technologies | Driving Product Innovation
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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global blueprint for dignity, peace, and prosperity for people and the planet. Aligning your initiatives with relevant SDGs, such as Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), demonstrates a commitment to global standards of sustainability and social responsibility. Incorporate SDG targets into your strategy and reporting to ensure your initiatives contribute to broader global agendas.

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4 Adopt ethical standards

Another way to ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible is to adopt ethical standards and principles in your operations and practices. Ethical standards are the norms and values that guide your decisions and actions, such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, and accountability. You need to ensure that your initiatives comply with the relevant laws and regulations, respect the human rights and dignity of all people, protect the environment and biodiversity, and prevent any harm or exploitation. For example, you can adopt codes of conduct, policies, procedures, or certifications that reflect your ethical standards.

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5 Promote education and awareness

Another way to ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible is to promote education and awareness among your stakeholders and the public. Education and awareness are the key to raising the level of knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the benefits and challenges of waste management and circular economy. You need to provide relevant and accurate information, guidance, and training to your stakeholders and the public, and to encourage them to participate and support your initiatives. For example, you can use various channels and formats, such as newsletters, websites, social media, posters, videos, or events, to communicate and educate your audience.

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Nishant Pandey

Director of Product Management @ JLL Technologies | Driving Product Innovation
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Innovation for Inclusion: Explore innovative solutions that can make waste management more inclusive, such as developing technologies that are accessible to people with disabilities or economically disadvantaged communities. Partnerships for Impact: Collaborate with NGOs, government agencies, and other businesses to amplify the social impact of initiatives. Partnerships can provide additional resources, expertise, and networks to tackle challenges effectively. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement systems to continuously monitor and evaluate the social impact of your initiatives. This includes tracking progress towards goals, assessing the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement strategies, and making adjustments based on changing needs.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible?

1

2

3

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1 Define your social impact

2 Engage with your stakeholders

3 Align with the SDGs

4 Adopt ethical standards

5 Promote education and awareness

6 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

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How can you ensure that your waste management and circular economy initiatives are socially responsible?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your social impact

2 Engage with your stakeholders

3 Align with the SDGs

4 Adopt ethical standards

5 Promote education and awareness

6 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

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