News

Faster AI adoption can help FM teams improve safety and sustainability

Katie Coyne

Freelance journalist

22 October 2025

Faster adoption of AI and other technology can help facilities management teams reduce costs and meet stricter building safety standards and net zero demands.

The State of Facilities Management Report 2025 found that digital adoption was a key priority, yet progress is slow. Some 53% of those surveyed said it was “highly important” and a further 34% said it was moderately important.

The report argues that with the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator, scrutiny and accountability is only likely to increase.

It also says the sector can no longer afford to take a “passive approach” to net zero, with the built environment accounting for 40% of global carbon emissions. And organisations that fail to prioritise compliance open themselves to serious financial and reputational risk.

FM can no longer be the “unsung hero” in the built environment and the lack of “recognition of the true impact on occupants and the wider planet has led to some tragic and preventable consequences”.

AI not a ‘passing trend’

The report was published by building safety standards organisation SFG20. Mike Talbot, SFG20 chief technology officer, said: “AI in FM is not just a passing trend, it is a powerful tool that can help address the growing challenges of compliance, cost control, and operational efficiency.

“By integrating AI thoughtfully into their operations, facilities managers can unlock new levels of productivity and optimise maintenance practices for better results.

“To get started, organisations must lay the groundwork by defining clear goals, organising their data, and embracing a culture of continuous improvement.

“With these steps in place, AI can become an indispensable asset, helping teams stay competitive and ahead of the curve in an increasingly demanding industry.”

AI can help by streamlining data processing and, by analysing real-time sensor data, help reduce human error. It can incorporate historical and recent data to predict and optimise maintenance needs, helping to reduce costs and improve performance. Yet only a small percentage of those surveyed were using AI-driven analytics.

Barriers to adoption

The most commonly used tech was computer-aided facility management (CAFM) systems. Internet of Things (IoT) sensors were being used by only some of the sector, with the adoption of predictive maintenance software also low.

Barriers to adoption of technology such as AI included: high cost; lack of in-house expertise; reluctance to change; unclear ROI; and integration challenges.

The SFG20 report makes the following suggestions to address these barriers:

show the technology in action and proof that it works;

find champions who are using the tech and willing to mentor and advise;

develop digital roadmaps for implementation and adoption;

prioritise the tech that will have the most impact;

train and/or employ staff already skilled in the use of the new technology.

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Topics:

Artifical intelligence Facilities management

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