Graeme Hamilton recently contributed to Energy Manager Magazine about the crucial role facilities management plays in the UK’s transition to low-carbon, resilient estates. His article details the extent of the shift organisations face and practical measures that can cut carbon emissions while maintaining operational continuity.
Graeme Hamilton
Business Director – Energy, OCS
FM at the Centre of the Energy Transition
The race to net zero is transforming how buildings are operated and maintained. Organisations must reduce carbon emissions while ensuring resilience and managing costs. Graeme’s article emphasises that FM teams are already well-positioned to lead this effort because they understand the day-to-day realities of estate performance. Their decisions on maintenance, asset planning, and energy consumption have a greater impact on carbon outcomes than any other function.
For many organisations, sustainability remains separate from core operations. This divide hampers progress. Embedding carbon reduction into daily FM processes shifts the approach from reactive maintenance to proactive, strategic energy management.
Tackling the Barriers: Cost, Capability, and Compliance
Graeme identifies three challenges that often limit progress.
- Cost: Low-carbon technologies demand upfront investment, and traditional budgeting often fails to account for lifecycle savings.
- Capability: Many organisations lack specialised knowledge to design and deliver complex energy projects.
- Compliance: Regulation is changing rapidly, and the risks of non-compliance are increasing.
FM teams are well placed to overcome these barriers. They can integrate operational planning with energy strategies, support applications for public funding, and develop investment cases rooted in data and long-term benefits. Synchronising upgrades with maintenance schedules minimises disruption and enhances the business case for decarbonisation.
Technology as an Enabler for Smarter Energy Management
Artificial intelligence and data-driven insight are starting to transform estate management. Predictive maintenance and early fault detection can enhance reliability and cut energy consumption. Graeme highlights that AI’s value relies on practical integration rather than standalone tools. Technology must support FM workflows and assist colleagues in making better decisions daily.
A Strategic Opportunity for Organisations
The energy transition is not only a technical challenge, but also an opportunity for organisations to reconsider how their estates support long-term resilience and sustainability. FM providers can demonstrate leadership by integrating compliance, technology, and operational insight to help organisations lower carbon emissions in a realistic and affordable manner.
OCS is focused on supporting this journey by aligning people, technology, and ESG principles. By working in partnership, organisations can make meaningful progress towards a lower-carbon future while creating better environments for those who use and rely on their buildings daily.
