The clock is ticking on the UK’s ambitious climate goals. By 2030, Britain aims to cut carbon emissions by 68% (from 1990 levels) as part of its push towards net zero. For those of us in facilities management (FM), this is more than just a lofty statistic – it’s a hard deadline hurtling ever closer. Buildings alone contribute around 40% of global CO₂ emissions, which means FM teams are on the front line of the net zero battle. But here’s the rub: most FM departments aren’t ready. There’s a serious skills gap in sustainability and energy knowledge, and it’s about to hit our industry in a big way.

Why does this matter right now? Because regulatory and market pressures are escalating. The UK has legally binding 2050 net zero targets, with major interim steps by 2030 – from cuts in building emissions to bans on new diesel cars. In fact, new rules will require commercial buildings to achieve at least EPC Band B energy performance by 2030, forcing upgrades in lighting, insulation, HVAC and more. Companies that don’t adapt their facilities will face fines, lost tenants, or worse. Meanwhile, investors and clients increasingly demand real action on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals. In short, sustainability is no longer optional for FM – it’s operational. Yet many FM teams lack the people and skills to deliver. Let’s explore the crisis and the opportunity this presents.

FM Teams Lack Net Zero Skills – and Time is Short

Despite broad agreement that FM should lead on sustainability, most organisations are lagging in practice. Recent surveys paint a stark picture. In an IWFM study, almost 60% of workplace and facilities managers admitted they have no clear sustainability strategy or objectives in place. Only a dismal 14% said their teams have sustainability skills “comprehensively integrated” into day-to-day services. In other words, over 80% of FM teams have not fully embedded the know-how needed to hit net zero carbon.

This aligns with earlier findings that barely half (57%) of FM professionals feel equipped for net zero challenges. The rest are flying blind. Common gaps include expertise in energy management, carbon accounting, sustainable procurement, and the “softer” skills of leading green initiatives. It’s a troubling situation when 2030 is barely one business planning cycle away.

It’s not that FM teams lack motivation – many are enthusiastic about sustainability – but resources and training haven’t kept up. For years, FM was seen as a cost-center focused on keeping the lights on and the toilets clean. Now it’s expected to deliver energy efficiency, carbon reduction, healthy workplaces, and ESG reporting on top of that. The role has exploded in scope, and the talent pipeline simply hasn’t matched it. The result is a skills crunch just as the industry’s climate responsibilities intensify.

There’s even a bit of optimism bias at play: a 2024 report found 75% of FM companies claim they’re “on track” for net-zero by 2050, up from 53% in 2022. Good progress, but it may lull some into thinking 2050 is far off. The truth is that the heavy lifting must happen this decade – cutting emissions 68% by 2030 means retrofitting buildings, overhauling energy sources, and transforming operations now. Unfortunately, “very few” FM teams currently feel they have what they need to deliver on these near-term goals. Unless we address the skills gap, good intentions won’t translate into results.

What’s holding teams back?

Commonly cited is a lack of qualified candidates to hire, insufficient training budgets, and uncertainty over which new technologies or standards to adopt. It doesn’t help that sustainability itself is a moving target – new carbon reporting rules, building regs, and tech innovations keep emerging.

Many FM departments are already stretched thin managing day-to-day fires, with little time to strategise for 2030. But ignoring the issue isn’t an option. Without upskilling, organisations risk falling out of compliance, missing climate targets, and losing out on cost savings from energy efficiency. As the Institute of Workplace & FM warns, “Without the built environment stepping up action our goals will not be achieved. [The FM profession] has a unique and critical role… to help the UK achieve its carbon reduction ambitions.” In short: FM can make or break Britain’s net zero plan.

What “Net Zero” Means for FM Day-to-Day

To understand the skills needed, let’s clarify what net zero facilities management actually looks like on the ground. It’s far more than tweaking the thermostat. Net zero in FM means that the buildings and services we manage operate with minimal carbon emissions, and any remaining emissions are offset by removals. Practically, that involves:

• Energy efficiency upgrades – e.g. retrofitting LED lighting, smart controls, high-efficiency HVAC systems, better insulation. By 2030, many older buildings will need major upgrades to meet energy standards (remember that EPC B mandate). FMs must plan and execute these projects, often coordinating contractors and financing while minimising disruption.

  
  

• Renewable energy and new tech – Net zero facilities generate or procure clean energy. That could mean installing on-site solar panels, solar thermal water heating, or even small wind turbines. It also means integrating battery storage and advanced energy management systems to balance usage. For example, a net-zero office might use daytime solar power and battery reserves to avoid any grid electricity at peak times. FMs will oversee these systems and the data they produce.

  
  

• Electrification – Replacing fossil-fueled equipment with electric alternatives. Think electric heat pumps instead of gas boilers for heating, or electric fleet vehicles with EV charging stations at your facility. The move to electric changes maintenance routines and requires new skills (e.g. understanding heat pump performance, managing EV charger networks).

  
  

• Carbon tracking and reporting – Net zero isn’t just doing the right things; it’s proving it with data. FMs increasingly need to measure energy use, calculate carbon footprints (Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions), and feed into ESG reports. Clients and regulators will ask for evidence that your building is on a 1.5°C pathway. That means comfort with analytics software and frameworks like GHG Protocol.

  
  

• Tenant and occupant engagement – Facilities can only achieve net zero with the cooperation of the people inside them. Day-to-day FM now involves campaigns to encourage recycling, reduce waste, and promote energy-saving behaviors among occupants. It’s a people job as much as a technical one – from training cleaning staff on eco-friendly products to nudging office workers to shut fume-hood sashes in lab buildings.

In essence, the FM remit now spans sustainability strategy and tactical operations. A facilities manager might spend the morning reviewing BMS (Building Management System) data to optimise HVAC settings, midday coordinating with a contractor on a solar panel installation, and afternoon drafting a section of the company’s annual carbon report. This is a far cry from the stereotypical “lightbulbs and boilers” maintenance manager of old. It’s why many employers are finding their in-house teams lack certain competencies – and why new specialised roles are emerging to fill the gap.

New Roles (and Opportunities) in Sustainable FM

As the industry pivots to net zero, we’re seeing the rise of new job titles focused on sustainability. For savvy FM professionals (and newcomers), these roles represent exciting career opportunities. For employers, they’re essential hires to plug the skills gap. Some of the key emerging roles include:

• Energy Manager / Energy Engineer – Focused on monitoring and reducing energy consumption across properties. An energy manager identifies efficiency projects, tweaks building control settings, and champions energy-saving initiatives. They often hold certifications like Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and know their way around an electrical meter reading. Demand for Energy Managers is booming – even major FM service providers like Mitie, ISS, and Sodexo employ energy managers to drive client decarbonisation programs. In fact, specialist recruiters report “high demand for Energy Managers across facilities management, commercial real estate, and public sector estates” as organisations race to cut costs and carbon. This role can command strong salaries (more on that shortly).

  
  

• Sustainability or ESG Manager – A broader role that may encompass environmental strategy, social value, and governance compliance. In an FM context, an ESG Manager might develop the roadmap to net zero for a portfolio, ensure the company meets sustainability targets, and liaise with exec leadership on progress. They often handle reporting – e.g. assembling data for GRESB (real estate sustainability benchmark) or UK mandatory climate disclosures. These professionals need a mix of technical knowledge and stakeholder management skills. We’re seeing even mid-sized FM firms advertising for ESG Coordinators and Sustainability Leads, whereas five years ago those positions barely existed.

  
  

• Retrofit Project Manager / Retrofit Coordinator – Given the huge push to upgrade existing buildings, this role is rising fast especially in housing and public sector FM. A retrofit PM plans deep refurbishments: insulation, window replacements, heat pump rollouts, etc., often across hundreds of properties. The UK will need hundreds of thousands of homes retrofitted per year to hit climate goals, and a report for the Mayor of London estimated an extra 230,000 trained workers by 2030 are needed just to retrofit every building in the country. No wonder over half of real estate leaders (53%) say there’s a shortage of people with retrofit skills in their sector. This skill set is a precious commodity.

  
  

• Carbon Analyst / Data Specialist – Larger organisations are hiring analysts who focus on sustainability data: tracking emissions, energy trends, and ROI of green investments. They might use software to model a building’s path to net zero or identify which assets in a portfolio are underperforming on carbon. It’s a great entry path for data-minded graduates into the FM world.

  
  

• Circular Economy & Waste Manager – This niche is growing as companies try to eliminate waste and improve recycling. A facilities waste manager might implement composting schemes, eliminate single-use plastics on a campus, or find ways to repurpose office furniture instead of sending it to landfill. It ties into procurement too – ensuring products and suppliers meet environmental criteria.

It’s important to note many of these skills can also be upscaled within existing FM roles. Not every organisation will have all these job titles. Often, a single facilities or estates manager is expected to wear all these hats – energy guru, ESG reporter, retrofit coordinator, etc. That’s tough! But it means upskilling existing staff is as crucial as hiring new specialists. We’ll touch on training in a moment.

Encouragingly, the macro outlook is positive for anyone building a career in green FM. The UK government projects 400,000 new jobs in clean energy and related fields by 2030 to support the net zero transition. Energy and sustainability skills are in demand not just in FM but across construction, utilities, and industry. (Even the cement sector – one of the hardest to decarbonise – is launching huge carbon-cutting projects. The UK’s first full-scale carbon capture facility for a cement plant was just approved, aiming to capture ~800,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Talk about net zero in action!). Overall, up to 725,000 net new jobs could be created in low-carbon sectors by 2030 according to energy-uk. For FM professionals with the right expertise, this means more openings and career pathways than ever.

Bridging the Gap: Upskilling the FM Workforce

How do we actually close this skills gap in time for 2030? The answer will involve education, training, and smart recruitment. Here are some ways forward for both individuals and organisations:

• Professional Training & Certifications: Industry bodies are stepping up with new courses. IWFM (Institute of Workplace & FM) has rolled out sustainability training modules and even a “Get moving on sustainability” campaign to accelerate FM upskilling. Many FM professionals are pursuing credentials like the IWFM Level 5/6 qualifications with sustainability components, or specialty certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED Green Associate/AP, or IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management) membership. These courses build credibility and knowledge. Importantly, they teach the practical skills (e.g. how to do a carbon audit, how to manage ISO 50001 energy systems) that FM pros can apply directly at work. Employers would be wise to fund staff through such programs – it’s an investment in capability that will pay off in saved energy and compliance. As one survey respondent quipped, “We can’t achieve net zero with zero training”.

  
  

• On-the-Job Experience: There’s no substitute for hands-on projects. FM teams should start with “quick wins” to gain experience – for example, conduct an LED lighting retrofit in one facility, pilot an HVAC optimisation program, or have the team shadow an ESG consultant during your next reporting cycle. Nearly 99% of sustainability leaders say they’ve done the easy sustainability fixes and are now moving to tougher measures. Getting your FM staff involved in those early wins builds confidence and buy-in for bigger projects. It’s also a way for junior staff to cut their teeth. Consider creating stretch assignments: make your health & safety officer also responsible for rolling out an electric vehicle charging area, or have your maintenance supervisor lead a waste reduction initiative. They’ll learn by doing (with appropriate support).

  
  

• Peer Learning and Networks: The sustainability challenge is broad, but FM has a strong community. Encourage your team to participate in industry forums, webinars, and working groups on net zero. IWFM’s Sustainability Special Interest Group, for instance, connects FMs tackling similar issues, so they can swap tips and resources. No one has to reinvent the wheel – whether it’s figuring out how to finance a heat pump project or which IoT sensors to deploy, someone out there has insights to share. Leverage external experts too: consultants, suppliers, and energy service companies are often happy to provide training or lunch-and-learn sessions for your FM crew (after all, it helps them if you succeed in deploying their solutions).

  
  

• Apprenticeships and New Talent: Given the shortage of experienced sustainability professionals, one promising avenue is bringing in new talent and upskilling from the ground up. Apprenticeship programs in energy management or sustainable construction are growing. The UK government’s Green Jobs Taskforce and related initiatives are putting funding into training young people for green skills. If you’re an FM employer, consider creating apprentice roles that rotate through FM, engineering, and sustainability departments. Grads with environmental science or building engineering degrees can be excellent candidates for FM trainee programs – they might lack facilities experience but bring enthusiasm for tech and climate topics. With mentorship from veteran FMs (who impart the operational know-how), this can create a powerful combo. As the Welsh Government highlighted when approving the net-zero Cosmeston housing development, investing in training and apprenticeships is key to “build skills and careers for the next generation” in sustainable construction and FM.

  
  

• Partnering with Specialist Recruiters: In the near term, many organisations will need to recruit externally for certain expertise – be it an energy specialist or a sustainability lead. Here, using recruiters who understand the FM market and green skills is invaluable. For example, MostonRECRUIT (a specialist UK FM recruitment consultancy) has been actively connecting employers with sustainability-savvy FM professionals for over 14 years. We’ve noted a surge in demand for roles like Energy Managers and Sustainability Consultants in FM. By tapping into such networks, employers can find candidates who not only have the credentials but also fit the FM culture (critical for success in what is often a very people-centric industry). The right recruitment partner can save time and ensure you don’t just fill a role, but truly bridge a skills gap. After all, hiring one experienced energy manager can uplift an entire FM team’s knowledge through internal mentoring and example.

Bottom line: Whether through training your existing team or hiring new blood (or ideally, both), FM leaders must treat sustainability skills as a top priority. This is akin to the IT revolution in FM 20 years ago – suddenly everyone needed to know CAFM software and data analytics. Now, everyone needs at least a baseline in climate literacy and energy management. The good news is that gaining these skills often has immediate paybacks: even a small efficiency tweak learned on a course could save thousands on utility bills, for instance.

The Silver Lining: FM Skills Gap = Career Goldmine

It’s easy to focus on the challenges, but let’s not overlook the huge opportunities this net zero shift creates – both for individuals and for the FM sector as a whole.

For one, those who develop green skills will find themselves in high demand (and likely command higher salaries). Studies consistently show a “green premium” in the job market. According to data compiled by Energy UK, the average wage in the UK’s net-zero economy is 23% higher than the national average. Sustainability expertise is valued, plain and simple. We’re already seeing this: a recent salary survey noted renewable energy and sustainability roles saw double-digit pay increases, far outpacing other fields – for example, sustainability specialists in the renewable energy sector got a 15% pay bump last year, reflecting the net-zero talent crunch. In FM, a skilled Energy Manager or ESG Director can often negotiate a premium compared to a traditional FM role, especially if they bring proven results in cost savings or compliance.

For FM organisations, making sustainability a core competency can be a competitive advantage. Clients and tenants are increasingly savvy about climate issues – they want to see their facilities managed sustainably. If your FM team can genuinely market itself as net-zero-ready (backed by case studies or certifications), it’s a strong selling point. We’re already seeing FM service providers launching specialist “carbon reduction” divisions and consulting services to help clients hit targets. Those that do so are winning contracts. In short, sustainability isn’t just a cost – it’s a value-add. It can open up new service lines and revenue streams for FM companies willing to innovate.

There’s also an element of future-proofing the industry. Embracing net zero gives FM a refreshed relevance in the eyes of business leaders. It elevates the profession from the boiler room to the boardroom. When the Head of Facilities can present at the annual meeting about how their work is saving hundreds of thousands of pounds in energy and reducing the company’s carbon footprint by X percent, that’s powerful. It secures FM’s strategic seat at the table. Indeed, the IWFM Sustainability Survey 2024 from TwinFM noted that workplace and facilities managers are increasingly influencing big investment decisions related to decarbonisation. This is exactly where we want to be – “Step up and lead. Your organisation will benefit,” as IWFM’s policy head urged FM professionals.

Finally, let’s not forget the meaning behind all this. Many got into facilities management because they like problem-solving and care about people and places. Climate change is the ultimate problem to solve for places. Being part of the solution is inherently rewarding. There’s a new generation entering the workforce that is deeply motivated by sustainability – attracting them to FM could help with the general talent shortage the industry sometimes faces. We can genuinely say: "Join FM and you’ll help fight climate change in a tangible way." That’s a great recruitment pitch for apprentices and graduates (and an antidote to any outdated perceptions of FM).

Getting Started: Tips to Future-Proof Your FM Career

If you’re an FM professional (or aspiring to be one) reading this and wondering how to ride the net zero wave, here are a few quick tips:

1. Build Your Knowledge Base: Start with self-education. There’s a wealth of free resources – from UK government guides on decarbonising facilities to webinars by UBE (University of the Built Environment) CIBSE, IWFM, and others. Learn the basics of energy management (e.g. how to read an energy bill and spot savings), familiarizse yourself with terms like “heat pump”, “BMS analytics”, “Scope 3 emissions”, “Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)” etc. Even understanding the core regulations and targets (like 68% by 2030, 100% clean power by 2035, net zero by 2050) will set you apart, because you can start aligning your work with them proactively.

2. Get Certified or Trained: We mentioned many courses – pick one that suits your role. If you’re more technical, an energy management course (CEM or a degree module) could be great. If you’re managerial, an ESG reporting or sustainability leadership course might fit. Many are short courses you can do while working. Some employers will sponsor you – if yours won’t, consider it an investment in yourself. These credentials will hold weight in coming years.

3. Volunteer for Green Projects: Hands-on experience is gold. If your company has a sustainability committee, join it. If there’s an office relocation or refurbishment happening, ask to be involved in specifying the sustainable materials or energy-efficient design aspects. Even in small ways, like piloting a recycling program at one site, you can create a success story. These experiences not only teach you, they also demonstrate to current or future employers that you’re proactive on sustainability.

4. Network and Mentor: Talk to peers who’ve done it. If you don’t know any, LinkedIn and industry events make it easier than ever to reach out. You might find a mentor who’s an energy manager or sustainability director willing to guide you. Likewise, share your own successes – the more we all talk about our green FM efforts, the more best practices spread. FM has always been a collegial field; applying that ethos to net zero will benefit everyone.

6. Partner with the Right Recruiters: If you’re looking to move up or into a sustainability-focused FM role, consider engaging a recruiter who specialises in the field. They often know which companies are serious about net zero and what they’re looking for. For instance, MostonRECRUIT has a team dedicated to FM and built environment sustainability roles, with connections to leading FM employers. A good recruiter can not only alert you to openings but also advise on how to position your skills (maybe you have more relevant experience than you think!). As the demand for green talent rises, having someone who knows the market is a big advantage.

The net zero skills crisis in facilities management is real – but it’s not insurmountable. With urgency comes focus. The fact that over two-thirds of FM teams may not yet be ready for 2030 is a rallying cry for our profession. We have always been problem-solvers, the “fixers” keeping organisations running. Now the task is larger – fixing our buildings’ relationship with the planet – but we're confident we’re up to it. It will require learning, adaptation, and collaboration on an unprecedented scale. It will also require bridging talent gaps by bringing in new skills through training and recruitment partnerships (where companies like MostonRECRUIT will play a vital role in connecting the right people to the right challenges).

The next few years will transform FM into a driver of sustainability. Those who embrace the change stand to reap the rewards of career growth, innovation, and the satisfaction of making a difference. Those who resist will, unfortunately, risk being left behind as the industry moves forward.

2030 is around the corner. The good news is every step we take now – every course enrolled in, every energy audit done, every sustainable practice adopted – will compound into meaningful progress. The FM sector can turn this skills gap into a success story of upskilling, new jobs, and climate leadership. The opportunities are vast for those prepared to seize them. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, fill the gap, and lead the charge to net zero. Our buildings, our businesses, and our planet are counting on it.