FM5.01 Facilities Management Development And Trends Assignment Sample

1. The scope and extent of the facilities management industry

1.1 Review the changes and developments

MeiraGTx is a gene therapy company, which aims at making and distributing gene therapies to cure inherited and acquired diseases. In the facilities management field at MeiraGTx. “There have been tremendous changes and trends with the growth of the company and its strategic management of the modern research and development, production, and commercialization units involving production facilities, laboratories, and cleanrooms (Tucker & Masuri 2016).” The delegation of work in facilities management has also undergone a massive change where technology is now the order of the day at MeiraGTx. As the company’s gene therapy progresses along with challenges that arise in the study and production, the firm has adopted smart facility management systems. They act in real-time control of monitored environmental parameters of cleanrooms, including temperature, humidity, and air quality for compliance with the requirements of gene therapy production. “Such technologies also make sure that equipment is serviced before it breaks down, and this makes it easier to reduce time wastage making businesses more productive in the long run (Isa et al. 2017).” This remains a crucial factor in the pharmaceutical and gene therapy industries hence the need to continually adhere to rules and regulations. “Operations at MeiraGTx require aspects like Facilities management to be done in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other strict regulatory standards (Tucker & Masuri 2018).” Some of the changes that have occurred in the last few years include an increase in monitoring and auditing to ensure that all the operating systems are as compliant as possible.

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This involves tracking air treatment systems and cleanliness without contamination which is an important factor in the making of gene therapy. “Implementation of these compliance measures will help to achieve the quality of the products, and patients’ safety, and observe the FDA and EMA requirements(Nenonen et al. 2023).” A new emerging trend that has also received increasing attention in facilities management at MeiraGTx is sustainability. Energy consumption has also been checked with the adoption of energy-saving devices and systems in the construction of new plants. Renewable energy sources as well as smart energy management systems are implemented with the main goal of reducing energy use. In addition, measures regarding waste management have been enhanced so that hazardous as well as non-hazardous waste should be managed as per the environmental standard. “This is a step to enhancing the corporate social responsibility of MeiraGTx and syncs with the globally established trends of sustainability (Attobrah, Asante & Attah 2021).”

Figure 1: Elevating Operations: A Strategic Approach to Facilities Management Strategy

Source: (Attobrah, Asante & Attah 2021)

To nurture the continuous advancements in facilities management, MeiraGTx has been able to incorporate the Total Quality Management (TQM) model. TQM entails the enhancement of organisational quality in all aspects including facilities management. MeiraGTx’s management of the culture of quality and efficient carrying out of its corporate goals guarantees that all the facility's operations serve the company’s general goals. “Following such policies as standard operating procedures, and feedback utilization for improvement are some components that aid the company in the sustenance of operational excellence in its facilities, through the utilization of the TQM model (Topalović 2015).”

1.2 The changing contexts in which facilities management services are provided

The nature of the service delivery of the facilities management services has however changed over the years due to the development that has occurred in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry in which MeiraGTx operates. “This is due to the fact that MeiraGTx is a gene therapy company which operates in an environment that requires a lot of precision, safety and compliance (Finch 2011).” There is one significant modification in the concept of contemporary project management; it concerns the application of complex technologies. Gene therapy production entails cordial environment such as cleanrooms, experimentation and complex manufacturing facilities. Today the application of smart building systems is an integral part of the facilities management processes. These systems include monitoring of air quality, temperature and humidity for the proper preservation of research and production work. Further, technologies such as the predictive maintenance and automated systems prevent some operations from being disrupted (Finch & Zhang 2013). FM teams now work with more advanced technologies in the course of facilitating all the operations. Lastly, in gene therapy it is more difficult to be closer to the regulations than in many other types of industries. Indeed, MeiraGTx has to abide by various rules from the regulatory agencies including the FDA and the EMA. The responsibility of managing the physical environment is now devolved on the facilities management to ensure that all infrastructure conforms to the said standards. This entails factors such as creating proper working conditions which entail proper cleanliness to avoid contamination; proper disposal of wastes as well as proper handling maintenance of equipment for efficiency purposes with periodic calibration among others (Jensen 2021). There are rising pressures from the regulators on frequent inspections and audits of the facilities as well as more complicated assessments that have put great pressure on FM teams to be on their guard all the time, including proper documentation of all aspects of the buildings far in advance. Sustainability has also impacted on how facility management services are rendered in MeiraGTx.

The firm is daily becoming more and more conscious of the effects it has on the environment. FM teams now use renewable power sources and other energy efficient features, like waste management systems as part of their operations. These are some of the following measures taken towards environmental management which are in consonance with the trends that have set in the industry where firms are required to answer to the effects of their actions on the environment. Hence, there is need to ensure that current technology in the facilities is enhanced and optimized in as much as it supports sustainability objectives. The PESTLE framework is ideal when addressing these changing contexts. In operational political environment, regulatory standards have been tightened greatly so that it influences FM to centre on compliance greatly (Modern Facility and Workplace Management 2020). Economically, purchasing high technology is very expensive, therefore the facilities need to run efficiency. One can say that more and more and, and environmental conditions lead to the company’s eco-oriented actions. Technologically, the pertinent systems used in facilities must be the most advanced; legally, they have to adhere to numerous and laborious laws (Okoro 2023).

Figure 2: Changing contexts of facilities management at MeiraGTx

Source: (Okoro 2023)

1.3 Changing relationships between the facilities management function and other business functions

The interdependencies between the FM function and other business functions at MeiraGTx are dynamic due to the fact that gene therapy development is not a linear process and the organisation is expanding its operations. In the past, facilities management was considered as a secondary activity that mainly involved in the management of assets. Nevertheless, its function has become more tactical and often engages with other departments including R&D, compliance, HR, and sustainability departments (Moreira, Klueter & Asija 2023). The most important shift in this relationship, probably, is the increasing role of FM in R&D. Gene therapy is a delicate process that needs well equipped facilities including cleanrooms and sophisticated laboratories in order to produce the right results. It is imperative that the facilities management collaborate with the R&D team for keeping these spaces in a particular condition as mandated. These are temperature and air quality control, environmental management of waste products and provision of standard tools and equipment.

This way the research process is not interrupted and thus helps in coming up with innovations and new products (Fischer et al. 2023). A third major change is the role of FM with respect to the compliance department. Such critical functions as facilities management become critical to ensure that MeiraGTx meets the regulation that is both local and international as the pressure increases especially in the gene therapy. This is because facilities management teams have to collaborate with compliance officers to ensure that facility is compliant to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and has to go through regular audits. With this, the FM component is in harmony with compliance thus ensuring that the company does not fall foul of the law and at the same time uphold a good image in the market. Human resources (HR) also have also turned to facilities management for the provision of safe and efficient working environment (Iglesias-Lopez et al. 2021). As a result, the FM function has gained importance in providing health and comfort for employees and creating efficient and safe working environment especially in advanced labs and cleanrooms. Such collaboration between FM and HR enhances the employees’ morale and performance hence creating a suitable environment for gene therapy research. The TBL model which consists of three Ps, ly people, profit and planet is relevant in this context. FM in MeiraGTx works with the sustainability teams of the organization to consider environmental management in the company’s affairs. The FM function has embraced energy audit and management as well as waste management policies that have positive implications to the environment (Wilsdon et al. 2022).

2. The importance of innovation and change in delivering services within facilities management

2.1 The relevance and application of the latest developments to the services provided within facilities management

Financial technology, sustainability, and compliance have had deep impacts on the services delivered within the facilities management (FM) industry. Such shifts are most apparent in industries like biotech, where firms like MeiraGTx are situated. The significance of these innovations is in terms of their cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly solutions that are within the bounds of legal requirements. This is one of the most important trends – the incorporation of sophisticated digital technologies. The IoT-enabling smart building systems enable continuous monitoring of the indoor environment in various facilities. This is more so in gene therapy firms which include MeiraGTx since it is mandatory to maintain specific controls such as temperatures, air quality, and humidity when undertaking research and development as well as production (Mari & Poggesi 2014). Today, sensors and automated systems are utilized in the management of these conditions by facilities management teams so that lab spaces and production zones remain compliant with stringent regulatory requirements. With this technology, it is also easier to prevent equipment breakdown and maintain the efficiency of operations in a system. The pertinence of these innovations is in their application of improving productivity, meaning reducing stoppage time – a critical factor in sustaining a competitive edge in the biotech segment.

A second major area of growth is sustainability (Keskin, Tanrıvermiş & Salaj 2023). Over the past few years, there have been increasing concerns over the effects of organization operating within the different industries on the environment. Where facilities management is concerned, it has led to constructions related to energy-efficient systems, resource conservation, and sustainable utilization (Nenonen et al. 2023). Like other biotech firms, MeiraGTx is now responding to this problem proactively by sourcing renewable energy and enhancing its waste disposal mechanisms. Therefore, facilities management is crucial in the implementation of these changes, management of efficient HVAC systems, and proper designs and management of buildings to reduce energy use. The use of these developments cannot only be attributed to attaining corporate responsibility for sustainability, it is also about cutting costs. This implies that companies can cut down their expenditures to give out energy by adopting environmentally friendly techniques. Sustainability is also one of the main areas that are experiencing active developments (Awosode, n.d.). Over the last few years, society has paid a lot of attention to conserving the environment, putting pressure on companies from different industries to do the same. This has been at the expense of making facilities management transition to more efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices. Similar to other companies in the biotechnology sector, MeiraGTx is now paying a lot of attention to its sustainability by sourcing energy from renewable sources and managing waste effectively. A particular focus is put on the efficient implementation of these changes, the management of facilities that consist of placing energy-efficient systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as on designing and managing buildings to reduce the consumption of energy (Tayefeh et al. 2024). The use of these developments is in itself considered to be more than just a means of accommodating corporate sustainability strategies, more so, a cost-saving technique. This paper argues that through decreasing energy consumption firms can minimize expenditures and participate in the global stewardship effort. Facilities management has always had to consider regulatory compliance as an important factor, but the changes to the regulatory environment increasingly make this issue more important. In the biotech industry in particular the changes to GMP guidelines and regulatory changes and advancements in Institutions like the FDA and EMA have heaped further pressure on the FM teams (Tayefeh et al. 2024). It is now a matter of concern for Facilities management that all the physical spaces of buildings have to abide by these high standards. This ranges from ensuring that production areas are free from contamination to proper disposal of wastes and calibration of equipment among others.

Novel regulations with which the FM teams have to familiarize themselves are that it is subjected to rigorous inspection and auditing. The relevance of this development is clear: lacking compliance, the organizations are exposed to massive fines and loss of reputation among their stakeholders. One can however note that the application of the Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) model can assist facility management teams in managing these changes effectively (Isa et al. 2017). The IWMS model puts together many aspects of facility management such as maintenance, green, and compliance together under one roof. This gives a better opportunity as FM teams can be able to coordinate all their activities through the same platform hence ensuring that all aspects of the operation are well controlled. Thus, applying this model allows the entailing of broader objectives for MeiraGTx’s facilities management function while guaranteeing the company’s compliance, longevity, and adherence to the stringent gene therapy manufacturing standards.

2.2 Review innovations in office and building space management

Technological advancements in managing facilities for offices and buildings have continued to redesign how corporations’ approach and utilize their workplace. Such changes revolve around technology, the nature of the employees, and the available planet. This is the aim of achieving effective and practical designs that would accommodate the employees and boost their efficiency while at the same time minimizing expenses (Almusaed, Yitmen & Almssad 2023).

In this line, one of the most emerging trends is the smart building. These buildings embrace IoT; it is the technology that allows for the real-time adjustment and supervision of numerous building processes, including lighting and power, heating and cooling, and security among others. By installing sensors all over the office space, it becomes easier for the facilities managers to monitor the occupancy levels, the energy consumption rates as well and other environmental factors in the office space hence helping them determine the right resources to allocate. For instance, it will be possible to programming the lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to adapt to occupancy levels and hence minimize costs on power usage. Other smart building technologies benefit the employees by providing conditions, which make them feel as comfortable as possible; productivity and satisfaction are higher in the environments like this (Digitemie & Ekemezie 2024). The other new ideas include agile spaces which are intended to cater to the new working patterns and encourage teamwork. This concept is in contrast with the familiar office where everyone occupies a workstation and instead, an agile workspace is designed to include multiple areas for different tasks. Some of them include the enclosed quiet zones for concentration, the zones that are open for group cooperation and project work as well as the casual or quick meeting zones that are easily accessible break-away areas.

This enables an employee to select the environment that is most appropriate for the performance of his or her job, and increase productivity (Qiang et al. 2023). It is also due to the need for flexibility in the place of work because not all employees work from an assigned office or desk and thus need a working environment where they can find a free space for a while. Integration of sustainable initiatives has emerged as a major consideration in the management of space with concepts being implemented with the primary aim of addressing the environmental footprint of office buildings. Such development includes the wise choice of green building materials and design concepts. Most firms today use recycled steel and concrete in construction, bamboo, re-used low-maintenance timber, and other sustainable products, avoiding the use of non-renewable resources (Goessler & Kaluarachchi 2023). Also, green certifications including Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) are being sought after by corporations to guarantee that their structures adhere to environmental standards. Besides construction materials, it also emphasizes energy and waste utilization for instance by adopting solar panel usage, water recycling systems, and efficient lighting systems. Another change in space management is the Activity-Based Working (ABW) model also being implemented. ABW enables the development of various types of working space within the general office environment, suited to the activity which is to be performed (Kropman et al. 2022). There are areas of curtailed formalities whereby employees can go to any of these areas in their undertaking based on the kind of work they are handling. To be specific quiet zones enhance concentration while open areas encourage people to interact and exchange ideas. ABW optimizes desk space since layouts are created on a need basis and not with a worker being provided a workstation. This leads to a reduction in the number of spaces used and increases proper employee interaction which leads to increased productivity(Finch 2011).

3. The changing facilities management roles and responsibilities across different organisations

3.1 The ways in which the key management functions within facilities management are changing

It has been seen that the key management functions that are used in facilities management (FM) have evolved, which is more apparent in organizations specializing in biotechnology such as MeiraGTx. These changes include; Additional technology and growth of regulations, as well as changing consumers and expanses on the environment. The planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling management activities have therefore been changed and impacted in their execution. One such area of change is in the planning function. Traditionally facilities management planning is primarily associated with the nuts and bolts of day-to-day management of the built environment(Loeh et al. 2021). But today’s FM teams are far more engaged in tactical planning that is in congruence with more strategic organizational objectives. In MeiraGTx this would translate to making sure that appropriately equipped facilities are used in gene therapy research and production because gene therapies require highly controlled conditions. Long-term needs should be incorporated, including the probable additions in the future as well as the modernizations incorporating modern innovations to the facilities. The use of digital twins, for instance, enshrines the methods of building digital models of physical structures whereby facilities managers can ascertain outcomes of consecutive changes for space and resources(Lok et al. 2021). This change to more tactical thinking underlines further the changed position of FM as a corporate decision-maker on the firm’s course.

Operations have also been reorganized within facilities management because of the complexity that has ensued in biotech firms. The increase of several teams in a single organization where they work in different business units demands much collaboration from FM teams. Currently at MeiraGTx FM teams collaborate with research and development (R&D) departments, compliance officers, and sustainability teams to maintain harmony with all operations of the facility. These simple work processes as well as the issues of managing the cleanliness of rooms, working with potential health hazards. Meeting various regulatory requirements make the organization of resources and work more complex and better addressed through Lean thinking(Balogun et al. 2021). Thus, today’s FM is not a single department but integrates efforts of a range of departments to achieve smooth management of facilities. Another area that has been rapidly changed is staffing. It is imperative to point out that today’s facilities management in biotechnology has become a highly specialized field, especially in terms of environment, compliance, and sustainability. This has resulted in a change in staffing patterns, which now see FM teams comprising of professionals with various technical qualifications. Thus, for instance, MeiraGTx will require a team of facilities managers who are well acquainted with the high standards that accompany the production of gene therapies and the legal and regulatory framework associated with the same. Moreover, the advance in technology specifically in building management systems has created a shift in the kind of skills that FM teams should possess(Conejos, Chew & Azril 2019). They are now expected to perform complex tasks with new sophisticated digital systems so technical knowledge and training as well as lifelong learning have become more crucial than ever. Directing in facilities management has also been changed as companies have directed more attention to sustainable environmental practices and employee satisfaction. Today’s FM teams need to ensure that these new facilities are not only functional but sustainable and beneficial to the employees’ well-being and performance. : This, however, means that there is a need to change the management and supervisory practices that are in use in FM and adopt more conducive management practices as shown in the following sub-sections. In the case of MeiraGTx, for instance, facilities managerial staff have to lead such activities as energy conservation, waste minimization, and adherence to green construction standards.

These projects entail working with different stakeholders and leading to promote creativity and environmentally-friendly solutions. Different from the three previous functions where variations with the use of real-time monitoring and data analytics have occurred, controlling has also undergone certain changes. It has become a constant process of monitoring various services in the facilities including the building systems so that they function as per set standards. Delays are costly for research and development at MeiraGTx; hence, controlling is an essential principle in preserving the clean environment required in gene therapy. New equipment and technologies also have empowered the FM teams to be able to access data such as temperature, humidity, and air quality on a real-time basis(Odediran, Gbadegesin & Babalola 2015). Any deviations can be fixed, and it helps in reducing the chances of contamination as well as maintaining the required regulatory compliance. It is crucial to note that such a level of control would not have been achievable in earlier times and makes FM teams’ way of handling facilities a step up. The Total Facilities Management (TFM) model is suitable for these changes. When compared to the existing models of facilities management that are decentralized, this model is integrated and centralized, so it can better control its processes. The TFM model will help organizations such as MeiraGTx to simultaneously focus on all the FM tasks that involve planning, scheduling, and controlling in favour of the company’s strategic plan.

3.2 The implications of these changes for the various roles and responsibilities

Transformations in facilities management (FM) especially in such sectors as biotechnology can impact on job specifications of a facilities managers at different tiers of an organization. These changes are all applicable to a company such as MeiraGTx; technology, sustainability and compliance issues now become part of a facilities manager’s remit. In an operational context, the FM is now required to possess a good level of knowledge of sophisticated building systems especially in buildings that host sophisticated equipment. For example, in MeiraGTx there is a facilities manager who is charged with responsibility of ensuring that clean rooms and research laboratory used in developing gene therapy products are well maintained. This must be done through an understanding of automation and the real time monitoring systems for environmental control as well as meeting regulatory requirements(Ullah, Lill & Witt 2019). But today operational roles require more technical competencies; managers are expected not only to oversee simple problems like routine maintenance but to have proper control over the highly complex monitoring procedures to avoid the risks like contamination or even equipment malfunction. On the strategic level, the duties and responsibilities of facilities managers remain extremely diverse, but on a tactical level, they are becoming more involved in interdepartmental collaboration. They require integration of FM activities with other organizational strategies for instance; sustainability plan and utilization of employee productivity. In industries such as the biotechnology business that has a large focus regarding environmental footprint, the position encompasses the designing and execution of LEED components and energy-saving programs(Hegazy, Saad & Mostafa 2020). An example, now at the tactical level manager of MeiraGTx may propose engagements with sustainability teams in charges of energy efficiency by Instituting smart building practices or programs in waste management. However, the change from the monitoring of the operation to the planning of the tactic guarantees that facilities management contributes to strategic goals, including lowering the carbon footprint or developing R&D assets. At the strategic level the facilities managers are involved in business planning for the future periods. They are responsible for planning on how to expand spaces and adapt to new change because of expansion and technology. For instance, as the organization of MeiraGTx grows, it must address how facilities managers can anticipate and accommodate future growth of research areas and whether the future building may hold to the requirements of progressive biotechnological investigation. Being in this strategic role also entails the aspects of financial managing like preseason budgeting of advanced facility system or running sustainability projects within the context of the company overall strategic plan(Okoro 2023).

These changes are well-based by the Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) as this model is created to coordinate the actual monitoring as well as future planning of all facilities. IWMS helps facilities manager to improve productivity of the enterprise starting from the lowest level of operation up to the high level of operation so that they can be able to address any changes in their responsibilities. Therefore, it can be observed that the requirements for Facilities Managers are shifting not only in terms of the scope of responsibilities, but also in terms of the key areas of work, which include strategic planning, embrace of sustainable measures and awareness of worrying regulatory compliance issues that seem to arise in the Facilities Management domain of the more specialized industries, such as biotechnology.

4. The impact of social and economic changes on facilities management

4.1 The ways in which the principles of corporate responsibility are applied in different facilities management contexts

The principle of corporate responsibility (CR) is the backbone of how facilities management (FM) is conducted in today’s organizations including MeiraGTx Biotechnology company. Corporate Responsibility is the ability or capacity of the corporation to be held accountable to its key constituencies, which include the employees, customers, stockholders, society at large, and the physical earth.

As for MeiraGTx, a company specializing in gene therapy, corporate responsibility has certain peculiarities. Ethical considerations about the operation of biotechnology firms now include health concerns as well as the sustainability of the environment that the firms occupy. In this regard, compliance regulation in facilities management of CR aims at observing high safety and environmental standards that allow the use of strictly accredited equipment and the construction or improvement of facilities that guarantee public health and environmental protection (Di Vaio et al. 2022). Facilities managers need to make certain that the production structures for gene therapy are clean, energy-conserving, and in conformity with health standards. This helps build the company's credibility which is important for a sector whereby public perception is heavily linked with ethical issues. A method in which corporate responsibility is used in facility management is in sustainability measures that are incorporated into the buildings. Sustainable FM is an emerging profession that is aimed at the low energy consumption of facilities, waste minimization, and applying green building technologies. At MeiraGTx, this can mean installing efficient air conditioning and heating, using solar energy or any other green energy, and installing efficient water-using equipment (ElAlfy et al. 2020). These measures help to decrease operating expenses while corporations implement environmental objectives in line with the United Nations SDGs. They are hence instrumental in making sure the company uses natural resources efficiently and avails itself credit for sustainability goals. Furthermore, corporate responsibility is also about the subject’s welfare of the employees. In facilities management, this principle is applied by ensuring that the working environment is safe and healthy. The workplace has to meet the OSHA regulations including ventilation, lighting, and workspace design for the comfort of its employees, this lies in the discretion of the facilities managers at MeiraGTx. Furthermore, due to the fact that the industry is highly stressful, concepts like relaxation areas, physiotherapy, and pep talk areas in the working area are some of the services offered by facilities management (Ibrahim et al. 2022). These measures depict how a company cares for its employees’ welfare and hence creates a sector of a satisfied employee to enhance productivity. Also, stakeholder involvement is another key area of corporate responsibility in managing facilities. MeIRAgtx and many other biotechnology companies usually set up their business in urban or suburban areas and their actions affect the community a lot. It is the duties and responsibilities of the facilities managers to manage their operations in a way; that should not harm the neighbouring areas & zones. This could entail measures such as noise control measures, disposal and management of waste besides public relations activities aimed at creating awareness of the firm’s operations. Thus, they have to have an aim to add corporate activities to the overall benefit of a community thus making the company be perceived as a responsible and authoritative participant in this community. Using the CSR model, another area that is important in facilities management is philanthropy as a measure of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility. In its broad sense, CSR is an initiative to make organizations overact their business motives and start serving the entire society (Shayan et al. 2022). In facilities management this could be the contract with local producers and suppliers, giving preferences to local businesses and checking that the company has a good and correct supply chain. For instance, the procurement policies of FM whereby accommodation is made to purchase building materials and services from local suppliers, who are also willing to adhere to set ethical standards that offer value addition to the local economy. The TBL model, which is the people, planet, profit model is used in facilities management so that Corporate social responsibility is taken in a broader perspective. Applying the concept for MeiraGTx indicates that the facilities managers not only evaluate the profitability of the facilities they manage but also their social and/or environmental performance. This makes it possible to have all the operations done in the company to benefit society as well as the company to make profits at the same time. Therefore, it can be noted that understanding and implementation of corporate responsibility principles is fully integrated into the practices conducted in companies like MeiraGTx, in the field of facilities management. Through implementing sustainability measures, addressing its employees and their health, supporting the given community, and following ethical supply chain management standards, the facilities managers remain an essential part of fulfilling the company’s CR policies. These initiatives can also not be diminished as an important part of compliance and management of organisational reputation; but at the same time, they are useful for achieving key goals of organisational development and sustainability.

4.2 Strategy to ensure these principles are operating within the facilities management function

To restore and enhance the CR principles at the company, a specified strategy must be provided to the facilities management (FM) of MeiraGTx. Such a strategy should focus on sustaining the programme, promoting healthy employees' actions, ethical approaches to communities, and meeting set regulations. The problem of corporate responsibility in facilities management is a proactive one that must be harmonized with the corporate strategies and goals of the company in question while making sure that everyday practices do not go against long-term sustainability goals. The first approach towards the formulation of this strategy is thus to mainstream sustainability in all aspects of facilities management. The energy consideration is a significant factor at MeiraGTx which is a biotechnology company with energy-focused laboratory activities and instruments. Energy management should be enhanced; managers of the facilities should enhance the usage of energy-efficient technologies including renewable energy sources (solar or wind power), light emitting diode (LED) systems of lighting, and energy managerial software. Likewise, measures of water efficiency, including low-flow fixtures, and rainwater harvesting systems have been identified as options that can minimize the impact that the facility makes on the environment (Jaafar, Ebekozien & Mohamad 2021). The implementation of green building certifications including the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a clear guide to the achievement of sustainability objectives. As an added strategy for sustainability the following recommendations could be used, MeiraGTx could incorporate the TBL strategy, which focuses on people, planet, and profit. Therefore, in this model, facilities managers should ensure that the operation decisions enhance the company's performance but do not hurt society and the environment. For example, it is possible to achieve the company’s objectives by purchasing materials and services locally from suppliers who conform to environmental standards. This may also strengthen the brand image of MeiraGTx as an environmentally friendly organization which is quite vital in an industry that is so much about reputation and ethics. Another issue of the strategy is the corporate responsibility for the health of employees, which is another crucial factor of the given concept (Gillan, Koch & Starks 2021). Managers for those facilities should ensure they provide a safe, healthy, and effective workplace for the workers at MeiraGTx. This can be done by implementing routine safety checks on some of the key areas and making sure one adheres to the OSHA standards. As a result of the nature of the business in biotechnology, that is being carried out in a laboratory setting, some of the challenges include unsafe working conditions, inadequate ventilation, and no protective measures against employees coming into contact with dangerous chemicals. Thus, comfortable sitting and working environments, the possibility of having daylight in offices, and health promotion schemes must be provided in the process of designing working areas. Such measures act as a way of minimizing employee stress while at the same time increasing organizational performance. It can also be reinforced by regular sustainable activities or by the creation of sustainability committees among employees so that they can contribute towards the formation and implementation of sustainable solutions. This can also engender employees and foster a culture that will ensure the sustainable management of corporate entities. When it comes to this, there is the Stakeholder Theory that more often supports the proposition that any company should be very careful not to neglect the needs of the stakeholders when it is making decisions. In addition to enhancing the quality of its facilities management function, MeiraGTx builds its staff’s engagement in sustainability and well-being efforts also benefits its relations with its staff. The responsibility of corporate responsibility underlines ethical community engagement and this should be integrated into the FM strategy (Demers et al. 2021). MeiraGTx is in business sectors where issues that affect its operations need to receive positive impressions from the public. In the same capacity, facilities managers also contribute to community relations through the company’s operations not harming the community. This could include the use of technologies such as noise control measures, proper handling of waste, and constant engagement with the leaders of the community. Another way is that the company can also take part in the educational programs for example, providing the guided tours through the company’s facilities or sponsoring the events that are important for the community. Non-compliance with these regulations is unlawful and may also lead to a negative impact on the company’s image.

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Author Bio

Jordan Smith   7 years | MBA

I have completed my MBA in Management from the University of Manchester. I have started my academic writing around 7 years ago. Students can connect with me for any type of management task for their academics. I pay attention to every detail provided by students and give them the desired results.