Top 10 Facilities Management Trends Shaping UK Commercial Properties in 2024

The way we manage commercial properties is changing fast, especially as businesses adapt to new challenges like cutting energy costs, embracing hybrid working, and boosting sustainability efforts. Facilities management (FM) is playing a key role in helping UK commercial properties stay efficient, flexible, and future proof. Let’s look at the top 10 trends shaping FM in 2024, and how they’re impacting everyday property management.

Going Green: Sustainability and Net Zero Goals

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a priority. With the UK committed to reaching net zero emissions, FM teams are under pressure to make commercial buildings greener. This means everything from installing energy-saving LED lighting to setting up solar panels and improving insulation. FM is leading the charge in reducing energy usage and helping businesses hit their carbon reduction targets.

Smart Buildings Are Getting Smarter

You’ve probably heard about smart homes, but smart buildings are transforming how we manage commercial properties too. Using the Internet of Things (IoT), FM teams can now monitor and control everything from lighting to heating remotely. Imagine being able to track energy use in real-time or fix a heating issue before anyone even notices it’s cold. Smart technology means better efficiency, lower bills, and happier tenants.

Adapting to Hybrid Working

The rise of hybrid working has completely changed how office spaces are used. With more people splitting time between home and the office, FM teams are focused on making spaces flexible. From reconfiguring layouts to accommodate hot-desking to upgrading Wi-Fi and digital tools, it’s all about making sure offices can adapt to fluctuating numbers of workers while staying efficient and productive.

Focusing on Health and Well-being

Post-pandemic, there’s a bigger focus on keeping employees safe and healthy in the workplace. FM teams are ensuring that buildings have good air quality, are well-ventilated, and regularly sanitised. Beyond that, things like ergonomic office setups, wellness rooms, and incorporating nature (biophilic design) are becoming common to boost well-being and productivity.

AI and Automation: The Future of FM

AI and automation are starting to take on some of the more time-consuming tasks in FM. Imagine having a system that can predict when a boiler might break down and schedule maintenance before it happens—that’s the power of AI. Automation is also being used for things like cleaning, security monitoring, and stock control, giving FM teams more time to focus on bigger strategic tasks.

Building Resilience for the Unexpected

Whether it’s a power cut, a flood, or even a cyber-attack, businesses need to be ready for anything. FM teams are increasingly focused on business continuity and resilience, making sure buildings can bounce back quickly from emergencies. This might mean investing in backup power systems, improving building security, or ensuring data protection as commercial properties become more tech driven.

Cutting Energy Costs with Better Efficiency

Energy bills are one of the biggest expenses for commercial properties, and they’re only going up. FM teams are finding new ways to cut costs by optimising energy use—whether it’s installing energy-efficient lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, or even adding renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. This not only saves money but helps buildings meet sustainability goals.

Outsourcing FM for Flexibility

Many businesses are opting to outsource their FM services rather than managing everything in-house. Outsourcing can bring in specialized expertise and often helps streamline costs. Whether it’s cleaning, security, or maintenance, external FM providers are giving businesses the flexibility to scale services up or down as needed, without the hassle of hiring and managing staff directly.

Keeping Data Safe in Smart Buildings

As buildings become more connected and smarter, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. FM teams now must think about data security in ways they didn’t before. Securing smart systems that control everything from access to lighting is crucial to prevent cyber-attacks that could disrupt operations or compromise sensitive information.

Embracing the Circular Economy

In 2024, there’s a growing shift toward sustainable procurement and reducing waste. Instead of buying new equipment or materials all the time, FM teams are embracing the circular economy—reusing, recycling, and sourcing eco-friendly products. This not only helps reduce environmental impact but also saves costs in the long run.

Facilities management is evolving to keep up with the changing needs of businesses and buildings in the UK. From making properties more energy-efficient to adopting smart technology, FM teams are helping commercial properties stay ahead of the curve. By staying on top of these trends, businesses can not only reduce costs but also create healthier, more sustainable environments for employees and tenants alike.

In 2024, it’s clear that FM is more than just keeping the lights on—it’s about building a smarter, greener, and more resilient future for UK commercial properties.

If you need help with anything FM-related then Verity are here to help. We’ve just launched our new FM division focused on handling all the day-to-day needs of managing commercial properties, making sure that they run like clockwork.