From pollution mitigation to tech-driven efficiencies, experts underscore the evolving role of facility managers in crafting climate-resilient infrastructures
With urban flooding, air pollution, and energy crises becoming frequent disruptors, experts emphasised the need for sustainable infrastructure, collaborative landlord relationships, and a decisive pivot toward technology-led solutions. As real estate and workspace demands evolve, so too must the systems that support them.
Back To Basics: A Strategic Shift In Facility Management
“Facility management is all about getting the basics right,” said Ashish Rastogi, AVP, Operations at Incuspaze. Drawing from recent monsoon experiences, he emphasized, “We saw rainwater seepage damage several areas. That taught us the importance of preventive maintenance. Now, we include monsoon preparedness, water harvesting systems, and STPs to control operational costs and ensure smooth functioning.”
Rastogi highlighted that in today’s facility operations, customer service and infrastructure resilience are deeply linked. “You can’t just react; you need systems that prevent disruption before it starts.”
Risk Is Cost: A Corporate Responsibility
Anil Bhardwaj, Head of Facilities and Administration at CK Birla Group, pointed out the growing importance of risk management in facility operations. “There is a cost to every action—and a cost to inaction. If a building fails, the losses aren’t just physical, but strategic.”
He noted air quality as a pressing issue, especially in cities like Delhi, where seasonal spikes in pollution hinder office attendance. “We’re integrating HEPA filters and long-term AQI strategies to ensure business continuity. Flood-prone areas like Mumbai and Bangalore also require climate-adaptive design to be embedded into facility planning.”
From Factories To Grade-A Workspaces
For Arjun Veer Chadha, Director at IDEASHACKS Coworking, innovation starts from the ground up—literally. “We converted an old factory in Faridabad, one of India’s most polluted cities, into a Grade-A coworking space. Now, 50 per cent of our electricity load is solar-powered, and 60% of rainwater is reused.”
He stressed that collaboration with landlords is key to sustainable transformation. “We push for deeper partnerships so we can invest in civil upgrades and energy-efficient systems. That’s how we mitigate risks and drive sustainability.”
Chadha also shed light on the integration of smart technologies. “We use the Facilio app and custom-designed sensors to monitor and control energy use. With one tap, we can power down a 50,000 sq. ft facility. Our aim is to automate everything so our team can focus on innovation, not firefighting.”
The Bharat Perspective: Progress With Purpose
When asked about the spread of facility management beyond metros into the heart of Bharat, Bhardwaj reflected on steady progress. “We often associate facility management with large corporates in cities. But Bharat is catching up. The challenges are different, but the intent to adopt structured solutions is growing.”
He cited examples from HVAC optimization to local vendor collaboration as signs of an expanding facility management mindset. “We’re not fully there yet, but the direction is right.”
Tech-Driven Futures: From Data To Decisions
Chadha added that the future lies in intelligent automation. “Whether it’s robotic process automation or simplifying auditing, we need tech that scales with efficiency. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about freeing them to think creatively.”
A Silent Shift With Loud Impacts
While the session didn’t explicitly name its focus, the message was loud and clear: today’s facility managers are key players in building climate resilience. From smart sensors to solar rooftops, from landlord collaborations to proactive design strategies, facility management is no longer behind the scenes—it’s leading the transformation.
-By Navneet Singh
