The facility management industry is adapting to the emergence of new trends, including sustainability, smart technology, and cybersecurity. These trends directly impact improving efficiency, building operations, and energy management. Facility managers strive to adapt to the new industry demands and challenges.
1. Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainability for commercial facilities has evolved from a goal to a necessity. In 2025, businesses prioritize eco-friendly practices to align with environmental responsibilities and societal expectations.
Sustainability emerged as a significant trend over the last few years. The Biden Administration has encouraged homeowners and businesses to implement sustainable practices through various policies that incentivize energy efficiency. Governments on all levels and utility companies have been offering programs that offset the cost of energy-efficient projects, like LED retrofits, HVAC upgrades, and solar panel installations. Solar panels are trending as a popular way for companies to implement renewable energy and energy storage into their business practices. Conserving energy and lowering carbon footprint are top priorities, which is why companies are replacing their lighting, HVAC, and electrical systems with the latest technology. Studies have proven that LED lighting is more energy efficient than other options, like incandescent and fluorescent. These initiatives lead to a return on investment by lower utility bills, plus help companies position themselves as environmentally friendly.
2. Smart Technology Revolutionizing Intelligent Buildings
Smart technology redefines facility management, with intelligent buildings becoming a cornerstone of modern operations. These advanced systems enhance building performance, improve occupant experiences, and offer substantial cost savings.
Smart technology revolutionizes facility management by creating intelligent buildings that optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and improve occupant comfort. Building Automation Systems (BAS) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are at the core of these advancements. BAS is how facility managers control the overall functions of a property, like lighting, HVAC, and security. These devices are interconnected using Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which monitors the building by collecting data to offer insight to facility managers. Facility managers can then use this data to adjust the HVAC schedule, set timers for lighting systems, and enhance security measures. The result is a seamless, responsive environment that reduces operational costs, minimizes energy consumption, and elevates the overall management of modern facilities.
3. Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Modern Facilities
As technology advances, hackers find new ways to infiltrate buildings to steal sensitive data and disrupt daily operations. Cybersecurity is a critical concern for commercial properties becoming more reliant on building automation systems and smart technology. IoT devices can be more susceptible to hacking, leading to safety risks and compromising the integrity of your business. Ensuring safety measures are put into place, like firewalls, encryption, and software updates, is key to protecting your company and its data. Facility managers can take safety measures by educating employees as well. Keeping them knowledgeable about cybersecurity best practices, like phishing schemes and securing passwords, plays an important role in minimizing risks. Neglecting cybersecurity can lead to severe consequences, including data theft, operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage, underscoring the importance of proactive strategies in protecting smart facilities.
Conclusion
The convergence of sustainability, cybersecurity, and smart technology elevates facility management to the next level. Cybersecurity is being used to create secure networks and improve workplace safety, while sustainability and smart technology are streamlining operations and lowering carbon footprints. By embracing these trends, facility managers can future-proof their properties to achieve long-term success and return on investments.
Click here to read the full article originally published September 18, 2024, by FMClarity.
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