As a dynamic and ever-changing industry, facilities management is continually adapting to new technologies, shifting demographics, and evolving challenges. However, the latest trends in this field are nothing short of astonishing.
From toilets equipped with AI to facilities management chatbots, the advancements in facilities management have taken a truly unusual turn. In this article, we will delve into ten of the most unbelievable trends in facilities management that may leave you incredulous.
1. “Green Roofs for Livestock”:
Some facilities managers are using green roofs to provide grazing areas for livestock. The animals can graze on the vegetation, reducing the need for mowing and providing natural fertilizer.
When you think of rooftops, you might imagine satellite dishes or air conditioning units, but some facilities managers are using them for a much greener purpose. Green roofs with grassy areas for livestock are becoming a popular solution for reducing the need for mowing and providing natural fertilizer.
By providing grazing areas on building roofs, facilities managers can reduce the need for mowing and provide natural fertilizer.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 25% of respondents said that they are considering investing in green roofs for livestock in the next two years. This is up from just 5% in 2020. The market for green roofs for livestock is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% over the next five years, reaching a value of $1 billion by 2026.
“Green roofs are a win-win solution for facilities managers and livestock owners,”
says Sarah Johnson, a facilities manager who has installed a green roof for grazing.
“We’re able to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a more natural environment for the animals.”
“Who knew that cows could be city slickers?” jokes David Lee, an urban planner. “I can’t wait to see goats on the roof of my office building!”
2. “Microplastic-Eating Bacteria”:
Facilities managers are using bacteria that can break down microplastics to reduce pollution. The bacteria are introduced into wastewater systems and can consume plastic particles.
Microplastics are a major environmental problem, but some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – bacteria that can break down microplastics in wastewater systems. By introducing these bacteria, facilities managers can reduce pollution and improve water quality.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 30% of respondents said that they are considering using microplastic-eating bacteria in their wastewater treatment systems in the next two years. This is up from just 10% in 2020. The market for microplastic-eating bacteria is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15% over the next five years, reaching a value of $500 million by 2026.
“Microplastic-eating bacteria are a game-changer for wastewater treatment,”
says Jane Doe, a microbiologist who has studied these bacteria. “They can help us reduce pollution and protect our oceans.”
“I never thought I’d be rooting for bacteria to eat plastic,” jokes David Lee, a facilities manager. “But if it helps us save the environment, I’m all for it.”
3. “Vertical Farming for Office Buildings”:
Some facilities managers are installing vertical farms in office buildings to provide fresh produce for employees. The farms use hydroponic technology to grow crops in a vertical space.
Fresh produce isn’t always easy to come by in the office, As people become more interested in local and sustainable food, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – vertical farming. By installing hydroponic systems in office buildings, facilities managers can provide fresh produce for employees and reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 20% of respondents said that they are considering installing vertical farms in office buildings in the next two years. This is up from just 5% in 2020. The market for vertical farming in office buildings is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 25% over the next five years, reaching a value of $2 billion by 2026.
Vertical farming is a win-win solution for facilities managers and employees, says Sarah Johnson, a facilities manager who has installed a vertical farm in her office building.
“We’re able to provide fresh produce for our employees while also reducing our carbon footprint.”
“I never thought I’d be growing vegetables in my office,” jokes David Lee, an office worker. “But at least I won’t have to worry about forgetting my lunch!”
4. “AI-Powered Trash Cans”:
Smart trash cans equipped with AI sensors can detect the type of waste being disposed of and sort it into the appropriate recycling or composting bin.
As the world continues to grapple with waste management, some facilities managers are turning to artificial intelligence to help sort trash more efficiently. When you think of technology, you might not think of trash cans, but AI-powered bins equipped with sensors that can detect the type of waste being disposed of and sort it into the appropriate recycling or composting bin are becoming increasingly popular in facilities management.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 35% of respondents said that they are considering investing in AI-powered trash cans in the next two years. This is up from just 15% in 2020. The market for AI-powered trash cans is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% over the next five years, reaching a value of $3 billion by 2026.
“AI-powered trash cans are a game-changer for waste management,”
says John Lee, a waste management expert. “They can help us reduce contamination in our recycling streams and divert more waste from landfills.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about trash cans this much,” jokes Sarah Johnson, a facilities manager. “But if AI can help us sort our trash, maybe there’s hope for the rest of us!”
5. “Self-Cleaning Buildings”:
Buildings are being equipped with self-cleaning surfaces that use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses. This reduces the need for manual cleaning and improves hygiene.
As we become more aware of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – self-cleaning buildings. By using UV light to kill bacteria and viruses, facilities managers can reduce the need for manual cleaning and improve hygiene.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 25% of respondents said that they are considering installing self-cleaning surfaces in their buildings in the next two years. This is up from just 10% in 2020. The market for self-cleaning buildings is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 15% over the next five years, reaching a value of $1 billion by 2026.
“Self-cleaning buildings are a game-changer for hygiene,”
says David Lee, a facilities management expert. “They can help us reduce the spread of illness and create a more sanitary environment for building occupants.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about buildings that clean themselves,”
jokes Sarah Brown, an urban planner. “What’s next, self-driving buildings?”
6. “Green Energy-Generating Elevators”:
Elevators are being equipped with regenerative braking systems that capture energy and use it to power the building’s lighting or other systems.
Elevators are a necessary part of many buildings, but they can also consume a lot of energy. Some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – green energy-generating elevators. By using regenerative braking systems, elevators can capture energy and use it to power the building’s lighting or other systems.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 20% of respondents said that they are considering installing green energy-generating elevators in their buildings in the next two years. This is up from just 5% in 2020. The market for green energy-generating elevators is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 25% over the next five years, reaching a value of $2 billion by 2026.
“Green energy-generating elevators are a win-win solution for facilities managers and the environment,”
says Jane Doe, a facilities manager who has installed these elevators in her building. “We’re able to reduce our carbon footprint and generate clean energy at the same time.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about elevators as a source of renewable energy,”
jokes John Smith, a facilities manager. “What’s next, solar-powered staircases?”
7. “Facilities Management Drones”:
Drones are being used to inspect buildings and detect maintenance issues. The drones can fly to hard-to-reach areas and provide real-time data.
Buildings can be difficult to inspect and maintain, especially in hard-to-reach areas. However, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – drones. By using drones to inspect buildings, facilities managers can gather real-time data and detect maintenance issues before they become major problems.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 30% of respondents said that they are considering using drones for building maintenance in the next two years. This is up from just 10% in 2020. The market for facilities management drones is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% over the next five years, reaching a value of $1.5 billion by 2026.
“Drones are a game-changer for building maintenance,” says David Lee, a facilities management expert. “They can help us detect issues before they become major problems and reduce the need for manual inspections.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about flying robots maintaining buildings,”
jokes Sarah Johnson, a facilities manager. “What’s next, a drone that can fix the coffee machine?”
8. “Smart Landscaping”:
Facilities managers are using smart sensors to monitor soil moisture and plant health. The sensors can adjust watering and fertilization to optimize plant growth and reduce water waste.
Landscaping can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive task, especially when it comes to watering plants. However, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – smart sensors. By using sensors to monitor soil moisture and plant health, facilities managers can adjust watering and fertilization to optimize plant growth and reduce water waste.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 40% of respondents said that they are considering using smart sensors for landscaping in the next two years. This is up from just 20% in 2020. The market for smart landscaping is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 30% over the next five years, reaching a value of $1.5 billion by 2026.
“Smart sensors are a game-changer for landscaping,” says Jane Doe, a facilities management expert. “They can help us reduce water waste and ensure that our plants are healthy and thriving.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about smart sensors in the garden,”
jokes Sarah Brown, a plant enthusiast. “What’s next, a robot that can mow the lawn?”
9. “Facilities Management Chatbots”:
Chatbots are being used to provide 24/7 support for building occupants. The chatbots can answer common questions, provide directions, and even book maintenance appointments.
Building occupants often have questions and concerns about building maintenance, directions, and other issues. However, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – chatbots. By using chatbots to provide 24/7 support for building occupants, facilities managers can ensure that everyone’s needs are addressed in a timely manner.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 50% of respondents said that they are considering using chatbots for building support in the next two years. This is up from just 30% in 2020. The market for facilities management chatbots is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 35% over the next five years, reaching a value of $2 billion by 2026.
“Chatbots are a game-changer for building support,”
says Jane Doe, a facilities manager who has implemented chatbots in her building. “They can answer common questions, provide directions, and even book maintenance appointments.”
“I never thought I’d be talking to a robot about building issues,
“ jokes John Smith, a facilities manager. “But at least I won’t have to worry about getting a sarcastic response!”
10. “Smart Toilets”:
Smart toilets use AI to analyze urine and stool samples. The toilets can detect early signs of disease and send alerts to healthcare providers.
Toilets are a necessary part of any building, but they can also be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. However, some facilities managers are turning to a unique solution – smart toilets. By using AI to analyze urine and stool samples, smart toilets can detect early signs of disease and send alerts to healthcare providers.
According to a recent survey of facilities managers, 15% of respondents said that they are considering using smart toilets in their buildings in the next two years. This is up from just 5% in 2020. The market for smart toilets is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 25% over the next five years, reaching a value of $1.5 billion by 2026.
“Smart toilets are a game-changer for restroom hygiene,” says Sarah Johnson, a facilities management expert. “They can help us detect early signs of disease and improve overall health.”
“I never thought I’d be talking about toilets that analyze urine,”
jokes David Brown, a facilities manager.
“What’s next, a toilet that can give health advice?”
April Fool’s Day has arrived, and while some may think that the trends mentioned in this article are too bizarre to be true, we assure you that they are indeed real. Facilities managers are always on the lookout for innovative ways to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their buildings, and the market is flooded with new and exciting trends to keep up with the times.
However, we must confess that some of the statistics and quotes mentioned in this article were made up for the sake of humor. We hope we were able to put a smile on your face with our playful approach.
Despite the lightheartedness of this article, it’s worth noting that the future of facilities management is full of promise and ingenuity. Who knows what advancements we’ll see in the coming years? From smart toilets to self-cleaning buildings, and from green energy-generating elevators to microplastic-eating bacteria, we can expect to see a lot of exciting developments in this field.
For now, let’s appreciate the creativity and dedication of facilities managers who are constantly pushing the boundaries to create better, more sustainable buildings. Happy April Fool’s Day, and let’s continue to look forward to what the future holds!
