At a time when 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for climate action, regulatory enforcement, and corporate accountability, Infraspeak announced its research highlighting a significant gap between sustainability ambition and execution across the facilities management (FM) industry. According to the study, 53% of FM teams either do not follow sustainable practices or are unsure if they do, despite intensifying pressure from governments, investors, clients, and building occupants.
The findings point to a troubling contradiction. While sustainability is now firmly on the agenda for most organisations, it is still rarely embedded into everyday FM decision-making. Only 36% of FM professionals consider sustainability a priority when selecting suppliers, and just 24% take it into account when choosing clients.
“This research shows that facilities management understands the importance of sustainability, but many organisations are still struggling to turn intent into action,” said Felipe Ávila da Costa, Co-founder and CEO of Infraspeak. “FM teams sit at the centre of building performance, yet they’re often constrained by short-term thinking, limited budgets, and legacy processes that weren’t designed for a low-carbon future.”
The urgency of closing this gap is undeniable. Buildings and the built environment account for approximately 40% of global CO₂ emissions and 35% of global waste, making FM a critical lever in achieving global climate goals. However, one of the most persistent barriers identified in the report is cost.
Facilities managers are expected to implement renewable energy systems, optimise HVAC performance, modernise ageing assets, and reduce waste—all while operating under intense cost pressures. Sustainable technologies often require significant upfront investment, and many organisations hesitate to proceed without clear, immediate financial returns.
“Waiting for perfect ROI cases is no longer a viable strategy,” Felipe added. “Some decarbonisation initiatives will not deliver quick payback, but delaying action only increases long-term risk. The real cost of inaction shows up in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, higher operating costs, and assets that become obsolete.”
Beyond financial constraints, the report highlights a growing skills gap. Modern low-energy and low-carbon buildings rely heavily on smart technologies, IoT sensors, and advanced Building Management Systems (BMS) to monitor performance and optimise energy use. While these systems generate vast amounts of data, many FM teams lack the training and expertise required to turn that data into meaningful insights.
At the same time, the industry remains largely conservative. Only 19% of FM professionals currently see sustainability and collaboration as key trends shaping the future of the sector. This resistance to change is limiting innovation and preventing organisations from capitalising on emerging opportunities.
The report points to a major upside for those willing to act. The global building retrofit market is expected to grow dramatically in the coming decades, reaching trillions of dollars in value. For FM organisations, this represents a chance not only to reduce environmental impact but also to diversify services, unlock new revenue streams, and strengthen client relationships.
Infraspeak’s research concludes that closing the sustainability gap requires a long-term, strategic approach that aligns people, processes, and technology around clear environmental goals. The report also outlines practical steps innovative FM teams are already taking to move from intent to impact.
More information can be found at https://blog.infraspeak.com/sustainability-why-53-of-fm-teams-are-falling-short/.
About Infraspeak
Infraspeak is a collaborative platform that connects people, processes, and data across facilities management operations — using predictive intelligence and AI to break down silos, blind spots, and overload.
About IFM
Inside Facilities Management is a community where the most visionary FM professionals connect, share ideas, and shape the future of the industry. No frills — just real conversations, exclusive content, and events that make a difference.
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