Across today’s business landscape, organisations are under mounting pressure to operate workplaces that are cost-effective, safe and highly efficient. Rising operating expenses mean that companies across sectors, from manufacturing to professional services, are paying closer attention not only to production costs but also to the overheads associated with running their premises. This shift has brought facility management firmly into focus.
Facility management encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including building upkeep, regulatory compliance, energy performance and contingency planning. As these demands grow more complex, an increasing number of businesses are turning to structured facility management approaches to strengthen day-to-day operations.
By outsourcing the practical management of buildings, businesses are able to concentrate on their core activities. Services such as scheduled maintenance, waste handling and the management of critical systems like heating and ventilation can be coordinated through a single provider, reducing disruption and eliminating the inefficiencies that often arise from juggling multiple contractors. This integrated approach is particularly valuable for organisations operating across several locations, where consistency is essential.
Industry specialists highlight that planned maintenance and quicker response times can dramatically reduce operational downtime. One such expert, Ray Brosnan of Brosnan Property Solutions, notes that facility management has evolved beyond basic building care. “Businesses are now looking for smarter ways to manage energy use, comply with regulations and maintain environments that support productivity. Facility management brings those strands together in a structured and measurable way.”
Energy consumption has become a pressing issue, particularly for Irish businesses facing sustained cost pressures. Data from the Central Statistics Office’s most recent Business Energy Use report shows that a quarter of non-residential electricity customers paid €10,000 or more for power in 2023, with the vast majority continuing to incur similar costs year after year. With electricity prices remaining unstable, proactive energy oversight is increasingly important.
Facility management providers typically support businesses by tracking energy usage, identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted improvements. Measures such as modernising lighting systems, enhancing insulation, fine-tuning heating controls and maintaining equipment more effectively can, over time, generate significant savings.
Health and safety compliance is another critical area, as it remains a statutory requirement for all organisations. Facility management companies assist through routine inspections, audits and preventative maintenance programmes, helping businesses minimise the risk of accidents, financial penalties and unexpected shutdowns.
Ray also points to the growing importance of preparedness and resilience. “Facility management companies play a key role in emergency planning and rapid response, with many offering 24/7 emergency response services. This kind of responsiveness helps businesses recover quickly from incidents such as flooding, power failures or critical system breakdowns.”
Ultimately, Ray believes facility management should be viewed as an investment rather than a background function. “Facility management needs to be seen as a strategic investment rather than a background service. By improving efficiency, reducing costs and supporting safer working environments, facility management directly contributes to improved business performance. Through effective property maintenance, businesses gain back time, control and the confidence to focus on growth.”
