Cleaning Industry Trends

FM Professionals Stand for 2024

Vishwas Bhatnagar, Head-Housekeeping, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Evolving Service Requirements

Facilities management faces numerous challenges but also gets exciting opportunities. Adapting to a changing work environment, embracing technological advancements, prioritizing sustainability, utilizing data-driven decision making, and adopting a customer-centric approach will be key to meeting the evolving service requirements of this critical industry. By staying proactive, embracing innovation, and collaborating with other stakeholders, facilities management professionals can navigate these challenges and continue to create spaces that enhance productivity, well-being, and sustainability for all.

Sustainability Goals

Achieving sustainability goals and striving for net zero requires a multifaceted approach that spans various sectors of our society. Each individual’s actions count, and together, we can make a significant positive impact on the environment. We must take the necessary steps towards a sustainable and net-zero future today.

Organizations can take significant strides towards achieving net zero and sustainability. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, supply chain optimization, and employee engagement are key areas where organizations can make a meaningful impact. As we collectively work towards a sustainable future, it is crucial for organizations to continuously evaluate and adapt their practices to meet the evolving requirements. We must join hands in this journey, each step contributing towards building a greener, more sustainable world.

Praveen Upadhyay, Head of Facilities and Sustainability

Investment in Technologies

Challenges foreseen in meeting service requirements in 2024 like integration of smart buildings, IoT (internet of things) for real time monitoring, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and cloud-based solutions for efficient data management may involve initial cost of implementing advanced systems. It would also need skilled personnel to manage and maintain these technologies. Data security concerns and the potential resistance to change among existing workforce, ensuring seamless integration of various technologies, and staying updated with rapidly evolving tech trends can pose challenges for effective facilities management. Another challenge related to sustainability expectations in FM includes the initial investment required for green technologies, the complexity of implementing sustainable practices across various facility aspects, the need for clear regulatory frameworks, and ensuring that sustainability efforts align with the organization’s long-term goals. Overcoming resistance to change and consistently measuring and reporting progress are also common challenges in meeting sustainability expectations.

Focused Approach

To approach sustainability goals and net zero, consider implementing energy-efficient practices like LED lighting, HVAC optimization, occupancy sensors, energy efficient appliances/equipment. Utilizing renewable resources and adopting eco-friendly technologies and energy management system. Engage stakeholders and create awareness among them thereby setting measurable targets for carbon emissions and regularly assess and adjust strategies for continuous improvements. Collaboration and innovation are key in navigating the path towards sustainability.

To meet sustainability requirements, the organizations may adopt renewable energy resources, enhance waste management, water conservation, promote eco-friendly practices like use of electric vehicle, eliminate single use plastics, encourage RRR methodologies, etc. Incorporating green technologies and fostering a culture of sustainability among employees can contribute significantly like usage of electric vehicles, carpooling, increase in usage of public transport, etc. Regular monitoring and adjustments to strategies based on evolving sustainability standards are essential.

Soma Chakraborty, Vice President- Group Head, Corporate Communications, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata

Complex Building Systems

The trends affecting facilities management in 2024 include new and more complex building systems, increasing building regulations, fast adoption of software and IoT technology, ESG reporting and sustainability and preventive & predictive maintenance. Major emphasis shall be on green practices, adoption of smart building technology, digitization and cybersecurity.

Smart Technologies

Software solutions that help to measure progress in key areas, track and manage energy utilization, and demonstrate regulatory compliance are becoming important day by day. Reduction of carbon footprint, minimizing emission from medical devices, controlling electrical energy and water conservation are some of the key aspects on which organizations’ will be evaluated in years ahead. Smart building technology, Advanced HVAC and energy management technology are other initiatives in sustainability. Controlling costs and supporting environmental initiatives are two most crucial aspects on which facility management will stand in 2024 and all the work will be revolved around these factors.

Top-Down Approach We can either use a top-down approach which forces behavioural change through policy or the bottom-up approach that attempts the opposite: to influence policy through behaviour. When we speak of net zero emissions, we emphasize upon its significance in combating climate change. This requires every corporate to actively measure and provide an account of their emissions correctly, set year on year reduction targets while making provision for such targets in the budget, implement sustainable practices and invest in technologies which are environment friendly. Intent must be there to replace elements that generate emissions, implement sustainable energy sources and opt for digitization. The checklist for building a net zero plan must have carbon footprint calculation, top-level commitment, a clear plan, communication of net zero plans and targets to all stakeholders, staff involvement, identification of carbon hotspots and opportunities to collaborate.