As world leaders gathered in the UAE in December to tackle climate change at COP28, the decisions and commitments made at this landmark global event are likely to have an impact on various sectors across the country.
Facilities management plays a crucial role in ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings and other infrastructure and is, therefore, likely to be one of the main industries under the spotlight.
Markus Oberlin, CEO of UAE-based Farnek, who ranked third in FM Middle East’s 2023 FM Power 50 shares his predictions for the top industry trends for 2024 following COP28.
1. Stricter Environmental Regulations
If COP28 results in the introduction of stricter environmental regulations, FM will have to adjust its practices to comply with these new standards. Changes may involve adopting a greater variety of energy-efficient measures, such as reducing waste, using sustainable materials, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Additionally, FM will need to invest in new technologies and equipment to help monitor and manage energy consumption more accurately and efficiently.
2. Increased Demand for Green Buildings
To promote sustainable building practices, there will be a more concerted effort to encourage the adoption of green building certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the implementation of sustainable hospitality operational practices and standards such as Green Globe. These certifications and practices can help reduce the environmental impact of buildings and promote the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials. By prioritising these initiatives, the industry can work towards a more sustainable future for our built environment.
3. Focus on Renewable Energy
During the final week of COP28, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the world’s largest solar project in Dubai. Following this development, it is expected that there will be an increased focus on the adoption of solar and other renewable energy technologies in building operations and maintenance nationwide. This shift towards renewable energy sources will undoubtedly impact the FM industry, with more emphasis placed on incorporating these technologies into building operations and maintenance.
4. Enhanced Reporting Requirements
Accountability will play a crucial role, and COP28 might result in more comprehensive reporting requirements for energy usage, carbon footprint, and sustainability efforts. FM will have to meticulously track and report these metrics using systems like POWERTEK, which is our in-house comprehensive solution for monitoring energy consumption and trends, as well as flagging any irregularities. Similarly, our state-of-the-art online carbon footprint calculation tool, CARBONTEK, measures and analyses carbon emissions, identifying specific hotspots, and supporting businesses on their journey towards achieving net zero.
5. Technological Innovations
The conference will undoubtedly encourage more widespread use of new technologies for energy management, building automation, and efficient resource use. FM professionals will need to stay abreast of these technologies and integrate them effectively. In addition to POWERTEK and CARBONTEK, our BMSTEK building management solution, focuses on intelligent, energy-centric maintenance for smart buildings and provides a flexible, scalable platform that can seamlessly connect to any asset or branded Building Management System (BMS). Moreover, IoT is among the many technologies that are transforming the way in which facilities are now managed.
6. Training and Skill Development
As the world is constantly evolving and new standards and technologies are being introduced, it is imperative for FM practitioners to keep themselves updated with the latest advancements. This is where the need for enhanced training and skill development comes in. The FM industry will require its workforce to have in-depth knowledge of new energy-efficient technologies, and the ability to implement sustainable practices that are in line with the latest industry standards. To stay ahead of the curve, ongoing training and skill development will become increasingly important, as it will not only ensure that facilities are managed efficiently but also help organisations achieve their sustainability goals.
7. Financial Incentives and Support
Governments may offer financial incentives, such as tax benefits, for companies that adopt sustainable practices in FM. By reducing their carbon footprint, minimising waste, and conserving energy and resources, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment but also benefit from significant cost savings in the long run. Therefore, it is a win-win situation for both businesses and the environment
8. Public Perception and Corporate Responsibility
As public awareness of climate issues grows, there is a greater expectation for corporations to play their part in protecting the environment. This will require companies to adopt new strategies and technologies that prioritise environmental responsibility, reduce waste, and minimise their carbon footprint. As we head into 2024, the growing conversation around climate change demands a proactive and holistic approach from corporations, urging them to not only comply with existing environmental regulations but to actively seek out and implement novel solutions that contribute positively to the wider environment.