How to achieve efficient and sustainable workplaces through smart FM

Modern FM processes are increasingly reliant on innovative new technologies, which support facilities management teams to work more efficiently whilst reducing energy usage and waste, for high-performing, sustainable buildings.

At MRI Software’s London headquarters, smart FM techniques have streamlined energy usage and created a more efficient workplace, whilst generating savings of over £20,000 per year. At the FM & Energy Leaders’ Forum in July 2024, MRI Software shared details of how their smart FM approach is helping them to not only capture cost savings, but accelerate progress towards Net Zero at their King Street offices.

Invest in data granularity

With a range of usage and activity monitoring sensors, from submetering to Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smart FM technology can help monitor and optimize energy consumption in buildings, reducing waste and improving efficiency.

By shifting your view of energy usage from a top-level understanding based on bills to a more granular view where you’re able to segment data down to a room or even an asset level, it’s possible to unlock vital insights into exactly when and why energy usage is occurring – and where it can be reduced.

Gather occupancy-based data

Energy data in itself is not enough to drive savings – it’s vital to understand how a building’s usage patterns impact on consumption to understand where improvements can be made.

By collecting occupancy data using footfall analytics tools, it’s possible to view energy usage trends in the context of how busy a building is, identifying periods where energy usage is higher than it should be given the number of people in a building.

These insights can be used to add vital context to usage data, to feed automation of HVAC or lighting, and to move from traditional calendar-based maintenance schedules to advanced usage-driven strategies, increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs whilst maintaining a comfortable environment.

Deepen reporting and analysis

With a high quantity of data comes the need to analyse it effectively – buildings equipped with a full complement of submeters and sensors could generate millions of data points, and requiring the right analytical techniques to unpick.

An energy management system can come into its own in these circumstances, offering AI-powered analysis tools to spot trends and flag anomalies. Effective dashboarding is also vital, ensuring that the data collected is presented back to stakeholders in a transparent, actionable way.

Automate building processes

With a deep understanding of a building’s usage trends, it’s possible to create automated processes that maintain a high level of efficiency whilst reducing the level of human input required.

Automated control of HVAC and lighting based on building occupancy trends (or even real-time data) can ensure that energy is not wasted lighting or heating empty areas, while temperature and air quality monitoring can ensure that a comfortable environment is maintained even when facilities are busier than anticipated.

Move to proactive maintenance

Data on building usage can also be used to drive operational efficiencies in maintenance, reducing resource demands and costs. Occupancy tracking data fed into a CAFM system can automatically flag when hygiene facilities are likely to be in need of maintenance, avoiding unnecessary visits from cleaning staff.

Sensors placed on equipment such as HVAC systems can monitor usage levels or look for early signs of performance degradation, ensuring that equipment receives servicing when necessary rather than to a one-size-fits-all schedule and increasing the longevity of assets whilst reducing wasted spend and parts maintaining equipment that does not yet need it.

Achieve sustainability goals

By moving to data-driven, automated processes that manage energy consumption and maintenance scheduling based on building occupancy and usage trends, FM teams can minimise energy usage and team resource without compromising on quality.

This approach can be used not only to drive cost and resource savings, but to accelerate progress towards ESG and other sustainability targets too. The same principles of data collection and analysis based on occupancy and usage can be applied to water, waste and carbon emissions, helping teams make data-driven improvements and demonstrable progress towards ESG and Net Zero targets.

Download the ebook for more expert advice

To find out more about how FM and energy professionals are leveraging technology to make buildings more efficient and sustainable, download our ebook “Driving decarbonisation: how to reduce operational spend and make progress towards net zero goals”.