Facilities managers must adapt to changing recommendations, regulations and legislation. There has been Government consultation for the Future Buildings Standard, on proposed changes to fuel and power conservation and ventilation in building regulations.
The Future Buildings Standard consultation sets out energy and ventilation standards for non-domestic buildings and domestic homes. Once it becomes law, the Future Buildings Standard support buildings becoming zero carbon ready.
But where there are standards for the near future, facilities managers must also deal with complications and challenges arising from the shifting situation regarding Covid-19. With the spread of the Omicron variant, there is a strong likelihood that many types of buildings will need to reaffirm and ensure safety measures for their occupants.
Another legislative change impacting facilities management is flexible working becoming a legal right for employees from day one of employment. This has implications for office use and the adaptability of working spaces. It can also impact issues such as energy use in a building.
The traditional model of nine-to-five working has undergone a radical shift during the pandemic. Facilities managers must contend with looking after buildings where occupancy is changeable and adaptability a dominant characteristic. There’s also legislation to make electric vehicle (EV) chargers compulsory in new builds.
This too will require that facilities managers stay abreast of developments and ensure that the buildings they manage are up to date with compliance.
How to Future-Proof Facilities Management
Technology offers the most effective way for facilities managers to keep up with the legislation and new standards affecting their work. Proptech is already changing how buildings work. This includes smart buildings using the internet of things (IoT) to optimise heating and ventilation. Smart building tools are revolutionising the way energy use can be monitored and controlled, for example.
This level of precision control will become increasingly important in the move towards zero carbon buildings. In fact, it’s likely to become essential for buildings if they are going to stay within the law.
What will be critical for many organisations and businesses is staying ahead of the curve when it comes to legislation and new standards. Fortunately, the technology to help them do this is available now, rather than in the future.
The Inspection Manager (TIM) App
TIM supports facilities / property managers and helps them meet the changing demands of their roles. The app enables FM professionals to monitor building facilities closely, carry out inspections and submit real-time reports and recommendations. Developed for phones and tablets (iOS, android & Windows 10) TIM is the perfect facilities management tool. It’s designed to make you fit for the future while serving your current needs. You can discover its benefits for yourself with our FREE 30-day trial. https://www.theinspectionmanager.co.uk/free-trial/
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Data standardisation refers to using consistent methods for collecting data, although this is a very basic and somewhat generic description of what it truly is. If we delve in deeper, data standardisation is the process used for transforming data to fit a constrained and predefined set of values – ultimately, relying on uniformity to improve efficiencies.
Data standardisation refers to using consistent methods for collecting data, although this is a very basic and somewhat generic description of what it truly is. If we delve in deeper, data standardisation is the process used for transforming data to fit a constrained and predefined set of values – ultimately, relying on uniformity to improve efficiencies.
The previous year was a roller coaster for the commercial property sector, with both landlords and tenants facing unique challenges. It looks like 2023 is also going to be a challenging year for landlords – with the higher increased rates and Section 21 changes, for instance – and for tenants as well, who are finding it to keep up with rental demands owing to the inflation and the current cost-of-living crisis.
When an economic shock or recession hits, all properties are impacted. However, commercial properties must bear most of the brunt because a lower demand in the building, sale, and letting of commercial properties means that businesses cannot function as effectively and contribute to the economy as they normally would.
There’s no escaping technology and the impact it has had on our lives, making everything from ordering something online to power up our home appliances from several miles away really easy. Technology has also fundamentally changed how landlords and letting agencies, for example, buy, manage, and operate spaces – making lives easier for tech-savvy homeowners and demanding tenants alike.
The public at large believes that housing inspections should be in the hands of local councils – at least, according to this survey. Conducted by the APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) reported that 59% of the public are in favour of Building Inspections by local councils, while 23.4% support private inspections.
In 2021, UK commercial properties contributed on average, 20% of carbon emissions, according to a report published by the Committee on Climate Change. Furthermore, in larger cities, including London, commercial buildings were responsible for more than 70% of the city’s emissions on a whole.
The UK happens to be the most influential property technology or ‘PropTech’ hub in the world, despite Brexit-related problems and uncertainty. As well as the global pandemic, which hit the UK just as hard as some of the worst-hit countries.
The commercial property sector has an important role to play in the UK economy, not only in terms of a direct and indirect output generator, but also in terms of helping retailers, financial services and other businesses boost production.
Technology can transform facilities management (FM), helping you save on costs and drive efficiencies. For many businesses and organisations, their three main expenses are: Employees, Technology, Facilities. However, in the rush to recruit talent and keep up with new technology, organisations can end up overlooking their facilities.
