Sustainability
Sustainability is no longer limited to the design and construction of buildings. It has become a permanent part of day-to-day operations. In Facility Management (FM), this shift expands the role of managers, reinforces the importance of performance data, and brings environmental goals closer to business strategy. Brazil and the United States are following different but complementary paths toward buildings that are more efficient, resilient, and better prepared to meet climate and business challenges.
Performance Is Driving Operations
According to Felipe Faria, CEO of Green Building Council Brasil, the integration of design, construction, and operations has always been part of the green building philosophy. What has changed, he says, is the growing recognition of the operational phase.
“The way green building approaches sustainability, the stages of design, construction, and day-to-day operations have always been connected. The core principle of green building is applying a holistic approach that integrates design, construction, and operations.”
As certifications have become more widespread, the market has placed greater emphasis on metrics such as energy efficiency, water use, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, and operational performance. At the same time, sensors, metering systems, and automation have become part of the routine in many buildings.
“Performance depends on the professionalism and expertise of operational management. LEED O+M certification is strongly anchored in the participation of FM professionals. I see an opportunity for these professionals to demonstrate how essential they are to the competitive value of assets and to business productivity.”
This growing focus on operations is also reflected in LEED v5. According to Kat Wagenschutz, Senior Director of Existing Buildings at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the certification expands the definition of a high-performance building by focusing on three pillars: decarbonization, human and ecological health, and resilience.
“For the first time in LEED’s history, LEED v5 O+M for existing buildings integrates resilience measures throughout the entire rating system. From requiring a resilience assessment to recognizing projects that develop response plans for priority hazards, resilience is embedded throughout the certification process.”
She also notes that half of the points available under LEED v5 are tied to decarbonizing existing buildings, providing project teams with practical guidance for reducing emissions over time.
Brazil and the United States Share Common Challenges
Although the two markets have different characteristics, both face the need to adapt buildings to climate change while improving operational performance.
Felipe Faria points out that Brazil’s relatively clean energy matrix is a major advantage in reducing operational carbon emissions. However, he believes the country should place greater emphasis on resilience.
“Regardless of carbon emissions, energy efficiency will remain one of the top priorities because it makes complete financial sense. But Latin America also needs to focus on building resilience, especially for vulnerable communities and critical facilities.”
Kat Wagenschutz says the impact of extreme weather has made resilience a global priority.
“In the United States, sustainability is increasingly focused on operational outcomes such as carbon, resilience, and occupant health. By building and operating sustainably, buildings become better prepared for extreme weather events, reduce risk, and support business continuity.”
She also emphasizes that LEED’s global framework encourages knowledge sharing between countries.
“U.S. projects can learn from Brazil’s climate-responsive strategies, while Brazil can benefit from the United States’ momentum in building performance data, continuous measurement, and portfolio-scale operational management.”
Sustainability Must Speak the Language of Business
As ESG becomes more established, organizations face growing pressure to demonstrate measurable results to investors and business leaders.
According to Felipe Faria, evidence of financial returns already exists, but communication remains a challenge.
“There is no shortage of examples showing lower operating costs, higher productivity, increased asset value, faster occupancy, and stronger tenant retention. What is missing is the right language.”
He believes environmental, social, and economic arguments should be tailored to different audiences to encourage broader adoption of sustainable solutions.
Kat Wagenschutz agrees that independent certifications play an essential role in addressing greenwashing.
“Third-party certification provides the integrity needed to demonstrate that project teams deliver on their commitments. It creates accountability around project-specific goals and gives owners and operators proof that a building is performing as intended.”
Sustainability Becomes Part of Everyday Operations
If certifications and performance metrics establish the direction, implementation depends on the daily decisions made by operations teams.
Marúsia Feitosa, Real Estate & Workplace Solutions Manager at Lenovo Brazil, believes sustainability can move forward in any organization, regardless of budget.
“There are opportunities for every budget and every level of maturity. The more we observe and understand how operations work and how people use our spaces, the more we can contribute actions that support the organization’s sustainability goals.”
She says that while global companies establish common environmental targets, local teams must adapt implementation to each market, working closely with leadership, suppliers, and service providers.
“I also believe it is essential to maintain clear and transparent communication with local leadership to align on the necessary actions. Suppliers and service providers should also be challenged to contribute ideas and solutions that fit within the available budget and move us closer to our goals.”
For smaller organizations, she says practical, low-cost initiatives can deliver meaningful results.
“Sustainability is a matter of responsibility and survival. Educational campaigns to reduce energy and water consumption, recycling programs, faucet aerators, reducing unnecessary printing, reusable utensils, and dry carpet cleaning are just a few examples. The list of possibilities is extensive. We simply need to stay committed to the sustainability of our business and our planet. Sustainability is not only about major projects. It is also about the choices we make every day.”
Bringing together an institutional perspective, the evolution of international certifications, and practical operational experience, the discussion shows that sustainability in Facility Management depends less on major interventions and more on the ability to turn strategy into everyday performance.