Facilities Management Is Still Far From Data-Driven Sustainability

In recent years, sustainability has become a central focus in corporate strategies. However, when the focus shifts to the daily operation of buildings and physical assets, the reality still appears distant from the discourse. According to a global study conducted with nearly 300 Facilities Management (FM) professionals, less than 1% of teams monitor sustainability indicators in a structured and continuous manner.

This data, in itself, reveals a significant disconnect. After all, facilities management directly deals with energy consumption, water use, waste generation, and maintenance of critical systems. Therefore, it is an area with enormous potential for environmental and social impact. Yet, in practice, sustainability remains poorly integrated into decision-making processes.

At the same time, the study points out that this low maturity does not arise solely from a lack of interest. On the contrary, it results from a combination of historical limitations, a lack of reliable data, poorly designed budgets, and structural failures in training and organizational culture.

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The Strategic Role of Facilities Management

Historically, Facilities Management emerged with an operational focus. For decades, the priority was centered on keeping buildings functional, safe, and cost-controlled. In this context, financial and technical performance indicators dominated planning.

However, as the ESG agenda gained strength, it became evident that physical infrastructure plays a decisive role in organizations’ environmental outcomes. Energy consumption, indirect emissions, thermal comfort, and equipment efficiency have begun to integrate the strategic debate.

Despite this, according to the global study, many FM teams still operate reactively. This means they solve problems when they arise but rarely use structured data to anticipate impacts or guide sustainable decisions. Consequently, opportunities for cost and emission reductions are often wasted.

Thus, while sustainability is recognized as important, it remains disconnected from operational routines.

Low Maturity in Data Usage

One of the main bottlenecks identified by the survey involves data management. According to the interviewed professionals, most teams lack integrated systems capable of consolidating information on consumption, performance, and environmental impact.

Moreover, when data does exist, it is often scattered across spreadsheets, isolated reports, or software that do not communicate. Hence, it becomes difficult to transform raw information into clear and actionable indicators.

As a result, less than 1% of teams can monitor sustainability metrics in a structured manner. Without consistent data, strategic decisions tend to be based on perceptions rather than evidence.

Therefore, the absence of a data-driven culture directly limits the evolution of sustainability in Facilities Management.

Poorly Designed Budgets and Short-Term Vision

Another critical point highlighted by the study relates to resource allocation. According to the participants, FM budgets still prioritize immediate costs over investments with medium- and long-term returns.

This logic, although common, creates a cycle that is hard to break. Energy efficiency projects, system modernization, or building automation require upfront investment. However, without clear metrics for return, these initiatives tend to be postponed.

Additionally, the lack of integration between financial and operational areas exacerbates the problem. Without indicators that translate sustainability into economic gains, projects lose priority in strategic planning.

Thus, sustainability is seen as an additional cost, when, in fact, it could be a driver of efficiency and risk reduction.

Training Gaps and Organizational Culture

The study also highlights significant gaps in education and training. According to the data collected, many FM professionals have not received specific training in topics such as energy efficiency, carbon management, or ESG indicators.

As a result, even when there is interest in moving forward, there is a lack of conceptual and technical tools to implement changes. Additionally, sustainability is still perceived, in some organizations, as the exclusive responsibility of environmental or compliance areas.

In this scenario, Facilities Management remains on the sidelines of the strategic debate. The absence of an integrated culture prevents sustainability from being incorporated into operational and maintenance routines.

Therefore, without investment in people, transformation tends to be slow and fragmented.

Practical Ways to Transform Infrastructure Management

Despite the concerning diagnosis, the study does not limit itself to pointing out problems. On the contrary, it proposes practical pathways to elevate the maturity of sustainability in Facilities Management.

The first step involves structuring data. The adoption of integrated building management systems allows for monitoring consumption, performance, and failures in real-time. With this, it becomes possible to define clear indicators and track progress over time.

Next, the alignment between sustainability and budget proves essential. Projects need to be evaluated based on the total cost of ownership and efficiency gains throughout the asset lifecycle. This way, sustainability stops competing with the budget and starts to justify it.

Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of continuous training. Training teams to interpret data, understand environmental impacts, and use new technologies creates a solid foundation for smarter decisions.

Finally, integrating Facilities Management into the organization’s ESG strategy strengthens governance. When building operations begin to report sustainability indicators, they gain prominence and strategic relevance.

A Challenge That Becomes an Opportunity

At first glance, the fact that less than 1% of FM teams monitor sustainability may seem alarming. However, from another perspective, this number reveals an enormous opportunity for evolution.

Facilities management occupies a privileged position to lead concrete changes. By directly acting on physical assets, it influences consumption, emissions, comfort, and efficiency in an immediate way.

Thus, by overcoming historical limitations and investing in data, people, and processes, Facilities Management can become one of the pillars of corporate sustainability.

More than an obligation, sustainability in infrastructure management represents a real opportunity for innovation, efficiency, and value creation. The challenge is set. Now, it is up to organizations to decide whether they will remain below 1% or advance towards data-driven and impact-oriented management.