Carbon data management is an enterprise-wide effort, requiring the tracking of resources including energy, waste, and more. Facilities managers (FMs) play a crucial role in supporting an organization’s sustainability efforts. Working closely with carbon and sustainability teams within their organization and incorporating data-driven decarbonization strategies into day-to-day facility operations can simultaneously drive sustainability goals and operational efficiency.

From Reactive to Proactive: Facilities Managers as Carbon Managers

Carbon data management is closely tied to operational efficiency, with FMs needing to be aware of how corporate carbon reduction efforts impact their daily operations and responsibilities. Emissions data can empower FMs to address site-specific issues before they emerge, enabling a proactive approach to facilities management. Achieving sustainability goals (and incidentally actualizing more efficient, profitable facilities) requires deep collaboration among all members of an organization. Facilities management teams have a unique on-the-ground view of daily operations and can play a crucial role in establishing organizational cohesion and collaboration. In the hands of proactive facilities management teams, a carbon data management platform consolidates granular data from site-specific computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and real estate service platforms into insights that can inform facilities management and carbon data management.

Generating Value from Big Data

Without data, FMs can’t do their jobs. However, getting the right quantity and quality of data can be challenging, especially if an organization has a large and geographically diverse portfolio. Even for well-resourced teams capable of acquiring relevant data, understanding and acting on the endless data at their disposal is daunting. These challenges are proportional to organization size and market reach, and meeting these data quandaries demands formidable time and resources.

Carbon reduction challenges are often data challenges, and the data necessary for proper greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting is the same information FMs use to do their jobs. Ensuring facilities management teams have visibility into carbon data management initiatives can be a huge value-add for organizations. FMs have intimate knowledge of facility operations. With an increased awareness of carbon and data management processes, FMs can double up existing monitoring efforts. For example, asset registries are a treasure trove of valuable data relevant to decarbonization and GHG accounting. Detailed analysis of trends provides long-term visibility to help spot seasonal fluctuations, optimize energy usage, and improve other sustainability and facility efficiency outcomes. Sometimes, carbon accounting can be as simple as applying proxies to inventoried assets, enabling FMs to make more informed and proactive decisions without launching independent GHG accounting projects.

A carbon management plan (CMP) helps FMs fulfill their legacy tasks while transitioning into a carbon data management scope. A robust CMP provides the processes and tools required to aggregate, calculate, track, and analyze emissions year-over-year, leveraging historic and current data for predictive and proactive action in day-to-day facilities management and the overall decarbonization strategy. FMs plugged into organizational sustainability strategies are uniquely poised to leverage data for proactive and predictive outcomes in facilities management.

How Can Facilities Managers Support and Leverage Carbon Data Management Plans?

1. Greenhouse Gas Accounting

For sustainability and decarbonization personnel, FMs can be a valuable resource for compiling and analyzing organization-wide emissions. Their intimate knowledge of vendors, waste, and recycling programs, as well as energy monitoring systems, can contribute meaningfully to an organization’s reporting and benchmarking. For facilities management teams, Scope 1 emissions are always relevant, as these direct emissions come from sources owned or controlled by the facility, such as fuel combustion from heating systems, equipment operation, and fleet vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions associated with purchasing electricity, steam, heat, or cooling, and can be influenced by facility-level energy procurement and energy efficiency measures.

With Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, facilities teams likely already have a wealth of data and knowledge regarding these emissions sources.

Companies operating in Europe and/or California must be prepared to disclose Scope 3 emissions, with additional guidance to be announced from the State of California. Some Scope 3 emissions related to purchased goods and services, such as building materials and cleaning supplies, could also be relevant to GHG accounting, depending on the facility’s operations and sustainability goals. Other examples of Scope 3 emissions categories relevant to FMs include Category 5 (emissions from waste generated in operations) and Category 3 (fuel- and energy-related activities).

2. Digital Tools for Carbon Data Management and Analysis

Data-gathering tools such as energy management software, Internet of Things (IoT), and other data management systems provide real-time insights into energy use, heating and cooling BTUs, and other emissions-related metrics. Digital tools automatically capture data across facilities and should also provide data analysis capable of delivering meaningful solutions to complex decarbonization problems.

In cases where direct measurement is unavailable or impractical, reliable proxies can fill the gap. Proxy emissions data can be accurately derived using industry averages or estimations based on available data for the analysis year. Proxies should be carefully selected to ensure they are scientifically grounded and acceptable for reporting and verification purposes.

All of the processes, methodologies, and tools used to track and report emissions should be chronicled in a GHG inventory management plan, a document that provides structure and transparency essential for accurate accounting. A long-term CMP provides a documented strategy and actionable roadmap to help FMs prepare for the physical and financial risks resulting from climate change.

3. Reporting: Tying it All Together

Carbon data management tools turn raw data into actionable insights. A comprehensive, end-to-end digital solution simplifies data collection and reporting, ensuring consistency throughout the entire process. By using a unified reporting framework, carbon data management software streamlines stakeholder disclosures and ensures compliance with key carbon emissions standards.

FMs are key allies in corporate sustainability efforts, playing an outsized role in fostering employee engagement and buy-in to decarbonization goals. For example, by educating employees on energy efficiency—such as optimizing HVAC and lighting usage—FMs can directly contribute to sustainability goals. By guiding these behaviors, FMs help align employees with the company’s broader decarbonization objectives while delivering more shots on goal in their legacy roles.

Bryan Hopper is the Head of Commercial for the Sustainable Resource Management Division of ENGIE Impact.