The Future of CAFM

Esther Coleman, Senior Product Manager at Idox explores the results of recent research, carried out in partnership with FMJ which looked into the future of CAFM and discusses the role of technology in supporting FMs to deliver tangible business value

FMs have navigated a tricky few years. Rising costs and a staff exodus have put pressure on both budgets and compliance activities, especially routine equipment servicing. With the new government ramping up its commitment to sustainable business, especially sustainable buildings, are FMs ready to take centre stage? Are they able to undertake increasingly strategic roles, including employee experience in the workplace? Critically, do they have the technology infrastructure, including CAFM systems, required to boost efficiency and deliver vital operational insight?

SUSTAINABLE PRIORITY

The drive towards net zero is having a direct impact on facilities management, with 57 per cent of FMs planning to prioritise supporting sustainability over the next 12 months, according to research conducted by Idox. With estimates that 30 per cent of UK emissions come from buildings, 23 per cent of which is due to the heating of buildings, FMs are on the frontline of any organisation’s drive to set and achieve emission reduction targets.

Increasing regulatory reporting on greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, including the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework, is just part of the new sustainability demands facing FMs. Businesses now face additional scrutiny from stakeholders, including investors and staff, regarding environmental commitments and performance. Indeed, according to the CBRE’s UK Sustainability Report, 60 per cent of employees choose a place to work based on matched environmental values.

In addition to supporting an organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies, there is a direct financial opportunity associated with building performance: the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) creates a financial incentive for companies to reduce their carbon footprint.

The need for better technology to support this strategic priority is widely recognised. The research reveals that 45 per cent of FMs plan to invest in facilities management software over the next year, with 41 per cent investing in smart buildings/ Internet of Things and 37 per cent in asset tracking and management.