6 Things You Should Know About the New SFP Update

What does an epic chili cook-off have to do with facility management learning? We are so glad you asked. In our recent webinar, Cathy Pavick, senior director of professional development at IFMA, shares the secret recipe on what makes IFMA learning unique and 4 critical updates to the Sustainability Facility Professional® (SFP®) you should know about TODAY.   

1. Recurring global analysis from stakeholders spearheads professional development at IFMA. 

"We spend quite a bit of time on the development piece,” said Pavick. “We look at doing our research. What is the analysis saying? What is the research saying? What are our focus groups in our interviews saying?” 

As a nonprofit, IFMA has thousands of dedicated stakeholders who are members and practitioners working in the industry every day. Combine that with the IFMA Foundation and our Corporate Sustaining Partners to get what Pavick describes as IFMA’s secret recipe. Much like the perfect pot of chili, Pavick says, many elements go into the final product of FM training and credentials created by IFMA. It takes the best ingredients to make the best product. 

“Just on this project alone, we had well over 30 individuals providing feedback from all different backgrounds including practicing FMs from different regions and facilities as well as professors and the development team,” said Pavick. “It’s a very comprehensive group that pulls together the program.” 

2. Changes to the e-learning structure will better help you apply your knowledge. 

"When you jump into the SFP, you do start with e-learning and it drives you back to your reading materials. Then those reading materials drive you back to the e-learning examples and exercises based on the content,” said Pavick. “It’s a holistic approach with a number of real-world examples to help you go from thinking about it to doing it."

3. The SFP credential is both strategic and tactical in content.  

“You are starting at that strategy level and taking it all the way down to an action plan,” said Pavick. “You can't create a one-size-fits-all so the idea is we are giving you all the resources and all the education you need to be successful for your needs.”  

New topics like circular economy and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been threaded throughout the credential to make sure your strategies align with global standards.  

4. The new SFP content includes improved alignment with operations and maintenance 

The update is more focused on day-to-day O&M changes like HVAC operations and improving the efficiency of systems. We added a section on energy fundamentals such as energy purchasing, energy sources and consumption and demand differences. 

5. Meet the new SFP Learning Labs.  

With the update, we are introducing optional live learning labs. After you have reviewed the credential material, join an instructor and other students to apply your knowledge in real-time.  

“It's amazing to see what happens as individuals and students go through them,“ said Pavick. “You are working with your peers and taking the concepts and you're moving it into more of that application level.” 

User feedback has been critical in engineering this piece. “The information in the examples and the experiences that are coming out of this learning lab is amazing. We got some incredible comments back throughout the pilot project that individuals couldn't wait for the next (Learning Lab) to come." 

You must review the appropriate course materials BEFORE attending a Learning Lab. 

6. For those that already purchased the SFP, contact IFMA for free supplemental training. 

What if I already purchased and earned my SFP? IFMA has created an "SFP Refresher Course" just for you. Email training@ifma.org to be enrolled for free. 

Learn more about IFMA’s Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) and feel confident implementing sustainable practices in any facility.