A recent report suggests that the world generates over two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with a mere 16 per cent of it being recycled. In the UK, a staggering 220 million tonnes of waste is produced every year.

The Circular Economy moves us away from the age-old linear model of ‘take, make, dispose’ and champions a closed-loop system. Resources are not just used and discarded; they are reused, refurbished, and recycled continuously.

This model’s potential benefits are not limited to environmental welfare. Economically, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that a transition to circularity could release £1.5 trillion in Europe alone by 2030.

The Tudor Group, understanding the urgency and the opportunity, believe we must all work together within the FM sector to come up with transformative solutions that make the circular model a reality.

What is the Circular Economy?

The Circular Economy stands as a beacon of hope against the backdrop of the traditional linear economy that has dominated industrial practices for centuries. This linear approach, characterised by the ‘take, make, dispose’ model, had its roots in a time when resources seemed infinite.

But with rapidly depleting resources and heightened environmental awareness, it’s evident that this approach is unsustainable. Enter the Circular Economy, a design that seeks to challenge and remodel the status quo.

At its core, the Circular Economy promotes a regenerative system. It isn’t merely about recycling; it’s a broader and more holistic approach to resource management. The idea is to refine products and services in ways that minimise waste from the very outset, fostering a culture of reuse, repair, and remanufacturing.

The emphasis is on ensuring that products have longer lifecycles, and once they reach the end of their life, their materials are reintroduced into the production chain rather than being discarded.

The Circular model is no fleeting trend. It’s a paradigm shift, urging us to reconsider how we design, consume, and dispose of products in a bid to create a more sustainable and prosperous world.

FM’s Expanding Circular Role

Facilities Management is indispensable in safeguarding the operational excellence, continuous maintenance, and overarching sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. In the broader context of the Circular Economy, this means that FM isn’t just an actor but rather a pivotal player on the main stage.

At the Tudor Group, we recognise that FM’s remit extends beyond the mere management of spaces; it encompasses the stewardship of every resource present within those confines. This expanded scope casts FM not just as a maintenance overseer but positions the industry as a transformative agent, vital in driving the shift towards a more circular economic model.

Waste management, an aspect of FM, is worthy of particular emphasis. Our urban landscapes, dotted with commercial establishments, are hubs that continually emit a vast spectrum of waste. This spans from the mundane, like redundant paper, to the more complex, like defunct electronics or outdated office equipment. Yet, each discarded item represents latent potential.

By instating stringent waste management protocols coupled with innovative techniques, FM companies hold the power to redirect a lion’s share of this waste back into productive use. It could be through recycling, repurposing, or even reintroducing it into the manufacturing cycle.

Tudor’s Role in a Circular FM

The Circular Economy’s underpinnings resonate deeply within the Tudor Group’s ethos. Our commitment isn’t merely an adoption of a trend; it’s an embodiment of our vision for a sustainable, efficient, and responsible FM sector. As industry leaders, we’ve placed ourselves at the vanguard of this transformation, championing circular principles wherever possible.

Take waste management, for instance. At the Tudor Group, this isn’t just about managing refuse; it’s about redefining the life cycle of resources. Through meticulous processes and state-of-the-art technologies, we’re elevated recycling and repurposing standards.

There’s immense value to sustainability in prolonging the life of office furniture, a subject close to our hearts as it’s part of our daily operations. Often, office furniture is viewed as short-lived and disposable.

With proper maintenance, however, these items can serve their purpose for extended periods, reducing the need for new resources and the environmental impact of disposal. For instance, keeping upholstery clean and free from grime can extend the lifespan of office chairs.

According to UK-based figures from WRAP (Waste and Resource Action Programme), refurbishing or repairing office furniture can diminish its carbon footprint by up to 45 per cent.

These initiatives help clients pivot from being mere consumers to responsible custodians of their resources. The tangible benefits of such a transformation aren’t restricted to the environment alone.

Clients that partner with us realise the economic benefits of diminished waste disposal costs and the value derived from resource optimisation.

Our Green Pledge

The Tudor Group is deeply committed to its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, understanding its pivotal role in today’s business landscape, especially within the cleaning and facilities management industry.

Our journey towards a completely circular system in FM underscores this commitment. Through continuous innovation, cooperation, and education, we aim to reduce energy wastage, with goals such as replacing traditional lighting with LED alternatives. We work diligently to limit the waste a building sends to landfill, aiming that all our general waste will be repurposed into energy.

Our ESG-driven efforts such as launching chemical-free cleaning solutions, progressing towards electrifying our fleet by 2030, and offsetting our carbon footprint further exemplify our dedication to creating a more sustainable and responsible future.

Fabien Caqueret, Managing Director at the Tudor Group, says:

“Our vision for the future of FM is one where the Circular Economy isn’t just a concept but the standard operating procedure. With the integration of state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies, the aspiration to segregate waste right at its origin isn’t futuristic but rather an achievable present-day goal.

“This not only ensures optimal resource use but also paves the way for a more sustainable and circular operational framework. We invite our partners, clients, and the broader industry to join us in a transformative journey, ensuring a more sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally responsible future.”

If you’d like to discuss how we can offer you first rate facilities and management with a sustainable foundation, contact the Tudor Group today.