The First Facility Management Blog

Visitors view newborns in the Hello Kitty-designed maternity ward, at the Hau Sheng hospital. (AP Photo Credit/Wally Santana)

Back in 2006, Hau Sheng Hospital in Yuanlin, located 95 miles outside of Taipei, latched on to the benevolent cartoon symbol associated with all things cute, pink, and cuddly—Hello Kitty. Visitors of the hospital’s maternity ward (which has now delivered about 2,000 babies since its adoption of the Hello Kitty theme) are inundated with images of the cheery, mouthless anime icon, which is appearing exclusively on everything from nurse’s uniforms to blankets to room decor to birth certificates.

Emily Co of Kaboodle writes,

The Hau Sheng clinic was built in 2006 with a capacity of 30 beds, and its Kitty theme has been officially approved by Sanrio Co., Ltd. Hospital director Tsai Tsung-chi told Reuters his reasoning behind this madness: “I wish that everyone who comes here, mothers who suffer while giving birth and children who suffer from an illness, can get medical care while seeing these kitties and bring a smile to their faces, helping forget about discomfort and recover faster.”

The brainchild of Hospital Owner Tsai Tsung-ji, the Hello Kitty theme was actually the suggestion of his family—specifically his wife, mother and daughter—under the pretense the ominpresent symbol would be a calming influence on patients. “When new moms feel anxious and lost about how to deal with their new babies, Hello Kitty can make them more relaxed and reduce their sense of discomfort while giving birth,” said Tsai. (Source: Debby Wu, Associated Press.)

Among the first mothers to give birth in the Hello Kitty themed hospital was Chen Shing-chiu, 38, mother of a newborn baby boy. “Unlike traditional hospitals that are mostly white, I feel this one is pretty good,” she said. “I like Hello Kitty very much myself.”

The Hello Kitty brand celebrated its 34th birthday this year and still retains a healthy fan base both in its native Japan and abroad, mainly made up of young females who consider her the epitome of cuteness. Earlier this year the cartoon character even graced the cover of Japanese Vogue. (Source: Junior’s Book)
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[Reuters Photo Credit/Christine Lu.]

The Hau Sheng hospital claims to be one of a kind in terms of its “therapeutic” feline decor, but considering the popularity of Hello Kitty, it’s only a matter of time before that status will change.

Two manufacturers of products for commercial interiors have taken a step forward toward environmental sustainability by enrolling as early adopters of The Green Standard Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) System. The system is the first ISO-compliant EPD System in the United States.  

Knoll, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of branded furniture and textiles, and Shaw Industries, a commercial provider of flooring, broadloom carpets, and modular carpet tiles, have initiated the first step in the process, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and are moving forward with the EPD reporting process in 2009.

An Environmental Product Declaration is an international gold standard for illustrating various aspects of a product’s performance, such as life cycle impacts, human health concerns, hazardous substances, and recycled content. To meet Standard 14025 of the International Standards Organization (ISO), an EPD must be based on product criteria rules that determine what data is to be captured and how it will be measured using life cycle assessment. 

With LCA as its foundation, The Green Standard EPD System is in alignment with ISO standards and best practices globally. “Our EPD System offers all U.S. stakeholders a scientifically robust platform with a user friendly interface encompassing a vast array of life cycle and other product performance information,” says Paul Firth, vice president of technology for The Green Standard and manager of the EPD System.  

Demand for such information is increasing rapidly, and The Green Standard’s program gives North American manufacturers the opportunity to cost-effectively complete and communicate product performance information to a broad audience. Furthermore, The Green Standard’s comprehensive EPD System can help them meet their environmental goals.   

“Each year, Knoll sets key initiatives in our journey to sustainability and takes a leadership position in establishing universal, environmental standards for our industry,” says Lou Newett, Knoll environmental, health, and safety Manager. “EPDs provide quantitative and verified descriptions of the environmental performance of our products, allowing us to communicate with clients in a manner that is clear and transparent.”  Knoll will launch EPDs for Life and Chadwick task chairs with The Green Standard.  Both feature minimal materials; recycled and recyclable content; environmental fabric options; and replaceable parts.  

Steve Bradfield, Shaw’s corporate director of environmental affairs, agrees with Newett about the efficacy of EPDs. “Shaw became an early adopter of The Green Standard’s EPD system because of our belief that EPDs are the best way to communicate environmental impacts with transparency and credibility,” he states.  

Keeping the users of the EPD System in mind, The Green Standard has developed the Gaia Product Profile, a tool for integrating diverse types of performance information into a single and comprehensive document. This Web tool provides users with a layered approach to product information, enabling them to access information according to their knowledge level, project natur, and time availability.  The Gaia gives specifiers and purchasers a summary of all of the information in a full Environmental Product Declaration Report.

Architects and design professionals benefit from the Gaia and the ability to access one tool that encompasses various environmental performance data—including environmental, human health, mechanical, safety, and other performance capabilities—that can help them achieve LEED or Green Globe certification.  

By using The Green Standard EPD System, institutional and individual purchasers benefit from independent, impartial assurance of a corporation’s environmental claims. It provides them with a straightforward tool they can trust as the information has been validated by a qualified third party and posted by an established NGO.  

The launch of the EPD System is part of The Green Standard’s BRIGHT GREEN, BRIGHT FUTURE campaign, a yearlong educational initiative empowering manufacturers and purchasers to confidently navigate the environmental landscape while making lighter footprints.  

Deborah Dunning, The Green Standard president and CEO, says that the development of an EPD system and the Gaia Product Profile is the culmination of the organization’s work over the past nine years. “We are pleased to be able to support U.S. manufacturers in becoming even more effective in the global marketplace through the development of a comprehensive EPD system. We believe that this work will meet the longstanding needs of both institutional and individual consumers throughout North America,” she says. “Moreover, since our mission is to advance global sustainability through products and practices, it is fitting that our Gaia Product Profile refers to the principle that the earth is a whole living organism, seeking to regulate itself and evolve to greater and greater degrees of harmonization.”

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is bringing three of its most interactive, content rich educational and networking events to San Diego, CA during its second annual FM-3D conference, held February 23-25 at the U.S. Grant Hotel.  

FM-3D provides facility professionals with three days of education, strategy, and leadership training—combined with tours of cutting edge facilities—to help address the challenges facing today’s built environment. Joining the Best Practices Forum and Management Summit this year will be the Sustainability Summit, featuring a panel of experts who are leading the way in helping businesses implement sustainable practices.  

“FM-3D is IFMA’s recognition of the important role sustainability plays in shaping the work environment,” said IFMA Director of Education Cathy Pavick. “We’re giving members and nonmembers alike an opportunity to experience three of IFMA’s top educational events in one place at a great value.” 

The conference’s first day will consist of the Best Practices Forum, where participants will explore facility practices that had measurable impacts on organizations managed by fellow professionals. The Best Practices Forum will give attendees the first in depth look at a new IFMA study about innovative workplace designs that increase collaboration and enhance productivity. Also featured will be a presentation entitled “Moving Toward a Zero Carbon Future,” which will cover how net-zero design techniques helped convert a midcentury California bank branch into a zero-energy facility offsetting 100% of its emissions.  

Another of the first day’s highlights will be a presentation from Mike Moore, president of American Energy Solutions, about how changes in energy markets are influencing the way companies deal with energy costs and what approach facility practitioners can use when implementing their own strategies. The Best Practices Forum will conclude with a tour of San Diego company Solar Turbines, which has reduced its own energy consumption by 42% through multiple lighting upgrades.

On day two of FM-3D, participants will attend the new Sustainability Summit, which will include presentations from representatives of ARAMARK, Cushman & Wakefield, the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program, Georgia Tech, and Kohler. 

Jerry Yudelson, PE, MBA, LEED AP, of Yudelson Associates and Panama Bartholomy of the California Energy Commission will be the Sustainability Summit keynote speakers. Yudelson will make the business case for sustainability, teaching facility professionals how they can “sell” their green initiatives to the C-suite. Bartholomy will address the role of facility management in a changing policy environment, looking at how new regulation is shaping the profession.  

On FM-3D’s third day, the Management Summit brings the focus to strategic planning and leadership in the global economy, with presentations from representatives of the University of California, Berkeley; the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Research; and Workspace Strategies. Breakout session topics will include managing human capital, communicating during emergency situations, understanding and managing conflict, and the effects of the changing global economy on facility management. The Management Summit will conclude with a tour of the award winning U.S. Grant Hotel, which has hosted 13 U.S. presidents and recently underwent a $56 million renovation.  

To learn more about FM-3D, or to register for the event, click here.

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) was founded in 1993. As a provider of information, education, training, and networking services for over 12,000 members – both individual professionals and organizations, it is is considered by many to be the “natural home” of facilities management in the UK.

After several years of evaluation, BIFM has made a move to ensure its professional qualifications are the preferred choice for facilities managers. BIFM recognized the shortcomings of its existing education structure and worked closely with individual members, employers, asset skills, and other stakeholders to develop a new suite of FM qualifications. In December 2008, the BIFM Board formally approved the new suite of FM qualifications which will be submitted for accreditation in the first quarter of this year.

The main goal of the new credentials will be to provide more flexibility and greater recognition for individual achievement, thereby encouraging take-up and accelerating the “professionalization” of facilities management. Importantly, the new qualifications are “standalone,” and candidates can enter at any point in the structure.

Valerie Everitt, BIFM’s director of professional standards and education, said: “I am delighted with the progress BIFM has made towards implementing its education strategy. The new FM qualifications to be introduced in 2010 will help to ensure that employers have the right skills to support the success of their business. As the majority of those studying for qualifications do so while holding down a full time job, the framework of core and optional units will also provide a more accessible way of gaining a step up the career ladder.”

The 2604 is the latest addition to MBM Corporation’s line of Destroyit business shredders. Shredding documents in house is more secure and cost effective than using an outside service, and the 2604 makes centralized, high volume shredding easy and convenient. This fast and efficient business machine is available in four shred sizes (strip cut, two cross cut models, and super microcut) and, for a limited time, includes a free factory installed automatic oiler. The automatic oil injection system lubricates the cutting shafts when shredding, ensuring optimum performance while eliminating maintenance. The 2604 has a wide, 10 1/4″ feed opening, a capacity control indicator to prevent paper jams, and a 26 gallon shred bin. Like all Destroyit shredders, it is equipped with hardened steel cutting shafts, which are covered by a lifetime warranty. Features, such as the “Easy Switch” multifunction control element and an electronically controlled safety shield, make the 2604 one of the safest shredders in its class. 

This Web Exclusive article is contributed by John T. Anderson, president and CEO of PeopleCube, a provider of workplace, resource, and energy management technology. The company is headquartered in Framingham, MA.

Improve Image and Reduce Costs By Measuring and Reducing Energy Consumption
By John T. Anderson

The concept of the “green” organization has finally been embraced by corporate America. Until now, companies have been able to avoid implementing green initiatives due to concerns about cost and feasibility. However, recent social, political, and economic developments have made environmental issues something that companies can no longer afford to ignore.

The impact that eco-friendly policies have on the corporate image are only expected to increase as consumers become increasingly discerning about from whom they will buy, as investors look for socially responsible firms to invest in, and as job candidates factor environmental issues into their employment decisions. Following environmentally friendly practices may no longer be simply a nice differentiator but rather a key area of competitive advantage, as companies jockey to gain market share, increase the value of their stocks, and attract and retain top talent. According to a survey by IDC [a subsidiary of the International Data Group], 50% of consumers consider the green practices of vendors when making purchase decisions. Similarly, Adecco, a Melville, N.Y.-based provider of workforce solutions, reports that “33% of employees would be more inclined to work for a company that is environmentally conscious. More than half of the respondents thought their company should be doing more.”

As the topic of environmental conservation continues to gain momentum, more stringent environmental mandates will likely be put into place in the not-too-distant future, and organizations will need to address them. The Kyoto Protocol, for example, is an amendment to the UN international treaty on climate change that legally binds countries to cut their carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 5% below their 1990 levels or pay penalties. Since buildings currently account for a large percentage of total energy consumption in the U.S., it is anticipated that any future U.S. energy regulations designed to comply with the Kyoto Protocol will likely include guidelines for heating and air conditioning the workplace.

Given skyrocketing energy costs, it’s now becoming too expensive for companies to continue consuming energy at their current rates. But the alternative of going green can also be expensive and time consuming, such as the construction of Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED)–certified buildings. Facility managers (fms) and corporate management recognize that it is time to explore cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives that will not only pay for themselves in the long run, but will also help companies to reduce costs in the near term.

The first step organizations interested in becoming more environmentally friendly need to take is awareness. They need to know what their carbon footprint is in order to make adjustments and track the results of those changes. A company’s carbon footprint can be determined through reports as well as via real time emissions dashboards. Space utilization and green reports, for example, highlight actual real estate and workspace utilization and energy cost/consumption. This data is then compared to potential cost and carbon savings through energy reduction measures such as only cooling or heating rooms only when they are in use.

Other reports to identify energy usage include a telecommuting analysis report, which calculates carbon emissions that can be saved by reducing commuting, and a videoconferencing report that identifies energy savings achieved by avoiding travel. An emissions dashboard management information system collects all information about the energy usage of a building and its occupiers, calculates the energy costs and the resulting carbon footprint of the facility, and presents the data in a dashboard format so it can be viewed by fms, executives and employees.

Once companies have determined their carbon footprint, how can they become environmentally responsible in a cost-effective way? Here are some practical suggestions:

Only heat (or cool) when you need to: Energy consumption has become a tremendous drain on our natural resources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website, “HVAC [heating, ventilation and air conditioning] accounts for 40% to 60% of the energy used in U.S. commercial and residential buildings. This represents an opportunity for energy savings using proven technologies and design concepts.”

Fms can greatly reduce office energy consumption and costs by integrating automated resource scheduling technology with HVAC systems or building management systems (BMS). For example, using scheduling systems, users can not only book a meeting room but also preset the temperature and lights. By automating this function, fms can ensure that heating/cooling and lighting is only used when the room is being occupied. To minimize the energy drain, managers can choose to reuse certain rooms that have already been cooled or heated and to “hibernate” others that have not yet been temperature controlled. Fms can then monitor and make adjustments to their buildings’ energy consumption through carbon emission dashboards.

Managing alternative workspace can play a vital role in reducing real estate costs.

Share workspace: Many strategically oriented organizations are using flexible work practices to cut down on energy consumption and promote work/life balance. Office hoteling (also known as virtual offices, hot desking, flexible workspace, and shared workspace) is an alternative workplace arrangement where employees are assigned workspace on an as-needed basis. Because employees are only in the office periodically, office hoteling reduces real estate and energy requirements as well as commuting related carbon emissions. The cost savings of office hoteling are substantial for companies and employees alike.

In order for office hoteling to be successful, it is critical that the scheduling process be fair and easy and that employees can obtain the space and resources they need. Automated scheduling systems allow remote employees to reserve shared workspaces (e.g., individual offices, group workspaces, and conference rooms) as well as any other resources they might need, including loaner PCs or special equipment. Some companies are also setting up reservation kiosks in their lobbies that enable employees who may happen to show up unexpectedly to quickly and easily sign up for an available work space. To more effectively address employees’ needs, some facilities are collecting employee preferences (for particular workspaces or locations near their colleagues) and creating user profiles for future scheduling.

Videoconference: Similarly, videoconferencing avoids expending the energy, time, and cost of travel. Automated scheduling can ensure that all of the resources—such as equipment and specific room arrangements—will be set up in the room when needed and that meeting invitations and reminders will be sent to participants.

Monitor space use with presence detection: Increasing numbers of companies are using those familiar electronic access cards as presence detection devices, as well. These devices, when used in conjunction with room or space reservations, can determine if individuals are actually using the resources they have reserved. If not, the climate or lighting control systems will automatically readjust to unoccupied settings to lessen the energy consumption of that space.

Optimize resources: By more effectively using the resources you have—whether they be a fleet of cars, laptops, or audiovisual equipment—and better allocating how and when they are used, fms managers can extend the life of their assets and delay purchasing new ones.

Empower employees to help initiate change: Employees can use emission dashboards to find out their individual carbon footprint and make changes to help the environment. For example, they can monitor the energy consumption of their individual workspace and make necessary changes based on this information to make it more energy efficient.

It is clear that becoming environmentally friendly is no longer a choice for companies but rather a mandate. Forward thinking fms are already identifying ways to measure and reduce energy consumption to strategically plan for anticipated regulatory changes on the horizon. They are finding that new, cost-effective solutions such as resource scheduling technology can help create eco-friendly environments that, at the same time, are delivering cost savings to their organizations. By embracing and preparing for these changes, fms are heralding a new era of corporate and environmental partnership and realizing added social, economic, and brand benefits.

Anderson can be can be reached at (508) 416-3600 or janderson@peoplecube.com.

(Photo credit: Preservation Wayne)

Last month (December 2008), the Web site Virtual Tourist named its 10 ugliest buildings in the world—based on the opinions of travel experts at the site. General Manager Giampiero Ambrosi shared his thoughts about the selections: “Some of these picks have all the charm of a bag of nails, while others are just jaw-dropping in their complexity. Love them or hate them, the list is certainly entertaining.”

Here is the list:
1. Boston City Hall, Boston, MA (pictured above)
2. Montparnasse Tower, Paris, France
3. LuckyShoe Monument, Tuuri, Finland
4. Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool, England
5. Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York City, NY
6. Torres de Colon, Madrid, Spain
7. Liechtenstein Museum of Fine Arts, Vaduz, Liechtenstein
8. Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh, Scotland
9. Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham, England
10. Peter the Great Statue, Moscow, Russia

How many of these eyesores have you seen? Or do you have your own suggestions to add to this list? Send your comments and photos to tfm@groupc.com and we’ll create our own list of “Dishonorable” Mentions.

Wright Line, a manufacturer of enclosures and airflow management systems for data centers, as well as command and control consoles and other furniture for technology-intensive work applications, has announced that a number of its products have been certified to meet the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) standards for products from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI). Through this designation, Wright Line is giving its customers the ability to create healthier environments while bringing them closer to achieving Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) points.

The Profile® Advanced Console System is GREENGUARD certified.

Wright Line’s Compass™, LINX®, LMS™, Optimedia®, Profile®, TechBench™ and TechCart™ product lines now hold the GREENGUARD Certification. The process to attain the third-party GREENGUARD Certification stamp of approval requires rigorous testing to determine if the individual components that make up the final products consist of low-emitting materials. (Shown here is the Profile® Advanced Console System.)

“Green has become a key in product selection and we are thrilled to have attained this designation from the GEI. As we work with business owners, as well as specifying members of the architect, design and engineering communities, on new construction projects we will certainly tout this important certification,” stated Wright Line CEO, Ed Bednarcik. The 75 year old company is headquartered in Worcester, MA.

Said Dr. Marilyn Black, Founder of GEI, “The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute applauds Wright Line on its commitment to furthering our mission of improving indoor air quality. When certified Wright Line products are integrated into any facility, building owners can be assured that the products they are purchasing are healthy for their indoor environments.”

For a complete listing of certified Wright Line models, view the GREENGUARD Online Product Guide and search for Wright Line. Each product is linked to a printable certificate that verifies GREENGUARD Certification, which is approved by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for LEED project submission.

KONE, a company specializing in vertical transportation systems, has joined the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments, a select group of industry leaders who practice and are recognized for leadership in sustainability.  

Founded in 2003, the mission of the Alliance is to transform the marketplace: to make green building best practices industry standards. To that end, it strives to raise awareness of sustainable development and promote the triple bottom line benefits delivered through high performance green buildings. Members include Johnson Controls Inc., Philips Lighting, Kohler Co., Eaton Corp., Milliken & Company, Forbo Flooring, JohnsonDiversey Inc., Owens Corning, USG Corporation, and now KONE.

“We are excited to have KONE join the Alliance bringing its expertise and commitment to sustainable urban development,” said Craig Zurawski, executive director of the Alliance. “Elevators, escalators, and automatic building doors play a critical role in the operation of any multi-level facility. KONE not only produces quality products that are efficient and safe, but its solutions also save energy, reduce emissions, and are designed with an eye on reducing waste.”

In addition to its commitment to producing products that contribute to a high performance green building, KONE was invited to join the Alliance because of its recognition of sustainability as a critical part of its business strategy, and its commitment to greening its own facilities and manufacturing processes.

As of March of 2008, 90% of KONE’s production facilities were certified according to the ISO 14001 standard and are actively continuing the certification work in the rest of its operations. Several of the countries’ operating units also hold the environmental certificate.

“As the eco-efficiency leader of our industry, we are committed to providing education to improve sustainable development,” said Vance Tang, KONE executive vice president and area director for the Americas. “We are excited to be a part of an organization that is in line with our current and future goals to help deliver high performance buildings as well as improve our own operating efficiencies.” 

KONE continues to improve the energy efficiency of its products, about 95% of its elevator and escalator materials are made from easily recycled materials, reducing the strain on landfills. It also is lessening other usage related environmental influences by eliminating or significantly reducing oil usage, enabling longer lasting and more energy-efficient lifecycles through modernization solutions, and prescribing performance based maintenance.  

KONE’s product lifecycle analyses show that most of the products’ carbon footprint is created when they are operated, not when they are manufactured. Therefore, improving the environmental efficiency of its solutions by reducing the need for energy and oil is a key issue for KONE.  Such solutions include regenerative systems, energy saving hoisting mechanisms, standby energy saving solutions, and energy-efficient lighting. 

KONE operates through 1,000 service centers in 50 countries and delivers approximately 50,000 new elevators and escalators per year. Its service base consists of more than 700,000 elevators and escalators and more than 300,000 automatic building doors. KONE was founded in Finland in 1910. In 2007, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 4.1 billion and more than 32,500 employees.

Designed by QDesign, Valuta from Magnuson Group is a family of modular waste and recycling receptacles. Constructed of heavy gauge steel, Valuta offers two body sizes—20 and 40 gallon capacity units—each of which is available with three pivoting top options and six selectable icon/references for easy sorting and disposal of waste, paper, cans, and bottles. Valuta comes in a variety of powder coat colors. All Valuta models come standard with an internal holding system for securing bas and assisting with quicker bag changes, and are also available with optional rigid plastic liners. The containers are made in the US.