10 Practical Ways Facility Managers Can Embrace the Circular Economy

This article was written by IFMA’s Director of Research, Dr. Matt Tucker, Ph.D. As of Jan. 1, 2024, Dr. Tucker works with IFMA’s Research Advisory Committee, an international panel of multidisciplinary subject matter experts, to examine global trends shaping the future of Facility Management, define IFMA’s research agenda, and provide critical insights to help facility management professionals adapt to ongoing industry transformations. 

Facility management (FM) is at a turning point. With businesses and societies undergoing rapid transformation in response to technological shifts, environmental concerns, and unexpected global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, FM professionals are grappling with increasingly complex challenges. In the latest report, Circular FM: The Role of the Circular Economy in Facility Management, I explore how the circular economy offers a vital framework for addressing these challenges. While the report draws from 36 expert interviews, it also stems from a deeply personal conviction: embracing the circular economy is no longer optional—it’s essential for the future success of the FM industry in this fast-evolving world. 

Circularity is in FM’s DNA 

One of the most moving realizations for me during this research was that, at its core, FM has always had circularity built into its DNA. The nature of FM is inherently about maintaining, repairing, and maximizing the value of our buildings, systems, and resources. Whether it’s extending the life of an asset or finding new ways to repurpose materials, FM professionals have long been in the game of doing more with less. 

However, while our instincts as facility managers have often aligned with circular economy principles, the challenges we face today—climate change, resource scarcity, and post-COVID-19 business realities—demand that we make these practices more deliberate, more strategic, and more aligned with a circular economy framework. 

The report highlights that moving toward a circular economy is not just about achieving sustainability; it’s about building a more resilient, adaptable, and efficient FM industry. Sustainability may be the outcome, but circularity is the platform that enables it. 

Key Takeaways: Ten Practical Recommendations for Embracing the Circular Economy 

The report outlines ten practical recommendations for FM professionals looking to embrace the circular economy. These recommendations aim to guide FM teams in creating more agile and resource-efficient operations, helping them to adapt in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements and evolving societal expectations. The recommendations are: 

1. Adopt Circular Design Principles: Facility managers should prioritize use of assets that facilitate disassembly, adaptability and reuse. This includes selecting durable, recyclable materials and designing for adaptability and flexibility. 
2. Enhance Maintenance and Repair Practices: Prioritize proactive maintenance strategies to extend the life of building components and systems. This reduces the need for replacements and minimizes waste. 
3. Implement Material Reuse: Develop programs to reclaim and repurpose materials from decommissioned buildings and infrastructure. This can include partnerships with social enterprises, circular economy firms and the adoption of digital tools to track material use. 
4. Promote Sustainable Procurement: Incorporate circular economy criteria into procurement policies, favoring assets and services that are designed for longevity, repairability and recyclability. 
5. Leverage Technology for Data Management: Utilize digital tools and platforms to track resource use, manage building information and optimize circular economy practices. Accurate data is crucial for informed decision-making and reporting. All of this should be achieved while remaining risk averse and knowledgeable of cyber security. 
6. Foster Collaboration and Education: Engage stakeholders across the value chain, from suppliers to occupants, to promote circular economy practices. Continuous education and training programs are essential to build awareness and skills. 
7. Transform Business Models: Encourage leaders to shift from traditional ownership models to service-oriented models, such as product-as-a-service or leasing arrangements. This transformation can drive more sustainable resource use and long-term economic benefits. 
8. Inspire Leadership to Build a Circular Culture: Promote visionary leadership within organizations to embed a circular economy mindset. C-suite leaders should champion circular economy principles and encourage their integration into the organizational culture. 
9. Address Regulatory Barriers: Advocate for clearer regulations and standards that support circular economy practices. Policymakers should provide incentives and frameworks to facilitate the transition to a circular economy, removing obstacles that hinder adoption. 
10. Utilize Decision-making Frameworks: Apply the ReSOLVEFM Framework and the Circular FM Business Model Canvas to guide a just transition to circular practices. 

The Circular Economy as a Platform for a Resilient Future 

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the business landscape in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. We now live in a world where businesses must be more agile, more resilient, and more adaptable to change. The circular economy provides the foundation for achieving this. It encourages us to design systems and processes that can withstand shocks, whether they are environmental, economic, or social. 

In the post-COVID-19 world, organizations need to be technologically driven and adaptable. As facility managers, we are at the forefront of this change. The circular economy gives us the tools to not only manage resources more sustainably but also to ensure that our facilities are designed and operated in ways that support flexibility, innovation, and long-term value. 

One of the key points emphasized in the report is that the circular economy is not just a sustainability initiative; it’s a business imperative. Those who adopt circular practices will be better positioned to navigate the uncertainties of the future. They will be more efficient, more cost-effective, and more resilient in the face of disruption. 

Final Thoughts 

Writing this report has reaffirmed my belief that the circular economy is the future of facility management. It’s more than just a strategy for sustainability—it’s a platform that enables us to create lasting value, resilience, and efficiency. As we move forward in a post-COVID-19 world, embracing circularity will be essential for staying relevant and competitive. 

I encourage FM professionals to read the full report, reflect on these recommendations, and begin taking steps toward a more circular approach to facility management.