Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality reshaping industries worldwide. For facilities management (FM), the impact is profound, influencing how buildings are designed, maintained, and operated. Facilities managers stand at the forefront of this challenge, tasked with adapting to extreme weather events, implementing sustainable practices, and ensuring operational resilience in a rapidly changing environment.
This article explores how climate change is transforming FM practices and highlights the pivotal role facilities managers play in driving environmental responsibility while safeguarding the functionality of the built environment.
As the frequency and severity of extreme weather events increase, facilities managers must be proactive in ensuring the resilience of their buildings.
• Flooding and Water Damage: Rising sea levels and heavier rainfall mean facilities in vulnerable areas face heightened risks of flooding. FM teams must implement water-resistant materials, improve drainage systems, and develop robust emergency response plans.
• Heatwaves and Temperature Management: Prolonged heatwaves strain cooling systems, increase energy consumption, and impact indoor air quality. Facilities managers must adopt advanced HVAC technologies and passive cooling strategies to maintain comfort while reducing energy usage.
• Storm Damage: Stronger storms bring the threat of physical damage to structures. FM teams need to assess building integrity, reinforce roofs and windows, and maintain secure storage for critical equipment to minimise storm impact.
Facilities managers are increasingly at the helm of sustainability efforts, which are essential for combating climate change and meeting stakeholder expectations.
• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption is a top priority. FM teams are deploying energy-efficient lighting, smart building systems, and renewable energy sources like solar panels to cut emissions.
• Waste Reduction: Waste management is another area where FM practices can lead to significant environmental benefits. By enhancing recycling programmes, composting organic waste, and reducing single-use materials, facilities can achieve greener operations.
• Green Building Certifications: Certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL highlight a facility's environmental credentials. Facilities managers are instrumental in achieving and maintaining these standards, which enhance a building's value and its organisation's reputation.
The impact of climate change necessitates innovative approaches to facilities operations.
• Water Conservation: Drought conditions in many regions make water conservation critical. Facilities managers are adopting technologies like low-flow fixtures, greywater recycling systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping to reduce water usage.
• Smart Technologies: The rise of IoT-enabled devices allows for real-time monitoring of energy and resource use, enabling facilities managers to make data-driven decisions to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Resilient Supply Chains: Climate-related disruptions to supply chains can hinder access to essential materials and equipment. FM teams must diversify suppliers, stock critical items, and collaborate closely with vendors to ensure business continuity.
Climate change is a shared challenge, and facilities managers must work closely with various stakeholders to address it effectively.
• Engaging Employees: Education and engagement programmes can encourage employees to adopt sustainable behaviours, such as reducing energy use or participating in recycling initiatives.
• Collaborating with Tenants: For multi-tenant facilities, fostering collaboration on sustainability goals can amplify impact, ensuring that all occupants contribute to greener operations.
• Partnering with Vendors: FM teams can choose vendors with strong environmental credentials, ensuring that sustainability is prioritised throughout the supply chain.
As governments tighten environmental regulations, facilities managers must stay ahead of compliance requirements to avoid penalties and ensure operational continuity. Key areas of focus include:
• Carbon Reporting: Many organisations are now required to disclose their carbon emissions. Facilities managers play a crucial role in monitoring energy use and providing accurate data for reporting.
• Building Standards: Updated codes often mandate energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, or sustainable materials. FM teams ensure these standards are met during maintenance or renovations.
• Health and Safety: Climate change can exacerbate health risks, such as heat-related illnesses or poor indoor air quality. Facilities managers must prioritise occupant health through proactive safety measures.
A leading university campus in the UK faced recurring flooding due to changing rainfall patterns. The facilities management team responded by installing permeable pavements, expanding drainage systems, and creating green roofs to absorb excess rainwater. These measures reduced flood risk and enhanced the campus’s sustainability credentials, demonstrating how proactive FM practices can address climate challenges while improving environmental performance.
The Cost of Inaction
Failing to address climate change impacts can result in severe consequences for facilities, including:
• Increased repair and maintenance costs due to damage from extreme weather.
• Higher energy bills from inefficient systems struggling to cope with new climate realities.
• Reputational damage if organisations are perceived as environmentally irresponsible.
• Legal and financial penalties for non-compliance with evolving regulations.
Facilities managers are uniquely positioned to lead climate adaptation and mitigation efforts within their organisations. By prioritising sustainability, embracing innovation, and collaborating with stakeholders, FM professionals can turn climate challenges into opportunities for improvement.
As climate change continues to reshape the built environment, facilities management will remain an essential function for ensuring resilience, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the evolving expectations of tenants, employees, and the wider community. For organisations aiming to future-proof their operations, FM is not just a cost centre but a strategic partner in navigating the challenges of a warming world.
