2024 was a year of change. The election of a new Government heralded an historic budget and plans to overhaul employment legislation. Alongside this, facilities managers are striving to meet net zero, adopt new technologies and wrestle with the challenges of managing hybrid workplaces. What do you see as the main priorities for the sector in 2025?

The facilities management sector has faced remarkable shifts over the past year. With a new Government in place, alongside groundbreaking changes in budget priorities and employment legislation, facilities managers are under increasing pressure to adapt swiftly. With a new regulatory landscape, the FM sector is simultaneously balancing significant pressures to meet net zero commitments, integrate advanced digital technologies, and manage evolving hybrid work environments. These overlapping demands make 2025 a pivotal year for the FM sector to embrace forward-looking strategies and impactful collaborations.

Achieving net zero is a critical and immediate priority for facilities managers in 2025. As buildings account for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, FM has an indispensable role to play in driving decarbonisation. This year, FM leaders will need to focus on optimising existing building systems, enhancing energy performance, and ensuring efficient use of resources. This involves retrofitting aging infrastructure where possible and committing to renewable energy sources.

Collaboration with engineers and energy consultants is essential to identify innovative and cost-effective solutions, ranging from smart energy management systems to renewable technology adoption. Increasingly, facilities managers will also need to consider the full lifecycle of their assets, aiming to reduce waste through circular economy principles and using sustainable materials to prolong the longevity of their facilities.

The rise of digital technology is transforming every sector, and FM is no exception. Digital twins and AI-driven analytics offer FM professionals new tools to monitor, maintain, and optimise building performance in real time. However, technology adoption requires not only investment but also skills development, training, and a robust framework for data security.

In 2025, facilities managers will need to prioritise upskilling and training their teams to leverage these tools effectively. A focus on integrated solutions that align with operational goals will allow FM teams to use data-driven insights to pre-empt issues, reduce downtime, and improve user experience. Moreover, as buildings become “smarter”, facilities managers will play a crucial role in managing the ethical and practical implications of data use, ensuring privacy and security within these increasingly interconnected environments.

The shift to hybrid work has fundamentally changed how people interact with workplaces. As more organisations adopt flexible work models, facilities managers will need to design and maintain spaces that foster productivity, engagement, and wellbeing for employees, whether they are working on-site or remotely.

Prioritising air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, noise control and ergonomic considerations will be key to creating environments that support physical and mental wellbeing. Moreover, this may involve repurposing spaces for collaborative work, creating adaptable environments that can accommodate varying occupancy levels, and enhancing facilities with wellness-focused amenities. By aligning with organisational values on sustainability and inclusivity, FM can lead the way in creating workplaces that prioritise both environmental and employee health.

With the Government’s plans to reform employment legislation, facilities managers must stay agile and informed. New regulations may impact aspects such as health and safety compliance, working conditions, and staff support, especially in a sector heavily reliant on workforce stability. Facilities managers will need to collaborate with HR and legal departments to ensure compliance, minimise disruptions, and maintain a supportive workplace culture.

In conclusion, the FM sector’s main priorities for 2025 will focus on integrating sustainable practices, embracing digital innovation, adapting to hybrid workplace needs, and ensuring compliance with evolving legislation. Through these strategies, facilities managers can continue to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of the built environment. At CIBSE, we’re committed to supporting the FM sector in these efforts, providing guidance and resources to navigate this period of change effectively. We maintain a dedicated FM Special Interest Group and have also published Guide M: Maintenance Engineering and Management, which is esteemed as the authoritative resource for the facilities management industry. 

CHARTERED INSTITUTION OF BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS’ VIEW
DR ANASTASIA MYLONA
CIBSE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

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