Connectivity, neo-ecology, urbanization - the influence of megatrends on facility management

Megatrends affect every single person and encompass all levels of society: the economy, politics, science, technology and culture. They influence the world - slowly, but fundamentally and in the long term.

Against the backdrop of the Future Initiative, the authors focus on the impact of the six most important megatrends in facility management (FM) in the 2020s: Urbanization, New-Work, Neo-Ecology, Security, Connectivity and Mobility.

A new urbanity requires concepts of a functional, vibrant city centre: in many medium-sized and small towns, the change in retail and the decline of inner-city shopping locations is visible. A turnaround is often not in sight. Guidelines for the construction of high-rise buildings now provide for mixed use with office and residential space. Some cities are already focusing their urban development on these changes and are rethinking energy management, new products and the networking of technical equipment. For example, will automatic parking and charging of electric cars be a future task for the FM sector?

New work is intended to create a symbiosis of life and work. As a result, the demands on FM are also expanding to include campus solutions, public life that takes place in offices on common areas and gastronomic experiences. And how will these areas be operated in the future? Traditional FM will evolve towards 24/7 operation, especially in large cities, and will have consequences for existing working hours.

Neo-ecology refers to the increasing number of green public spaces in buildings. The next generation is increasingly focusing on "green buildings", which on the one hand means that operators must document the use of chemical agents (keyword: refrigerants). On the other hand, property managers' knowledge of the relevant standards, laws and safety aspects is also being expanded.

The importance of building technology is increasing due to changes in user requirements. This can be seen from the trend in sales development in building technology due to increasing complexity. Tenancies are becoming more flexible with shorter durations and sub-tenancies are being added. The existing and desired connectivity allows data and images to be transmitted in real time. At the same time, this new aspect of business operations requires a change in the knowledge and further learning of responsible personnel.

These are all small but exciting facets that will expand operator responsibility in facility management against the backdrop of megatrends. A rethink will take place, which must aim to create added value for the customer. Digitalization will certainly also serve as an aid to mastering changes due to megatrends.

The article appeared in the newsletter Immobilien FondsNews, December 2019 issue