FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
THE SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT’S VIEW
SUNIL SHAH,
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ACCLARO ADVISORY & THE SFMI
As the built environment pushes toward net zero and broader sustainability goals, the need for evidence-based decision-making in facilities management is becoming more urgent. Forthcoming regulations like the UK SRS and the revised EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mean the sector is facing increased demand for transparency and accountability. These frameworks are setting the stage for a more structured and data-driven approach to how we manage and report on building performance.
This shift brings into focus the need for high-quality, reliable data to inform decisions. Access to robust evidence is becoming a prerequisite for securing funding for decarbonisation and climate resilience initiatives. Without a clear picture of current performance and future projections, it becomes difficult to justify investment or demonstrate measurable impact.
Technology is emerging as one of the most powerful tools facilities managers have to meet these challenges. Smart building systems in particular are proving invaluable in generating the kind of granular, real-time data that supports more accurate and timely decision-making. Sensors now monitor everything from energy consumption and occupancy to indoor air quality and equipment performance, providing a dynamic view of how buildings operate day-to-day.
AI and machine learning are further enhancing this capability. By analysing usage patterns and predicting when systems might fail, these tools allow for a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance. This not only improves building reliability but also helps to extend the lifespan of assets, reducing both waste and cost.
Technological innovation is also key to integrating and optimising low-carbon systems, especially heating and cooling. With the right tools, facilities teams can ensure that heat systems are correctly modulated and running efficiently, helping to reduce operational carbon while maintaining comfort and performance.
Beyond day-to-day operations, digital tools are now enabling a deeper understanding of lifecycle carbon. Facilities managers are increasingly expected to consider not just the energy used to operate a building, but also the embodied carbon tied to asset replacement and supply chains. Tools and frameworks like the Net Zero Carbon Building Standard and the SFMI Scope 3 FM Framework are guiding this broader, more holistic view of carbon.
When combined with the right expertise, technology becomes more than a tool, it becomes a catalyst for strategic, evidence-based facilities management. The most forward-thinking FMs will be those who see innovation not just as a route to efficiency but as a fundamental pillar of a sustainable, future-ready built environment.
