Facility managers today are at the crossroads of two powerful trends: the urgent need for sustainability and the growing demand for occupant health. Buildings must do more than shelter people and assets. They must actively contribute to a greener planet and foster environments where people thrive. This dual mandate can seem daunting but with the right strategies, it becomes a source of opportunity and impact.
Why sustainability and occupant health both matter
Buildings account for nearly 40% of global energy use. Every watt saved means less strain on resources and lower operating costs. Meanwhile, people spend more than 90% of their lives indoors. Air quality, lighting and comfort directly affect productivity, absenteeism, and morale. The best-managed properties create spaces that attract talent, support wellness and help organizations meet their climate targets.
Smart building technologies that drive efficiency and health
Smart building innovations have transformed facility management. They automate routine tasks, reduce manual work, and unlock actionable insights. Here are some practical solutions that support both sustainability and occupant health:
- Advanced HVAC controls: Intelligent heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems use sensors to match airflow to occupancy. They adjust temperature and humidity in real time, reducing energy waste while keeping air fresh and comfortable.
- Demand-controlled ventilation: Sensors measure carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and adjust outside air intake automatically. This technology ensures optimal air quality, especially in meeting rooms and high-traffic areas, while avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling.
- Air purification systems: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) units remove contaminants. These solutions limit the spread of airborne viruses and allergens, creating safer indoor environments.
- Smart lighting: LED fixtures paired with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting controls save energy and support circadian rhythms. Tunable lighting can improve alertness and mood, boosting productivity.
- Building analytics software: Cloud-based platforms collect data from equipment, energy meters, and indoor air sensors. Facility managers use dashboards to spot trends, schedule maintenance and track progress toward sustainability and wellness goals.
Measuring impact: tools and metrics for smart buildings
Data-driven decisions are key to balancing energy efficiency with occupant health. Facility managers rely on several tools and metrics:
- Energy usage intensity (EUI): EUI measures a building's energy use per square meter or foot. Lowering EUI means better efficiency. Compare your EUI to regional benchmarks for context.
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) index: This index tracks pollutants like CO₂, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter. Monitoring IAQ helps identify issues before they affect people.
- Occupant feedback surveys: Digital surveys capture perceptions of comfort, air quality and lighting. Regular feedback highlights areas for improvement.
- Maintenance response times: Automated alerts and digital work orders speed up repairs. Faster fixes reduce downtime and prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.
Balancing the mandate: practical advice
Facility managers across the globe are finding success by focusing on a few best practices:
- Integrate systems: Connect HVAC, lighting, security and energy management platforms. Unified systems share data, simplify reporting, and make it easier to optimize performance.
- Automate tasks where possible: Use sensors, analytics and machine learning to automate routine tasks. Automation cuts manual reporting and flags equipment issues early.
- Prioritize preventive maintenance: Predictive analytics can forecast when assets need attention. Planned maintenance reduces emergency repairs and extends equipment life.
- Set clear goals: Define targets for energy savings and indoor air quality. Use dashboards to track progress and share results with stakeholders.
- Engage occupants: Communicate changes and encourage feedback. Occupant engagement leads to better adoption of new technologies and policies.
Industry insights
Recent studies show that buildings with smart control systems can reduce energy use by up to 30%. Improved IAQ has been linked to lower absenteeism and higher cognitive performance. Facility managers who focus on both sustainability and occupant health report higher satisfaction rates among tenants and employees.
Looking ahead
The dual mandate is not just a trend. It is the new standard for building management. As technology advances, opportunities to improve energy efficiency and air quality will multiply. Facility leaders who embrace innovation and keep people at the center of their strategy will set the pace for a more sustainable and productive future.
Editor's Note: Tyler Smith is the vice president, Global Lifecycle Solutions at Johnson Controls. He is an experienced leader in the building technology sector who has spent more than two decades helping organizations improve facility performance and sustainability. Tyler specializes in digital transformation and smart building solutions. He is passionate about creating spaces that support both environmental goals and occupant well-being. Tyler frequently speaks at industry events, sharing insights on the future of building management.