A group of experts across the industry were asked to answer the following question in FMJ’s January FM Clinic:
2024 was a year of change. The election of a new government heralded a historic budget and plans to overhaul employment legislation. Alongside this, facilities managers are striving to meet net zero, adopt new technologies and wrestle with the challenges of managing hybrid workplaces. What do you see as the main priorities for the sector in 2025?
The technology expert’s view: Paul McCarthy, CTO, Service Works Global
Two key forces that will define the sector’s priorities in 2025 are the urgency to achieve net zero and the transformative potential of accessible technology, particularly AI. The strategic adoption of tech such as AI and IoT can empower FM professionals to meet these environmental challenges head-on, creating smarter more sustainable workplaces.
Improved efficiency is central to hitting sustainability targets as organisations must make better decisions about resource use to reduce carbon footprints. But you can’t manage what you can’t measure. Many facilities still rely on disparate, static data sources such as spreadsheets or legacy systems, limiting their ability to optimise energy usage or predict maintenance needs. The biggest barrier to a digitised estate is taking that first step and gathering the data. Once you have digitised, it unlocks a whole world of insights and actions that will revolutionise estate management.
Digitising a facility’s footprint and consolidating information from varied sources equips FMs to make informed decisions – whether that’s adjusting HVAC systems based on occupancy data or scheduling cleaning only in used spaces. AI-powered analytics can deliver real-time insights into building performance, and these efficiencies reduce operational costs as well as drive meaningful environmental gains.
One misconception about AI and IoT solutions is that they are complex and costly to implement. There are plenty of scalable options that enable organisations to start small, such as installing occupancy sensors in key areas, see the benefits and expand over time. This makes advanced technologies accessible even to those with limited budgets, which should accelerate adoption across the sector.
AI can analyse data and generate actionable insights. For instance, software that can leverage predictive maintenance models to anticipate when equipment, such as escalators or heating systems, will require attention. This approach minimises unnecessary maintenance, reduces downtime, and lowers energy consumption – all while extending asset lifespans. AI-driven tools can also analyse patterns, such as energy use during different times of day, to refine operational strategies. For FMs, this level of granularity represents a game-changer in resource efficiency.
The FM industry must embrace interconnected tech ecosystems. While many facilities already use some form of smart technology, these systems often operate in silos. Utilising software that integrates seamlessly with other platforms is a must.
By creating a single view of real-time data, FMs can optimise everything from space utilisation to carbon reporting, helping them align with broader ESG goals.
The push for net zero isn’t just an operational imperative; it’s a societal one. FMs play a pivotal role in shaping how we interact with our built environment. By embracing digitalisation and making use of AI, the sector can unlock new efficiencies, reduce emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable future. As tech and AI solutions become more widely adopted, I expect FMs to move beyond incremental gains and achieve systemic change. In 2025, the FM sector has the tools, and the opportunity, to lead the way towards a smarter, greener world.
