FM newsroom – building operation, facility efficiency. With ageing infrastructure and growing cost pressures, facility managers are under constant pressure to optimise building performance. Fortunately, practical efficiency gains are possible without major capital investment, staffing increases, or structural overhauls.
Managing energy usage is one of many challenges building owners and operators face every day, notes Buildings.com in its recent guide to operational performance. However, not all solutions demand a major retrofit. For facility managers, low-disruption changes can have a significant impact on system performance, energy use, and occupant satisfaction.
1. Unify Building Systems for Greater Visibility
Most buildings house multiple systems—lighting, HVAC, fire safety, and access control—but when these systems operate in isolation, inefficiencies are inevitable. Integrating them into a unified dashboard enables real-time monitoring, improves response time, and reduces manual oversight, giving facility teams a clearer picture of building performance at all times.
2. Leverage existing infrastructure to modernise without disruption
Upgrading doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Modern building management systems can now interface with older hardware using twisted pair T1L technology, allowing managers to integrate legacy components into IP networks. This helps avoid expensive rewiring while still bringing systems online with smarter control and data-sharing capabilities.
3. Stay Ahead with Predictive Maintenance
By shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, facilities can reduce unplanned downtime and optimise service schedules. Using cloud-connected analytics, teams can detect abnormal operations early, generate prioritised alerts, and plan targeted interventions—extending asset life and improving reliability without adding extra workload.
4. Balance operational goals with user expectations
A building’s efficiency should never come at the cost of occupant well-being. Comfort, safety, and uptime are non-negotiable across sectors—from offices to healthcare. Facility managers should select technologies and partners that not only reduce energy consumption but also support human-centric needs, such as maintaining air quality, controlling temperature, and ensuring security.
5. Align IT and OT for real-time operational intelligence
Efficiency gains are often unlocked through a holistic tech strategy. Equipping technicians with mobile tools or adopting a fully integrated operations platform can save time, reduce errors, and enhance situational awareness. Staying current with tech developments ensures systems remain interoperable, scalable, and insight-driven.
6. Replace Paper with Digital Workflows
Outdated, manual documentation creates inefficiencies and knowledge silos. Digital procedures standardise workflows, reduce the risk of human error, and enhance access to critical information—essential during staff transitions or emergencies. Digitalisation also minimises the security risks associated with paper-based materials.
As Buildings.com emphasises, the challenges facing building owners and operators are multifaceted. However, with targeted, low-disruption strategies like these, facility managers can achieve meaningful efficiency improvements—without the need for large-scale renovations or additional staff.
