The commercial building management industry is poised for transformation as advanced technologies and data-driven insights redefine building management. Mastering these resources is more critical than ever, considering that 80% of buildings operating in cities today are expected to still exist in 2050.

Facilities management is increasingly a strategic area for organizations. However, facilities managers, whether in a solo role or as part of a team, face ongoing pressures, including labor shortages, cybersecurity threats, regulatory changes, and sustainability demands. We’ve identified five top trends shaping the industry in 2025 and how facilities managers can confidently navigate these challenges.

1. Shrinking Labor Pool Spurs Industry Consolidation and Outsourcing

As seasoned facilities managers retire, the industry faces a critical shortage of skilled labor. FM is a crucial department for commercial buildings of any size, yet fewer specialists are available. In 2025 and beyond, we expect to see more companies consolidate operations and outsource tasks to specialized providers.

At the same time, growth is expected in the industry over the next few years, along with an increased demand for service skills and management technology. Efforts are underway to attract younger talent, including educational programs and certifications. Many professionals enter the field with skills from diverse industries, fostering innovation in problem-solving. This trend underscores the importance of leveraging technology to bridge labor gaps. As with many labor problems throughout history, technology will be required to help close the gap. Those who provide outsourced operations will deploy new technologies to aid the fewer professionals in getting more done.

2. Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage as Cybercrime Reaches Unprecedented Levels

The escalating costs of cybercrime inspire facilities managers to collaborate more closely with the IT department to prioritize digital security. Last year, corporations spent a record $459.8 million on ransomware payouts. The increasing connectivity of building systems requires a deeper look at best practices for protecting these advanced environments; it’s no longer enough to physically lock doors and windows or install a firewall.

To mitigate risks, buildings will need to be secure by design, implementing measures like:

• Multiple layers of security to protect connected systems.
• Regular patch updates to address vulnerabilities.
• Segregating operational technology from business networks to reduce exposure.

These steps will ensure a more resilient infrastructure that safeguards against costly disruptions that lead to downtime, breaches, or loss of consumer trust.

3. Regulatory Climate Spurs Technological Investments

New climate mitigation regulations across the EU, Asia, and parts of the United States are raising the stakes for building performance. These laws set new standards for improved energy efficiency and sustainability while requiring businesses to demonstrate their processes with comprehensive data reporting. For many organizations, this presents a logistical challenge. Only the largest corporations typically have dedicated facilities teams; smaller companies often operate with minimal FM staff stretched thin with competing urgent responsibilities.

A recent study showed that 82% of 2,000 business decision-makers globally said regulatory penalties are preferable to implementing sustainability measures. However, 97% of the same executives surveyed also said that sustainability is vital for making purchasing decisions, retaining staff, and attracting consumers. With advanced building management technologies deployed that lower energy costs and waste, companies will not need to choose between commercial concerns and energy reduction goals.

4. Preparing for the Potential of Higher Energy Costs

The global boom in data center construction is reshaping energy consumption patterns. In 2024 alone, the capacity for data centers under construction surged to 3,871.8 megawatts (MW), a 69% increase over the previous year. While data centers are critical for powering the digital economy, their immense energy demands significantly strain local grids and contribute heavily to carbon emissions. These impacts are drawing increased scrutiny from regulators and environmental advocates alike.

To address these challenges, data centers are adopting solutions such as:

• Automating energy management to optimize usage.
• Using software tools to track, understand, and streamline carbon emissions.
• Integrating renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

5. Energy Management Is a Powerful Selling Point for Attracting Office Space Renters

As short-term leases signed during the pandemic come to an end, property owners must innovate to attract tenants in a competitive market. Efforts to reduce energy costs are emerging as a key differentiator, with eco-friendly office spaces proving particularly appealing. Surveys show that a majority of employees prefer working in green spaces. Building owners who invest in upgrades like climate control technologies that respond to occupancy levels, automating lights, HVAC, and security can tout a building’s focus on environmental stewardship to attract tenants.

The Road Ahead for Facilities Management

The FM industry faces rising cyber risks, evolving regulations, and the urgent need for sustainability. Addressing these issues will require investments in technology, training, and innovative approaches to building management. Prioritizing optimal building management strategies now will set the stage for resilient and responsive buildings far into the future.

The co-authors are from Acuity Brands, where Brent Lowe is a senior product manager and Michael Westerfield is product director of Atrius.

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