As we enter 2025, building owners and facilities managers face a unique opportunity to refine their approach to managing their buildings and portfolios. Setting clear, measurable goals is crucial for improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall occupant experience. By focusing on specific areas like preventative maintenance, building envelope improvements, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings, facility management teams can drive value throughout the year. Here are some key objectives to focus on in 2025:
Implement Preventative Maintenance Schedules
One of the best ways to prevent costly repairs and downtime is through a comprehensive preventative maintenance (PM) strategy focused on the building envelope and roof systems. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the exterior of the building—such as the roof, windows, and façade—can help prevent leaks, weather damage, and other issues that lead to expensive repairs. Establishing a preventative maintenance schedule for these systems ensures that problems are addressed before they escalate.
Goal Example: Reduce reactive maintenance work orders related to roof leaks by 20% in 2025 by conducting bi-annual roof assessments and sealing window and door joints as needed.
Improve Energy Efficiency Targets
The building envelope plays a critical role in a building’s overall energy efficiency. Insulation, weatherproofing, and sealing gaps in the envelope can significantly reduce energy consumption by improving temperature regulation. In 2025, consider targeting improvements to the building enclosure, such as upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, or replacing old windows and doors. These changes will lower heating and cooling demands, reduce utility costs, and enhance occupant comfort.
Goal Example: Achieve a 10% reduction in energy consumption across your building portfolio by investing in better insulation and sealing gaps in the building envelope, including windows, doors, and joints.
Enhance Occupant Satisfaction
Occupant satisfaction is integral to building performance and retention. Ensuring that the building envelope and roof are in optimal condition helps to prevent disruptions that could affect the occupant experience—such as leaks, drafts, or uncomfortable indoor temperatures. Additionally, maintaining the building’s exterior aesthetics and functionality can greatly enhance the building’s overall appeal. This year, focus on improving the occupant experience by addressing any building envelope-related issues promptly and enhancing communication with occupants about ongoing projects.
Goal Example: Improve occupant satisfaction by 15% through regular bi-annual or quarterly assessments and ensuring prompt repairs to building envelope issues, including leaks and insulation gaps.
Reduce Emergency Spending
Emergency repairs, particularly those related to the building envelope and roof, can be costly and disruptive. By proactively managing roof and exterior maintenance, facility managers can significantly reduce emergency expenditures. Regular assessments, addressing small issues before they become major problems, and investing in high-quality materials will help prevent unexpected costs. Planning for roof replacements or major building envelope repairs well in advance will also help to avoid budget overruns.
Goal Example: Reduce emergency repair costs by 25% by implementing a comprehensive roof asset management program and addressing issues like torn membranes or damaged flashing before they result in larger repairs.
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The total cost of ownership (TCO) of a building includes not just initial construction costs but also ongoing operational and maintenance expenses. When it comes to the building envelope and the roof in particular, proactive maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of materials and systems. Regularly addressing issues such as weathering, moisture infiltration, and insulation degradation helps lower long-term costs by reducing the need for expensive repairs and improving energy efficiency.
Goal Example: Lower the TCO of roof systems by 20% through regular preventative maintenance, such as resealing joints, repairing minor cracks, and scheduling timely replacements when necessary.
Conclusion
Setting measurable, achievable goals for 2025 is a powerful way for facility managers and building owners to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and performance of their building portfolio. By focusing on the building envelope and roof systems—alongside energy efficiency, occupant satisfaction, and emergency spending reduction—facility managers can drive long-term value. Start with clear objectives in areas like preventative maintenance, energy upgrades, and cost control, and see measurable improvements in building performance by year-end.
Small, consistent efforts can lead to significant long-term benefits, ensuring a well-maintained, efficient, and comfortable environment for all stakeholders.
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