ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES & ITS RELEVANCE TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

Abstract

This study was undertaken because the writer saw the need to address environmental practices in property management of commercial buildings in the face of plans by the SISV to implement an environmental management system in the near future and increasing pressure by tenants and office workers for a healthy working environment. The aim of the study is to determine the readiness of property management in Singapore to adopt environmental practices as an integral part of their responsibilities. The study also seeks to measure the level of awareness on environmental issues of members in this profession and to evaluate the current environmental practices in property management. This study will also explore the implications of the new environmental standard. The findings in this study concluded that the property management profession in Singapore is not ready to incorporate this environmental dimension for a variety of reasons. These include the organisational structure, the role and responsibility of the property manager, the qualification of practitioners and the prevailing attitudes towards environmental issues in the profession. To help remedy this situation, the root of the problem has to be eradicated first. The fundamentals of property management in Singapore must be looked into; the organisational structure has to be reviewed and revamped. A professional body should be established to standardise and oversee the role of property management in Singapore. The environmental and social dimensions should be included as essential components of the functions of property management.