For a long time, I have been advocating the monumental role of Facilities Management (FM) in addressing climate change. Beyond being a first responder during emergencies and disaster management which have become more frequent due to climate change, FM also plays a central role in driving energy savings, reducing carbon footprints, and applying best practices that advance sustainability.
In the global race toward net-zero and resilient infrastructure, few realize that the most powerful lever for impact already exists within the walls of every building: Facilities Management (FM). While the climate agenda is often dominated by bold policies and technological breakthroughs, it is the application of sound FM practices that, in my view, quietly delivers measurable results in energy savings, carbon footprint reduction, and climate resilience.
Sustainability is no longer a boardroom slogan; it is a strategic imperative; and FM is the operational muscle behind it. After all, the influence of FM extends far beyond building operating costs. I believe FM directly and indirectly impacts 30% to 40% of overall expenses, with roughly one-third of that comprising energy and other building-related costs.
For instance, consider energy savings — the first mile of sustainable impact. Every kilowatt-hour conserved is not merely a cost saving; it is a strategic climate action. A well-structured FM regime can drive 15–30% energy efficiency in an average building, often without significant capital investments. Through intelligent scheduling, retro-commissioning, optimized HVAC systems, and empowered workforce behaviors, facilities can be transformed into living, breathing models of efficiency.
Decision-makers often underestimate this first mile — yet this is where real and immediate gains are achieved. People-first programs, combined with smart technologies such as Building Management Systems (BMS) and AI-driven analytics, can transform energy conservation from an operational exercise into a cultural movement within organizations.
Carbon neutrality isn’t achieved on spreadsheets, it’s achieved on the ground. In many major economies, buildings account for nearly 30% of global energy consumption and 26% of related emissions. Through integrated FM strategies embedding renewable energy, optimizing building performance, and ensuring ESG alignment, organizations can meaningfully reduce their carbon footprint. There are abundant of examples for this.
The future of sustainability is not about compliance; it is about responsible leadership. Forward-thinking organizations are using FM as a platform to align carbon reporting with operational excellence, turning reduction targets into measurable, trackable, and verifiable impact.
An equally critical dimension of FM lies in its role in climate and disaster management. The climate crisis has made it abundantly clear that risk is no longer a distant possibility; it is a present reality. Facilities today must be built not just to operate, but to withstand and recover.
A strong FM framework equips organizations with early-warning systems, remote command centers, trained responders, and climate-resilient infrastructure. From flood resistance to fire safety, from seismic readiness to operational continuity, FM serves as both the shield and the spine of organizational resilience.
The question is no longer if disruptions will come, they already are. The real question is: how prepared are our buildings, systems, and people to respond? From planning and mitigation to recovery and restoration, every phase of resilience depends on effective FM execution.
Sustainability is not delivered by policy alone — it is delivered through execution excellence. And that execution is anchored on four enablers:
- People who are empowered and trained to act as climate custodians.
- Places that are smart, efficient, and resilient by design.
- Governance & Compliance that ensure alignment with ESG goals, national climate targets, and disaster-management frameworks.
- Technology that provides the visibility, intelligence, and agility needed to drive continuous improvement.
This is the real economy of sustainability, the economy that operates every day within the systems and processes of our built environments.
My appeal to CEOs, boards, investors, and policymakers is simple – to leverage the true power of FM in the fight against climate change. Shed the outdated mindset of FM as a mere support function, and bring it into the radar of top-tier decision-making. It must be elevated to a strategic pillar of sustainability, fully embedded within ESG strategies, risk governance, and national climate ambitions.
The opportunity is tangible:
- 15–30% energy savings is the first mile achievement
- Measurable carbon reductions aligned with net-zero pathways.
- Enhanced resilience against climate shocks and operational disruptions — the evolving hallmark of FM’s value.
By investing in strong FM regimes, leaders are not just making their buildings efficient — they are future-proofing their organizations and actively contributing to global climate action.
Sustainability is not won only through global summits or declarations — it is won in every switch turned off, every system optimized, and every building made resilient. FM may operate quietly in the background, but it remains the heartbeat of sustainable transformation.