Focusing on key global cities such as Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai, Tokyo, London, New York, Melbourne and Buenos Aires, the report provides deep insights into the evolving nature of work, highlighting significant shifts in workplace strategy, technology adoption, and employee expectations.

As to key trends, the report underscores a surge in hybrid working models: although the return to office is gaining momentum, 85% of organizations are now prioritizing flexible work arrangements, which is reshaping business districts.

It also identifies AI-driven automation as a major driver of efficiency, with 72% of companies integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline operations; smart mobility and AI-driven solutions are transforming urban life and the infrastructure.

Sustainability remains a key focus, with businesses increasingly investing in eco-friendly office spaces and carbon-neutral policies; cities are prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and connectivity to build a better future

As well as identifying these key trends, the report reveals three core categories of cities:

• Innovation-led cities (e.g., Singapore, Amsterdam, Dubai) are rapidly evolving and heavily investing in innovation and people.
• Steadily evolving cities (e.g., Tokyo, London) are leveraging their size and resources for gradual change.
• Adaptive cities (e.g., New York, Melbourne, Buenos Aires) are showing resilience and adapting to pressures.

Commenting on the findings, Philip Ross, CEO of UnGroup (UnWork, WORKTECH and WORKTECH Academy), stated:

Work is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Organizations must embrace innovation, from AI-powered workplaces to dynamic hybrid strategies, to stay competitive. Our report provides a roadmap for leaders navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

By taking a deeper dive into eight world cities, this report aims to show how a greener, smarter, more inclusive and more connected urban future is being built in specific locations and under specific conditions. Businesses that adapt to these trends, and successfully align technology, culture, and sustainability will be best positioned for long-term success.

Wish You Were Here: Eight World Cities Shaping the Future of Work is available to WORKTECH Academy members (others may join today to access it).

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The problem is most companies don’t treat building automation this way. They approach it as a necessary expense, focusing on immediate operational needs, short-term projects and the latest shiny platforms, without a cohesive strategy. This mindset turns automation into an endless series of costs, instead of what it truly can be: a powerful investment designed to compound operational and business value over time.

To change this narrative, we need to reframe how we think about building automation. What if we managed it like Berkshire Hathaway manages its investments? What would it take to build an automation and integration portfolio that not only supports business operations but drives them forward with the same clarity, confidence, and long-term payoff as Buffett’s legendary stock picks? Let’s break it down.

The core philosophy: Building automation as an investment, not an expense

At the heart of Buffett’s success is a simple philosophy: focus on intrinsic value, invest with a long-term horizon, and avoid unnecessary risks. This approach isn’t just for Wall Street; it’s equally powerful in the world of building automation and integration.

Most organizations treat automation as a utility implemented to meet a baseline need, with the primary goal of keeping costs low. But that’s like building a financial portfolio by simply buying the cheapest stocks available. It’s reactive, shortsighted and often expensive in the long run due to inefficiencies, integration challenges and missed opportunities.

Now flip that mindset. Imagine treating every automation and integration decision as if it were an investment with the potential to either compound value or drain resources over time. Instead of asking, “How much does this cost?” start asking, “What’s the long-term return on this investment?” This shift in thinking creates discipline, clarity and purpose. It forces leaders to evaluate automation not just for its features or price tag, but for its strategic fit, scalability, and impact on operational and business goals.

Applying Buffett’s principles to building automation

Warren Buffett’s investment principles aren’t complicated, but their simplicity hides profound wisdom. When applied to automation, they create a framework for making smarter, more strategic decisions.

1. 

   Value over price — Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” In building automation, it’s easy to chase the cheapest solution or the flashiest new platform. But the real question is: what value will this technology deliver over time? A higher upfront cost might yield greater long-term efficiency, scalability, and security — delivering a better return than a cheaper alternative that becomes obsolete or requires constant workarounds.

2. Circle of competence — Buffett only invests in businesses he understands deeply. Similarly, companies need to make automation decisions within their “circle of competence.” This doesn’t mean avoiding innovation, but it does mean ensuring that decisions are informed by a clear understanding of how technology fits into the broader operational and business strategy. Too often, organizations invest in platforms they don’t fully understand, leading to poor adoption, misalignment, wasted resources and the lack of delivering outcomes.
3. Margin of safety — Buffett always looks for a margin of safety — an investment buffer that protects against unforeseen risks. In automation, this translates to resilience. Are your systems designed with redundancy? Is your cybersecurity posture strong enough to withstand unexpected threats? Do you have backup strategies for critical operations? A well-managed automation portfolio isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about durability in the face of uncertainty.
4. Long-term thinking — Perhaps Buffett’s most defining characteristic is his patience. He invests for the long haul, ignoring short-term market noise. In building automation, this means resisting the temptation of quick fixes that don’t align with the company’s strategic goals. It’s easy to get excited about the latest platform, but does it support where the business wants to be in five or ten years? Sustainable growth comes from technologies that integrate, scale, and adapt over time — not from chasing every trend.

Becoming the “Warren Buffett of Building Automation” in your organization

So, what does it take to earn that title — the person whose automation and integration decisions are as trusted and respected as Buffett’s investment calls?

• Clarity in decision-making is key. Just as Buffett has an investment thesis for every stock he buys, building automation leaders should have a clear rationale for every major technology decision. What problem does it solve? How does it align with business goals? What outcomes do I want to achieve? What’s the expected return on investment — not just financially, but in terms of operational efficiency, sustainability, and scalability?
• Patience and discipline are equally important. In the fast-paced world of building technology, it’s easy to feel pressured to act quickly. But speed without strategy leads to mistakes. The best automation leaders know when to move fast and when to pause, assess and make deliberate choices.
• Data-driven judgments separate great leaders from average ones. Buffett doesn’t invest based on hype; he relies on data, analysis and rigorous evaluation. In automation, this means leveraging performance metrics, energy usage trends, cost efficiency and business impact to guide decisions.
• Decisive allocation is crucial. Not every technology deserves equal attention or investment. Great building  automation leaders know where to double down — investing heavily in platforms that drive efficiency and adaptability — and where to cut losses on underperforming systems. Just like managing a financial portfolio, the goal is to maximize returns while minimizing waste.

Managing risk like a pro: The Berkshire Playbook for building automation

Buffett doesn’t fear risk; he manages it. He avoids unnecessary risks while embracing calculated ones that offer strong potential rewards. This mindset applies perfectly to automation, where risk management isn’t just about cybersecurity, it’s about operational resilience.

For example, consider vendor risk. Many companies become overly reliant on a single provider without considering the long-term implications. What happens if that vendor’s pricing model changes, their service quality drops, or they go out of business? A Buffett-style approach diversifies dependencies without creating unnecessary complexity.

The same goes for technical debt. Just as Buffett avoids companies with poor financial fundamentals, smart automation leaders avoid solutions that are fragile, overcomplicated, or unsustainable. The goal is to build systems that are as robust and adaptable as a well-diversified investment portfolio.

Are you managing automation like Warren Buffett would?

If you’re serious about transforming how your organization approaches building automation, ask yourself:

• Do you have a clear, strategic rationale behind your major automation investments?
• Are your decisions driven by long-term value, not just short-term fixes?
• Is your automation portfolio resilient, adaptable, and aligned with your business goals?
• Are you actively managing risks — or just hoping things won’t go wrong?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to rethink your approach.

The legacy of strategic building automation leadership

Becoming the Warren Buffett of building automation isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most disciplined, strategic, and focused on long-term outcomes. Because in the end, great automation leadership isn’t about technology, it’s about creating lasting business value.

So, the next time you’re faced with an automation decision, ask yourself: “Am I managing this like an expense — or like an investment that will shape the future of this company?”

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AI in the building maintenance industry leverages machine learning algorithms and data analytics to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance of building maintenance processes. Used for predictive maintenance, energy management, and smart building management systems, AI technologies come with a host of benefits.

Recent technologies are able to summarize maintenance schedules for quick reference, highlighting asset types and locations, easing the process for engineers and facility managers. Similarly, AI is capable of analysing asset register data to automatically identify and map appropriate maintenance schedules to each asset — a task that frequently takes months to do manually.

While spotlighting the advantages AI can bring to maintenance professionals, the industry must also be aware of its pitfalls.

What are the pros of using AI technologies in a building maintenance strategy?

1. Cost reduction 

AI can automate the repetitive tasks associated with setting up maintenance plans and ensuring they are optimal and legally compliant. Efficient and effective maintenance relies on a strong understanding of the facilities and assets that require maintenance and an informed plan to address them. AI provides a new capacity to create a deeper understanding that would be unfeasibly costly to implement using human resources.

AI can be used to minimise maintenance costs by decreasing unplanned downtime and optimising energy consumption.

As AI provides real-time data analysis and insights that can help facility managers make more informed operational decisions, this can reduce the likelihood of costly errors in judgment.

2. Time efficiency 

By automating tasks, AI tools can help maintenance professionals work more efficiently by streamlining processes and cutting down on timely repetition.

AI software tools can assist with many traditionally manual tasks, speeding up repetitive processes and helping to standardise data. In the long term, this can save those responsible for building maintenance both time and effort, which can be used in more strategic, high-impact areas.

3. Maximises asset lifespan 

AI-powered solutions can extend asset lifecycles by predicting potential failures before they occur.

By recommending the best timing for maintenance (not applicable for statutory requirements), AI can, in turn, prevent both over-maintenance, which can cause unnecessary wear, and under-maintenance, which can lead to premature failure.

4. Provides more reliable reporting and analytics 

AI in facilities management is incredibly helpful for collecting, analysing, and simplifying the array of information involved with building maintenance and its associated responsibilities, including diagnosing problems.

Machine-learning AI can interpret data from various sources, including sensors and real-time user inputs, to identify patterns and make intelligent, personalised predictions about building management needs, for example, previous patterns of equipment failure.

In the past, data had to be sorted manually, with decisions often being made without clear, evidence-backed reasoning. Now, through machine-learning AI, data reporting and analytics can be achieved faster and more reliably than ever before, lowering the risk of human error.

What are the cons of leveraging these technologies?

1. High initial costs

Despite its benefits, the implementation of AI in building maintenance is not without challenges – the most obvious being the initial cost of deploying AI systems, such as sensor installation and integrating AI solutions. This upgrade can be particularly costly for older buildings.

Implementing AI systems can require significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and training, so careful planning and budgeting are essential for a successful and cost-effective onboarding.

2. Data Privacy and Security Concerns 

As AI systems collect and process large amounts of sensitive building and occupant data, this may cause privacy and cybersecurity concerns for an organisation.

As AI systems require high-quality, consistent data to function effectively, poor or incomplete data can lead to inaccurate insights or decisions.  In other words, AI is only as good as the data that goes into it.

Ensuring this data is collected, stored, and used in compliance with privacy regulations is crucial.

3. Overreliance 

Industry professionals must always approach AI adoption with caution and not fall into a cycle of overreliance. Artificial intelligence tools are not infallible; they require rigorous data validation and continuous human oversight. Facility management systems are complex and demand nuanced interpretation that AI algorithms may not fully comprehend

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In this study of U.S. building managers and decision makers with more than 250 building occupants, Honeywell found that across property types, respondents are increasingly using AI to help improve process efficiency, productivity and operations. However, since most respondents (92%) reported challenges in hiring skilled, tech-savvy individuals, a greater opportunity remains ahead for building operations to tap into AI’s capabilities to enhance employee training, augment their current workforce and ultimately help upskill labor to support the sector’s rapidly changing needs.

Billal Hammoud, president and CEO of Honeywell’s Building Automation segment,  stated:

AI in buildings is a game-changer that not only helps decision makers potentially maximize operations and efficiencies, but it can also help improve security for guests, minimize energy usage for tenants and reduce costly downtime by flagging issues before they happen. With basic AI functions already integrated into many commercial buildings, leaders should pivot their focus to the upskilling opportunities it presents for employees who can tap into AI to help buildings reduce carbon emissions while being more secure and operationally efficient.

For commercial buildings, Honeywell’s research found that AI has moved beyond experimental and is now becoming mainstream, as evidenced by its increased usage for day-to-day building management. Key findings include:

• Nearly 60% of respondents have already adopted AI to streamline maintenance and repair processes.
  • One of the most common use cases is predictive maintenance, which helps identify issues before they become larger concerns and is currently used by 49% of respondents.
• Security and safety are also top-of-mind for more than half of all respondents.
  • Frequent use cases cited by respondents were monitoring for unusual behavior (63%), location tracking systems for occupant safety (52%) and biometrics-based access control systems (45%).
• Decision makers are turning to AI for everything from temperature control to water usage.
  • More than half (55%) of respondents currently use AI for overall building energy management, 41% use it for water usage monitoring, and 40% implement it for temperature comfort.

To learn more about the AI in Buildings research results and how Honeywell’s solutions are helping buildings deliver stronger operational efficiency and fire and life safety, visit Honeywell’s Building Automation division.

Honeywell commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct the Honeywell Building Managers Research Survey, which polled 250 U.S. building managers and senior decision makers across building types including offices, hospitals, airports, schools, universities, hotels and data centers. To participate in the research, respondents had to use AI-enabled property management systems in buildings with 250+ occupants.

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Its business is aligned with three megatrends — automation, the future of aviation and energy transition — underpinned by the Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. The company helps organizations solve complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through its Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments to increase safety, security and sustainability.

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Effective December 1, 2024, subsidiaries Amerlux and Delta Controls will fully integrate with DIBT, with their company names changing to Delta Intelligent Building Technologies (USA), LLC and Delta Intelligent Building Technologies (Canada), Inc. respectively.

The aforementioned integration further enhances the overall offering and ensures a seamless customer experience with Delta’s comprehensive smart building solutions. Importantly, Amerlux, known for its high-performance design-focused architectural lighting, and Delta Controls, renowned for its cutting-edge building automation systems, will continue as brands of Delta to represent respective product lines under the DIBT umbrella, ensuring continuity in product quality and innovation.

Products and solutions from building automation provider LOYTEC, as well as AI-based video surveillance solutions providers March Networks and VIVOTEK, will also be integral parts of DIBT’s full solutions offering.

Bill Lo, general manager of Delta’s Building Automation Business Group, stated:

With DIBT, Delta reinforces its leadership in the smart building sector by providing end-to-end solutions that cover every aspect of buildings’ management. Our goal is to deliver tailored solutions that leverage the strengths of Delta’s premier brands, while also enhancing our sales, system integration, and customer service capabilities. This initiative will empower customers to meet the growing demands of smart buildings, city infrastructure and sustainability.

Guided by its mission, “To provide innovative, clean, and energy-efficient solutions for a better tomorrow,” Delta is aligning its state-of-the-art smart building solutions through DIBT to help customers across North America drive operational excellence and future-ready building management.

For more information regarding Delta Intelligent Building Technologies, visit DIBT.

Delta Electronics (Americas) serves the IT, communications, industrial automation, renewable energy, lighting, power tool, automotive electric vehicle, and other major industries through multiple locations in the United States, Mexico and South America. Products include power electronics, DC brushless fans, liquid cooling, EV charging, visual displays, industrial automation, networking products, electronic components, consumer products and energy efficient and renewable energy products.

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DLC research shows that adding NLCs to commercial lighting upgrades can cut a project’s new lighting load in half. Taking this a step further, integrating lighting controls with HVAC can save up to 30 percent of HVAC energy and 20 percent of the total energy load in large commercial buildings, according to ACEEE. Adoption of this strategy has lagged, however, largely due to the complexity of integration projects, which require collaboration between building owners and operators, electrical/lighting engineers and contractors, and mechanical/HVAC engineers and contractors, who often work independently.

DLC Executive Director and CEO Tina Halfpenny stated:

Our NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit facilitates implementation of projects that can significantly reduce energy waste, while lowering operating costs for owners. Whether you have experience with NLC-HVAC integration or it’s a brand-new concept, the DLC’s toolkit opens the door to better coordinated projects that yield more energy and cost benefits. We’re excited to get it into the market and start seeing the results.

Development of the NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit grew from findings of a working group comprising experts across the lighting, HVAC and utility industries convened by the DLC in 2023. The group named lack of communication between people working in lighting and those involved in HVAC controls as a major hurdle to achieving energy savings on a scale only possible by linking lighting controls with HVAC. In developing the toolkit, the DLC aims to break down barriers and improve collaboration between the professional worlds of lighting and HVAC, enabling greater savings.

 Toolkit components include:

·       Decision Tree to determine which projects are good candidates for integration and avoid those where success is unlikely;

·       Case Studies presenting successful integration examples, searchable by building type;

·       Template of a sample construction integration specification aligned with CSI Division 25 (a section within the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat regarding integrated automation);

·       Handbook that concisely describes the basic information that each group needs to know, with a glossary and references to relevant standards;

·       Responsibility Matrix in the form of a sample spreadsheet that presents an integration project in terms of major tasks and indicates which party is responsible for each one.

By bridging the gap between NLC and HVAC systems, the toolkit can help facilities use building automation to level up energy efficiency. The toolkit is designed to fit the needs of an array of professionals — including building management system contractors, specifiers, utilities, manufacturers, engineers and designers — and is available to download free of charge.

The NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit is available at DLC. The DLC website has more information about NLC-HVAC integration, including an introductory video based on a 2024 DLC Controls Summit presentation. 

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By Sara Marberry  — I’ve been having a lot of conversations with people about AI recently. Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay and will only grow in importance in our daily lives.

AI isn’t perfect.

It sometimes messes things up. Its ability to generate highly realistic deepfake videos and images is very disturbing. And some think AI could surpass human intelligence and take over the world.

But AI isn’t inherently good or evil — it’s all about how we use it.

AI in healthcare

In healthcare, AI is already impacting patient care, staff productivity, and facility design.

AI-powered imaging tools can detect anomalies like cancer, fractures, or infections faster and with higher accuracy than traditional methods. It also scrutinizes patient data, genetics, and past medical history to tailor treatments specific to individual needs.

And there’s more.

AI models can analyze trends and identify individuals at risk of diseases like heart disease or diabetes before symptoms appear, enabling early interventions. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots are able to provide 24/7 patient support, answer medical queries, schedule appointments, and even help monitor chronic conditions remotely.

By reducing administrative burdens and optimizing workflows, AI is also reducing time spent on things like paperwork and data entry, allowing staff to focus more on patient care.

AI in healthcare facility planning and design

A recent paper published by the American College of Healthcare Architects offers a great overview of AI in healthcare facility planning and design, with 10 conclusions and predictions at the end. Some that stood out for me are:

1. Data-driven design: AI’s ability to collect data in a number of different areas. such as outpatient care and customer preferences, will inform new and flexible facility design solutions.
2. Efficiency and workflow optimization: By streamlining administrative tasks, AI will free up time for healthcare professionals and eliminate the need for some staff. This will impact the types and amount of workspaces that are needed.
3. Population data mining for everyone: AI’s ability to analyze and predict diseases and new treatment options will present new design challenges

On the creative side, AI allows healthcare architects and designers to run different scenarios for their designs by generating multiple solutions based on specific things like space utilization, sustainability, and aesthetics. It’s also being used to design more energy-efficient buildings by simulating how they will interact with natural elements such as sunlight, wind, and temperature.

AI-powered virtual staging tools can give clients an idea of what a space might look like with out physical staging. And AI can be used to suggest furniture arrangements, color schemes, and design themes.

What to make of AI

So, are all of you healthcare architects and designers going to be replaced by AI? Heck no. It cannot replace the deeply human qualities of empathy, ethics, intuition, and a sense of purpose that is essential to you and the work you do.

But if you’re not using AI as a tool to help problem-solve, stimulate your creativity, and produce better designs, then you’re missing the boat.

See the original article as well as more insights on Sara Marberry’s Blog.

This column originally ran on Sara Marberry’s Blog on February 28, 2025. Marberry is a healthcare design expert with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare and senior living design industry, who has written/edited five books and is a regular contributor to Healthcare Design magazine. Marberry also is a former Executive Vice President of the nonprofit Center for Health Design.

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ABM Performance Solutions is an innovative approach designed to optimize facility performance, focusing on delivering measurable results that benefit both the building and its occupants. Rather than simply providing passive, cost-centered facility management, ABM Performance Solutions introduces a proactive, customized, and data-driven model. This shift ensures that facility operations go beyond routine maintenance, helping organizations achieve their financial, operational, sustainability, and workplace experience goals. ABM Performance Solutions enhances uptime, output, and long-term efficiency — all with a single point of contact from ABM.

Proactive, outcome-driven facility management

ABM Performance Solutions provides a unified, cohesive team that puts outcomes first. This results in enhanced efficiency across all aspects of your facility. Whether it’s engineering, HVAC, power management, cleaning, landscaping, parking management, or building technology, ABM Performance Solutions integrates these services seamlessly, allowing businesses to reduce costs while improving productivity and sustainability.

ABM is more than a provider — we’re a strategic facility partner. With a wide array of offerings, ABM Performance Solutions ensures that your buildings operate smoothly, efficiently, and sustainably. Additionally, ABM focuses on occupant support, providing services that enhance employee and occupant satisfaction, health, and safety.

Customizable solutions for your facility

ABM Performance Solutions stands out by offering solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. Understanding the unique risk profile and long-term goals of a facility allows ABM to create customized services that align with business priorities. By taking a consultative approach, ABM ensures that the solutions are relevant, efficient, and effective in achieving your goals.

Every facility is different, and ABM recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t effective. Whether managing capital expenditures or optimizing energy systems, ABM integrates technical expertise and service flexibility to deliver the best outcomes. From microgrid infrastructure to vertical transportation systems, ABM Performance Solutions addresses every aspect of your building’s lifecycle.

The importance of data and technology in facility optimization

Technology is at the heart of ABM Performance Solutions. ABM utilizes predictive analytics, smart building capabilities, and IoT sensors to monitor and optimize facility systems in real time.

ABM Connect is the end-to-end platform that unites all of this. Data from the team member application flows directly into your client platform, allowing you transparency and connectivity into services from ABM. The information gives the operational leaders at ABM the power of data-driven decision making to ensure you benefit from continuous improvement.

This data-driven approach allows ABM to manage assets proactively, minimizing downtime and maximizing performance. Data transparency is key, and ABM provides actionable insights that help businesses track the performance of their facilities over time.

ABM Connect also includes visual dashboards that offer real-time data on everything from energy usage to occupant experience, enabling clients to optimize operations and meet sustainability targets. The integration of data helps organizations stay ahead of challenges, whether it’s energy conservation, carbon footprint reduction, or improving the facility’s environment.

Achieving sustainability goals

ABM Performance Solutions integrates sustainability into every aspect of facility management. To go beyond short-term fixes, ABM focuses on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact over the long term — making your facility more sustainable.

ABM has already demonstrated success in sustainability initiatives, such as the installation of over 26,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving energy every step of the way. Sustainability programs from ABM also help clients meet their sustainability targets while improving indoor air quality for staff and occupants. This commitment to sustainability ensures that facilities not only perform well, but do so in an environmentally responsible way.

Measurable outcomes and cost savings

ABM Performance Solutions ensures that every service has a direct impact on the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of your building. This results in a positive financial impact, with businesses experiencing significant cost savings, reduced operational expenses, and improved ROI. With a single provider managing all services, ABM helps reduce the number of subcontractors and middleman fees, further driving down costs.

In addition to financial savings, ABM Performance Solutions helps businesses extend the life of their buildings and equipment by improving asset management and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. The proactive approach ensures that businesses can rely on their facilities without disruption, optimizing operations for greater productivity, profitability, and occupant well-being.

Simplified facility management

Managing a facility can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially when multiple subcontractors are involved. ABM Performance Solutions simplifies this by offering a single point of contact for all facility services. In fact, ABM will have an experienced team member on site — this streamlines communication, reduces administrative burdens, and enhances accountability. With one unified team overseeing all aspects of facility management, businesses can focus on their core operations while leaving facility optimization to the experts.

Future-proofing your facility

The ability to future-proof a facility is crucial as organizations navigate changing market conditions, shifting expectations, and evolving technology. ABM Performance Solutions supports businesses in adapting to these changes by providing forward-thinking solutions that anticipate future needs. Whether it’s upgrading HVAC systems for energy efficiency or preparing for increased occupant expectations, ABM helps you stay ahead of the curve.

Why ABM Performance Solutions?

ABM Performance Solutions offers a comprehensive, outcomes-driven approach to facility management. Whether you’re looking to reduce operational costs, meet sustainability goals, or enhance the workplace experience, ABM Performance Solutions provides the tools and expertise needed to achieve all these objectives—and more. With a customized, data-driven approach, ABM ensures that your facility performs at its best, now and in the future.

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We have identified five major shifts emerging in 2025 that will reshape and simplify building management. The facility management industry is maturing into a strategic cornerstone for operations, and these trends will showcase how the role will address cybersecurity, labor shortages, sustainability, compliance, and energy efficiency.

Increased facility cybersecurity through collaboration with IT and digital partners 

Cybercrime increased by 75% in 2024 and is expected to continue rising in 2025. Increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals are looking for any way to access the systems of corporations and infrastructure providers. Breaches can range from ransom attacks targeting corporate operations to more critical attempts to infiltrate payment and financial systems. 

Facility managers working with IT to prioritize digital security will protect their operations. Implementing secure-by-design systems limits access by layering security measures, timely software updates, and isolating operational technology from broader networks. Keeping software up-to-date will be essential to combat these risks. This includes ensuring patches are up to date on all IoT edge devices and critical building infrastructure systems such as HVAC, lighting, access control systems, and other equipment that might not traditionally be considered inviting to hackers. 

Labor gaps will lead to consolidation, outsourcing and technology adoption

While facilities management is vital, the industry is experiencing a significant labor challenge. This gap is expected to widen further as fewer young people enter the field, putting more pressure on the already strained workforce, which is retiring in large numbers​.

Adopting smart energy initiatives to attract tenants 

Managing energy resources wisely, whether turning to renewable sources or adopting technology that allocates energy to address real-time conditions, can also be a selling point for office spaces. Research shows that employees in green offices are 15% more productive, which has heightened the demand for eco-conscious workplaces. In addition to contributing to environmentally friendly goals, 69% of people prioritize working in greener environments, pushing the demand for organizations to seek more eco-friendly office spaces. 

In response, building owners will continue investing in upgrades beyond traditional improvements. From innovative building technologies that enhance energy efficiency, like intelligent lighting, to renewable energy installations, such as solar panels, these features will help attract tenants to office spaces that are up for lease. These sustainable upgrades reduce the environmental footprint and create a more productive and attractive work environment. Office buildings that embrace energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly designs will become desirable for tenants seeking long-term, cost-effective solutions.

Navigating and complying with new regulations

2025 will bring many new climate regulations for buildings globally. While larger sustainability teams may have the resources to stay ahead of these requirements, smaller teams could struggle to balance operations while working to understand unclear regulatory demands. Surveys show that only 25% of organizations are ready for upcoming regulations and reporting. 

Many building owners are navigating the uncertain landscape of upcoming regulations. Understanding and implementing strategies to meet compliance will take up more of the facilities and energy teams’ limited time. However, those who seek technological solutions that support energy reporting demands will be in a better position to handle any changes in the regulatory climate. Being proactive will allow teams to benefit from the efficiencies and lower costs of software designed to track and manage energy costs. 

Preparing for the potential of rapidly increasing energy costs 

The reality of digitalization drives the increasing need for global data centers worldwide. This surge draws increasing attention to their energy consumption and carbon impact, pressing the adoption of more sustainable solutions.

In response, facility managers are consolidating resources and increasingly outsourcing key functions to manage day-to-day operations effectively​. However, despite these strategies, the gap in skilled labor combined with rising demand calls for rethinking traditional operations. Industry leaders recognize the importance of investing in comprehensive training programs to develop the next generation of professionals. Like many labor problems throughout history, people will need technology to help close the gap. Leaders in outsourced operations will embrace new technology to empower the few to do more.

The heightened energy usage has already prompted a shift towards innovations like hybrid cooling systems and AI-integrated infrastructure, which will continue to evolve in 2025​. These advancements will take center stage as industry leaders recognize the critical need to align data center growth with sustainable energy practices.

As a result, building owners and facility managers may see their energy costs increase, and it will continue to be essential to maintain efficient operations through the use of traditional sustainability solutions as well as software solutions. As we move through 2025, cybersecurity, labor shortages, sustainability, increasing regulation, and the need to reduce energy consumption will be at the top of everyone’s priority list. 

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The findings also reveal over one in six (17%) Brits have noticed visible structural issues in a building they have lived or worked in.

The 2024 Building Safety Report conducted by SFG20, the UK industry standard for building maintenance, surveyed 1,500 people across 15 UK cities to highlight their perceptions of the safety and maintenance of their local buildings.

The report comes after the UK government has faced increased scrutiny over the last few years following the Grenfell Tower Fire tragedy and the RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) scandal, causing nationwide apprehensions around building integrity.

One in five (19%) members of the British public expressed their concerns about the health and safety of the building they live in, with mold, poor ventilation and dampness being some of the biggest issues raised.

Breaking this down by region, London is the region most concerned about the safety of local buildings, with 69% of London residents stating they were worried about the safety and maintenance of buildings in their areas. London is followed by Manchester (58%) and Leicester  (55%).

Concerns were raised over the government’s efforts to maintain and improve buildings in their area, with 30% saying they felt dissatisfied with the government’s efforts and 30% distrusting that local buildings are safe in accordance with current building safety standards.

Jason Instrell, industry lead at SFG20, shared his thoughts on the survey’s findings:

It is concerning to see an overwhelming majority of the British public concerned with the safety of their local buildings.

Over the last decade, the UK has seen a string of events that have placed the maintenance of local infrastructure under a particularly intense spotlight.  The use of RAAC in schools, Grenfell Tower and Dagenham Tower block fires has led the public to question the importance and overall safety of our buildings, both commercial and residential.

The introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022 saw stricter rules on the safety of buildings and it remains the UK government’s responsibility to ensure the public feels safe and educated about the maintenance of these buildings. We hope this report will show the UK government the immediacy and attention required to uphold the safety of the buildings we live and work in.

Launched in 1990 by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), SFG20 is recognized as the UK industry standard for building maintenance specifications. With access to a library of over 2000 maintenance schedules that update dynamically to reflect changes in legislation and health and safety regulations, you can create customized maintenance schedules that are designed to keep you compliant while also saving you time, effort and money.

The complete SFG20 Building Safety Survey 2024 is available online from SFG20.

For more about the Greenfell Tower fire, see: “FMLink Special Report: The London apartment fire — why is this important for facilities managers?”

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