FM newsroom – smart building, facility management. The building technology industry has experienced rapid advancements in recent years, providing facilities managers (FMs) with sophisticated tools to enhance efficiency and tenant experiences. However, despite the introduction of cutting-edge innovations such as building management systems and digital twins, many buildings still suffer from inefficiencies due to fragmented technologies.
A More Complex Workload for Facilities Managers
As 2025 approaches, facilities managers must handle an increasingly complex workload. The good news is that many advanced technologies are available to help streamline operations. However, to fully leverage these tools and optimize building performance, a unified approach to technology integration is crucial, Buildings.com suggests.
The Power of Data in Decision-Making
Looking ahead, data will play an even more significant role in guiding business and building management decisions. Despite its recognized value, a large portion of data remains untapped. Report indicates that only 32% of enterprise data is utilized, leaving 68% wasted—along with the resources spent collecting it.
This data underutilization often stems from incorrect sensor deployments, ineffective dashboards, or disconnected systems that fail to communicate. To truly capitalize on the wealth of available data, a master systems integrator (MSI) is essential. An MSI ensures the proper data collection and analysis tools are implemented, integrated, and harmonized, providing actionable insights that drive efficiency and sustainability.
AI’s Transformative Impact on Building Management
AI has become a game-changer in building management, with predictive technologies offering significant cost-saving potential. AI-powered analytics can monitor asset usage trends, enabling predictive maintenance that minimizes downtime and expenses. Additionally, adaptive climate control systems can optimize temperature and lighting settings in real time, improving energy efficiency and tenant comfort.
However, to maximize AI’s capabilities, building technologies must be interconnected. Unified systems allow AI-driven insights to be effectively applied, ensuring optimal building operations and improved tenant satisfaction.
Addressing the Sustainability Gap
While sustainability remains a hot topic in real estate, the industry still struggles to meet energy efficiency goals. Studies show that the average building wastes nearly one-third of the energy it consumes in the U.S.; in Europe, up to 75% of building stock remains energy inefficient. A more proactive approach is required if the industry aims to meet net-zero targets.
Integrating the right platforms can help facilities managers monitor and reduce energy consumption, ultimately aiding decarbonization efforts. However, to achieve meaningful progress, these systems must work within a connected framework, eliminating data silos and ensuring insights lead to actionable outcomes.
The Rise of Smart Building Systems
In 2025, building technologies will transition from a luxury to a necessity. Systems that enhance operational, environmental, and financial efficiency will become standard expectations rather than optional upgrades. Additionally, properties equipped with smart building technologies will hold greater value as tenant and investor priorities shift.
As we enter this new era, embracing interconnected and intelligent systems will be key to unlocking a building’s full potential. Facilities managers with a holistic approach to technology will be best positioned to drive efficiency, sustainability, and tenant satisfaction in 2025 and beyond.