Ankur Sachdev, CEO of Tenon Facility Management India Private Limited, is certain that facility managers are a must in today’s corporate world. A clearly defined role will help companies not only execute plans but also ensure good return on investment & meet goals.
In today’s corporate landscape, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities have evolved from being optional commitments to strategic imperatives. Across sectors, organisations are being held accountable not only for profitability but also for their impact on people and the planet. Amid this transformation, facility managers are emerging as key enablers of ESG outcomes and acting as the bridge between corporate sustainability goals and on-ground execution.
Expanding Scope
Facility management (FM) has traditionally focused on maintenance, safety and operational efficiency. However, as companies integrate ESG goals into their business strategies, the FM function has expanded into a strategic driver of sustainability performance. From energy management and waste reduction to workforce welfare and compliance tracking, facility managers now operate at the intersection of sustainability, operations and corporate responsibility.
Environmental Stewardship
The “E” in ESG — environmental responsibility — is where facility managers make the most tangible impact. With buildings accounting for nearly 40% of global energy consumption, the way facilities are managed plays a crucial role in determining an organisation’s carbon footprint.
Modern facility managers leverage technology and data-driven insights to optimise energy use, reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. Smart building systems, IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven analytics allow real-time monitoring of energy and water consumption. By identifying inefficiencies and adjusting operational parameters, FM teams can significantly lower energy costs and reduce waste.
Sustainable waste management and water conservation have also become central to FM strategies. Facility managers are implementing recycling programmes, managing hazardous waste responsibly and adopting water-efficient systems.
ESG strategies succeed when facility managers turn them into real results through smarter operations and sustainable workplace practices.
— Ankur Sachdev
Social Responsibility
The ‘S’ in ESG extends to creating safe, inclusive and healthy workplaces, an area where facility managers have a direct influence. The modern facility is not just a physical space but a living ecosystem that affects employee well-being, productivity and engagement.
FM professionals ensure that workplaces adhere to health and safety standards, promote ergonomic design and integrate wellness-focused features such as better air quality, natural lighting and biophilic elements. They also play a critical role in ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in building design, fostering spaces that support diversity and equal opportunity.
Moreover, as companies adopt hybrid work models, the FM function ensures that flexible workplaces continue to uphold high standards of safety and comfort. This focus on human-centric design directly supports the social pillar of ESG by improving employee experience and retention.
Governance & Compliance
Governance, the third pillar of ESG, emphasises transparency, accountability and ethical practices. Facility managers contribute by maintaining compliance with local and international regulations — from waste disposal norms to occupational safety laws. They ensure that all facility operations are auditable, documented and aligned with corporate governance frameworks.
Additionally, FM teams are increasingly involved in sustainability reporting. By providing accurate data on energy consumption, emissions and waste generation, they help organisations track ESG metrics and communicate progress transparently to stakeholders. This integration of operational data into corporate governance enhances credibility and reinforces accountability.
Technology Enabler
Technology is a critical enabler of sustainable facility management. Predictive maintenance tools reduce downtime and extend equipment life, minimising resource wastage. Building Management Systems (BMS), energy dashboards and digital twins are allowing organisations to move from reactive to proactive sustainability management.
Furthermore, the integration of data analytics allows facility managers to measure the return on investment of ESG initiatives, translating sustainability into quantifiable business value. For instance, energy-efficient retrofits and waste reduction programmes not only lower emissions but also reduce operational costs, aligning environmental goals with financial performance.
Path Forward
As ESG expectations intensify, the role of the facility manager is becoming more strategic than ever. Organisations are recognising that sustainability goals cannot be achieved in isolation; they require cross-functional collaboration and operational alignment. Facility management sits at the heart of this ecosystem, translating ESG intent into everyday impact.
By embedding sustainability into the fabric of facility operations, FM professionals are helping businesses transition towards more future-ready models. In doing so, they are not merely managing buildings, they are shaping the sustainable workplaces of tomorrow.