FMs can ensure maximum operational efficiency from a building’s HVAC system through:

• Measurement and verification: Measuring energy consumption of the entire building through a single meter offers a broad indication of energy consumption across the facility. It also serves as an early alert should issues arise, but it doesn’t identify where the problem is. Hence, FMs could decide to sub-meter HVAC systems in order to achieve operational efficiency. The reason why sub-metering is essential is because this method measures electrical usage and identifies peak demands. Additionally, the process of sub-metering provides timely and accurate data, and can set off critical alarms when system components are not functioning at optimum levels.
• Monitoring and maintenance: According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), regardless of size, HVAC systems represent a large amount of energy use and cost. Regular monitoring and maintenance can optimize energy performance and management. On a consistent basis, FMs can adjust and calibrate controls systems such as thermostats to accurately heat and cool different building zones.Additionally, implementing a timer strategy to regulate HVAC use during the non-peak hours of the day, week and month or unoccupied hours is a useful tip. Regular inspection of the HVAC system also requires other necessary steps such as cleaning/replacing air filters and dampers to ensure top HVAC performance. Frost and Sullivan analysis indicates that government regulation such as the MERV-13 particle capture efficiency under the ASHRAE is becoming increasingly mandatory propelling facility owners to buy HVAC replacement filters in order to maintain energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Hence, demand for HVAC air filters is likely to reach 2.3 billion in 2022 depicting a growth rate of 6.1 percent2 is an indication that facility and building owners are increasingly demanding new HVAC air filters as a part of their routine maintenance. Overtime, heating and AC ducts could get exposed to the outside elements putting more pressure on the performance; hence, periodic inspection of heating ducts can lead to significant savings. FMs can also conduct minor improvements in the building envelope systems such as repairing leaky windows that could put more pressure on the HVAC functions. In addition to this, keeping external doors closed when possible; especially during high and low temperature periods can save energy use3.

  Another important aspect is that the FMs often consider maintenance as nothing more than overhead expenses. This is because after all, reducing overhead costs increases profit margins. This should not be the case for HVAC maintenance procedures, resources and proper planning needs to be structured in a way that planned and predictive maintenance becomes a regular part of the HVAC inspection and maintenance. Analysis indicates that FMs that have comprehensive plans and predictive maintenance programs in place show drastic decreases in maintenance costs.

• Decisions on HVAC equipment replacement: Light-commercial HVAC products are designed for a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Analysis indicates that at least 76.8 -80% of the all HVAC replacements are made for ‘end of life’ reasons. Replacement of HVAC equipment requires some level of scrutiny and inspection before a FM decides to replace a system. The reason being any replacement can be a high-cost measure for the building owners. FMs can conduct checks on sensors, adjustments in control sequences or they could even hire a professional engineer to make small changes or repairs. Building owners like to see low-cost or even no-cost measures, so any small changes or alterations that can be done to the systems can help in save energy use. Additionally, before any replacements or repair, regular energy audits can provide energy efficient checklists to ensure equipment is operating at intended energy levels so that no energy lost is reported and replacements can be done more effectively.

FMs and building owners can streamline day-to-day business processes to optimize performance and increase efficiency of the HVAC and BAS on the whole. It is sometimes required to make sure all integrated systems are audited for their performance, not just one system. In addition, if facility executives have the right budgetary support they can carry on their mission of ensuring HVAC operational efficiency properly. FMs understand that ignoring HVAC maintenance can be very costly to the owners. If FMs are able to identify the real cost savings associated with comprehensive maintenance and monitoring plans, then the entire process will result in an improvement in the bottom line.  READ ARTICLE

1 Analysis of the Global HVAC Equipment Market- The Need for Energy Efficiency and Increased Performance Will Drive Growth. Frost and Sullivan, 2015

2 The North American HVAC Air Filters Market – Increased Customer Awareness and Air Quality Requirements will Drive Market Growth. Frost and Sullivan, 2015

3 US Department Of Energy- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

By Aanchal Singh, Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst – Building Management Technologies -

Figuring out how to attract millennials, or those ages 18-34, to facilities management careers is vital to securing the growth of the industry. A Pew Research Center study found that more than 1 in 3 workers in the U.S. today are millennials, and that this year they overtook Generation X to become the largest share of the workforce.

The cliff might look steep now, but just across the chasm is a more viable, tech-savvy and environmentally friendly future for facilities management.

Increasing industry awareness

For more millennials to join the workforce, they have to be aware of the dynamic career paths facilities management offers. In a JLL survey of more than 200 college students conducted last year, 43 percent of students knew of facilities management as an industry, and only 1 percent of students thought they would choose a career in the field. In addition, almost half of the students surveyed were seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related fields, essential study areas for careers in facilities management. There’s a growing pool of STEM students nationwide, too: A National Student Clearinghouse report found that 40 percent of bachelor’s degrees achieved by men and 29 percent achieved by women are in STEM fields. With the right attitude and the right skills, these graduates can become valuable leaders in the facilities management industry.

Millennial strengths

It’s important for facilities management professionals to recognize the unique talents that millennials can bring to positions in the industry. One significant strength is their familiarity with technology. Millennials have grown up using complex, ever-changing technology, and, according to a PwC study, they are the first generation to go into the workplace with astronger understanding of essential business software and tools than most senior workers. They’re also eager to learn new systems, and are2.5 times more likely than older workers to be early adopters of new technology, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

A second strength is their eco-consciousness. A study by GPI found that millennials are more concerned about the environment than any other age group, and that more than 80 percent of them believe being eco-conscious improves their quality of life. Many millennials are well-versed in issues of sustainability, especially as it relates to workplace environments and apartment buildings and alternative energy sources.

Together, these strengths will benefit the facilities management industry by helping it adapt to the changing needs of society and daily life. By recognizing these strengths and developing them further through training programs, the facilities management industry will evolve.

Responding to millennial work preferences

Millennials have workplace and lifestyle preferences that set them apart from previous generations. They seek out positions that have opportunities for advancement, mentorship and personal growth, according to FacilitiesNet. They also want to understand ahead of time, as much as possible, the exact tasks and duties that will be expected of them, and prefer jobs that have wellness and personal benefits, like gym facilities or child care. Facilities management professionals that recognize and respond to these preferences will attract greater numbers of young talent and ensure their buildings see a bright and relevant future.

Training programs

Apprenticeships and training programs are great ways attract millennials to facilities management careers and prepare them for the realities and responsibilities of the job.

“It is very important for young people to meet face-to-face with people who are currently working in the FM and property sectors,” said Gillian Burdis, CSR manager at BT in an interview with FMLink. “This enables both parties to share experiences and perceptions and gives young people an opportunity to see the potential of a career in the property industry, working with people not so far removed from themselves.”

Training programs allow young people to learn directly from the professionals they’ll be working with, and, eventually, replacing.

When choosing a career path, millennials look to see how they’ll be able to make the world a better place. A career in facilities management is well-suited to this ideals, as it is dedicated to maintaining and improving the spaces in which we live, work and grow. With their technological and environmental savvy, millennials are vital to the facilities management industry. To bridge that age gap, facilities management professionals should investigate how their workplaces can appeal to millennials preferences and provide extensive training opportunities.  READ MORE

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