Facility managers in today’s world face a difficult dilemma when it comes to investment choices in their facilities. Increased awareness of climate change, public pressures and legislative pressures is driving a demand for our buildings to be as energy efficient and sustainable as possible. While at the same time, organisations, with the need to drive profits, continually look for areas to increase cost savings and improve their overall operating functionality.
M
ore than ever, decisionmakers need solutions for work spaces that are productive, purposeful and
Lower operating costs while increasing efficiencies at facilities A dilemma or an opportunity?
efficient. They are looking to drive down costs while
also making their buildings greener.
Preeti Bajaj, Vice President – Strategy & Transformation at Schneider Electric
As a facility manager, these two ideals
seem like contrasting drains on budget and can often lead to the assumption that it is too expensive to implement the latest and greatest technologies. Contrary to this belief, however, the latest facility management tools are capable of fulfilling the priorities of two agendas with one investment, achieving both increased efficiency and functionality through greater facility insight. Managers are finding that what may have initially seemed like a short-term pain often leads to long-term gains.
The ‘dilemma’: are climate change and regulation at odds with innovation and cost savings? There is a growing awareness in Australia that innovation is vital for the nation’s future economic growth. From the innovation agenda led by our Prime Minister and the hotbed of disruption coming through Australia’s start-up community, through to the innovative lens through which many established businesses are now viewing their future, it is unquestionable that innovation is changing Australian business. In order to stay relevant, organisations are competing to develop or obtain the latest technology for increased operational efficiency, improved product offering or
8 Sustainability Matters - Feb/Mar 2017
www.SustainabilityMatters.net.au