FM newsroom – facility management, technology. As extreme weather events and climate-related disasters increase in frequency and intensity, facility managers face growing pressure to protect their buildings and occupants. Smart building technology—powered by IoT and data-driven design—offers practical, scalable solutions to improve disaster resilience while safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Why Resilience Matters More Than Ever
According to the United Nations, by 2030, we can expect an average of 1.5 natural disasters every single day. Urbanization and the construction sector are significant contributors to climate change, responsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, as the climate shifts, buildings also become more vulnerable to its consequences, Buildings.com warns.
For facility managers, disaster resilience isn’t just a future consideration. It’s a present necessity. Every step taken today to prepare facilities can help protect both lives and investments in the years to come.
Smart Technology: Your First Line of Defense
Early warnings save time and lives: IoT-powered sensors can monitor critical factors such as temperature, humidity, seismic activity, and flood levels in real-time. These systems enable early warnings and allow for rapid responses before issues escalate. Whether detecting structural stress during an earthquake or identifying dangerous heat levels during a wildfire, IoT helps facility managers stay ahead of threats.
Data-driven structural health monitoring: Wireless, self-powered sensors can be embedded into key materials like concrete to track curing progress, temperature, and humidity. This ensures high-quality construction and helps identify potential weaknesses early. Continuous monitoring offers long-term insights into building health, allowing for predictive maintenance and extending the lifespan of critical assets.
Strengthening the Building Envelope
Materials matter: Resilient design begins with smart material choices. Fire-resistant landscaping, reinforced windows, and flood-proof barriers all reduce vulnerability. For example, fire-rated double-paned windows can prevent embers from entering, while eliminating roof ventilation can stop flames from finding a way in.
During the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, over 16,000 structures were destroyed—except for one standout building. Architect Greg Chasen’s design, which used fire-resistant landscaping and robust materials, survived the blaze, highlighting how design decisions directly impact outcomes during disasters.
From Individual Buildings to Resilient Communities
Scale up with smart systems: Integrating IoT and data-driven design into a single building is a powerful step—but scaling up these technologies across neighbourhoods and entire city blocks multiplies their protective potential. Shared data networks and coordinated early-warning systems can help create disaster-resilient communities.
Leverage digital twins: Digital twin technology—virtual replicas of physical assets—allows facility teams to simulate disaster scenarios, optimize building performance, and improve emergency response strategies.
The future will bring more frequent and severe disasters—but proactive planning and smart technology offer facility managers an opportunity to stay ahead of the risks. By investing in IoT and data-driven design today, you can protect your buildings, your occupants, and your bottom line tomorrow.
