The First Facility Management Blog

This Web Exclusive article was contributed by Brad Lynch of Wright Line, a Worcester, MA-based manufacturer of products for technology intensive environments. Lynch leads Wright Line’s Technical Environments Business Unit, and he can be reached at (508) 926-6022 or Brad.Lynch@wrightline.com.

Rethinking Off-The-Shelf Console Design

The selection of command and control consoles for mission-critical facilities has traditionally occurred late in the planning and construction phases of a new facility or the expansion/renovation of an existing one. Until recently, off-the-shelf console templates have been employed and have met the needs of most applications.

The advancement of new command, control, communication, and computer (C4) technology is driving the need for a new approach to console design. Generic, off-the-shelf templates are no longer viable solutions to meet the demands of today’s C4 environments.

These environments include a variety of 7/24 workplace functions, such as network operations, 911 centers, incident command, emergency operation centers, process control, medical imaging, security/ transportation management, and many other types of command and control operations centers. These centers now require higher performance levels from their consoles

High performance console design is an integral element of the overall facility design, and will reap productivity benefits when centers are brought on line. The console must be viewed as much of an integral part of the technology solution as the hardware/software solutions being deployed. When executed correctly, this console perspective positively impacts how each employee interacts with the technology, the enterprise infrastructure, and the rest of the working team.

New Dimensions in Design Methodology

As technology transition expands its reach within C4 operations, the challenge of achieving a balanced integration of people, technology, workspace, and workflow becomes increasingly difficult. Architects, designers, engineers, and facility planners need to consider each of these four dimensions as an integral element of the overall operational system and peel back predetermined concepts of traditional console design methodology.

People: In C4 environments, people operate at high emotional states, often in anticipation of a critical event taking place. Understanding how people interact with other elements of the system within the environment is the basis of high performance console design.

It’s very important to understand who will be interfacing with the console. This information is integral to the design process as business productivity is directly correlated to individual productivity. One must consider the operator level—the individuals in the seat—as well as secondary levels of the operation including supervisors, system or network administrators, facilities engineers, technicians, and even systems integrators who come into contact with the console on a regular basis. The ability to service the technology and infrastructure, while maintaining operational uptime, is directly impacted by the console design and configuration.

Technology: Technology and its supporting infrastructure are the backbone of C4 operations. High performance console designs efficiently and effectively store, cool, power, manage, and secure the technology housed on or within the console.

As the primary human-machine interface, the console can essentially be described as the point at which the data center and mission critical personnel meet. Consoles tend to house technology locally. Because of this, safeguards must be designed into the console to avoid accidental power or data loss, equipment overheating, or other unintentional consequences resulting from human error.

Power and data cables must be neatly managed and provide easy access for IT and facilities personnel. Yet, they must also be out of reach to avoid accidental disconnection. Airflow management solutions that include material selection must also be in place to ensure that higher density computer and network gear is adequately ventilated. In C4 applications, these measures should not be afterthoughts, because data and power downtime can result in life and death consequences.

Workspace: Physical space is, by far, the most constraining and least forgiving of the four dimensions. The space must be examined independently from the operation and from the console itself. Space planning identifies the space available for console design.

Additionally, physical and conditional attributes of the space, such as cable cut-outs in raised floors, power drops from ceilings, ADA requirements, and other local building codes, also play an important role in the design of a high performance console for a C4 environment.

The main objectives in space planning are to ensure that the space can support the appropriate number/types of consoles and that the consoles can be adequately located to meet the workflow demand of the overall operation. Cabling, data, and power distribution requirements of the operation must also be accommodated appropriately. In addition, it’s important to build in as much modularity or scalability—to allow for future system upgrades and equipment transitions—as operational needs change and technologies evolve.

Workflow: Workflow is the integration of people and technology working collaboratively in the physical workspace, as well as individuals in various operations center job functions interacting seamlessly while functioning at peak performance.

It’s important to understand the relationship between the work types within the center. This includes managers, supervisors, operators, engineers, risk managers, and each employee seated at the consoles.

Additionally, the interaction of all people who may not be seated at a console must be clearly understood. These can be technical or administrative staff, facilities or support personnel, or even in some cases, the general public.

Is an uninterrupted sight line to the entire facility required by a supervisor or manager? During critical events, will supervisors or managers need to have remote access or need to monitor an operator station? Are there specific times or physical points where there is interaction between supervisors, office administrators, other center personnel, or the general public?

In C4 environments there are two distinct work flow modes: normal day-to-day operations and critical event or crisis mode. The interdependencies of all the personnel working within any mission critical C4 environment need to be considered and evaluated to ensure that operator consoles are designed to meet these requirements and optimize operations.

Visit this link for questions that can help address the challenges of your C4 environment.

Transitioning to High Performance

As the primary human-machine interface, today’s sophisticated consoles play a central, critical role in mission critical C4 environments. Console design has evolved to the point at which it is as effective a contributor to operational performance as are the people and technology that work at them.

Higher levels of ownership and buy-in are achieved when the mission critical team has greater input into the four dimensions of the discovery process. This detailed input ultimately enables higher performing people and more efficient operations during normal operational periods, and especially, during periods of crisis management.

Understanding the four dimensions of high performance console design provides the necessary freedom to deliver a high return on investment and a lower total cost of ownership in the mission-critical environment.

(All images provided by WrightLine.)

UCL (University College London) is launching an MSc in partnership with the Building Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore to encourage environmentally friendly building practices. The first Masters program at UCL to be taught outside London, the MSc in Facility and Environment Management was established with the goal of helping Singapore reach its target of having 80% of buildings in the city “Green Mark certified” by 2030.

The program is aimed at building professionals who will be taught by experts from UCL’s Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at the BCA Academy in Singapore. Specifically tailored for Singapore students, the program will be delivered through blended learning—a combination of traditional face to face teaching by visiting UCL lecturers and distance learning using live video links, one-to-one Skype tutorials, podcasts, and video seminars.

The need for the course has arisen out of the increasing call for more sustainable cities, especially in tropical zones such as Singapore, where more than 50% of carbon dioxide emissions can be attributed to buildings. To address this issue, the government of Singapore has identified a need to train 6,000 green facility managers over the next 10 years. The top tier of these professionals will be taught in the UCL masters program, with the first students due to start in September 2010 at the BCA Academy.

Commenting on the signing of the Collaboration Agreement, BCA Academy Managing Director Benedict Tan said, “This MSc program will be an excellent avenue to nurture leaders and professionals who will one day lead us in our journey to make Singapore a sustainable city of the tropics. Graduates of this program will have the expertise to manage, maintain and operate green buildings in Singapore. Having a strong pool of these professionals for the future will take us a step closer in making Singapore’s built environment more sustainable.”

“We are privileged to collaborate with UCL a university globally renowned for its facility and environment management discipline. I am encouraged by UCL’s efforts in adapting their existing curriculum for our industry and to our local built environment and ‘importing’ it to the BCA Academy,” Tan added.

Leading experts in space and workplace management, Professor Alexi Marmot, service operations, Peter McLennan, and sustainable facility management, Dr Marcella Ucci, will be involved in teaching the course. The program also includes industry site visits to provide students with practical insights into facilities management issues first hand.

Professor Alexi Marmot, head of UCL’s Bartlett School of Graduate Studies explained, “The MSc in Facility and Environment Management at the Bartlett has been running since 1992 with many graduates from the UK and all over the world. The Singapore program is a way for us to extend our expertise globally, while at the same time bringing an international focus to our London program.”

A new comprehensive guide for sustainable development in the federal government has earned an award from the Federal Planning Division of the American Planning Association. Titled “The New Sustainable Frontier – Principles of Sustainable Development,” the guide was published in September 2009 by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Jonathan Herz, of the GSA’s Office of Governmentwide Policy, authored the publication with the assistance of Anica Landreneau of architectural firm HOK and Matthias Ruth of the School of Public Policy, University of Maryland.

The guide is being recognized as part of the GSA Sustainable Development Education Initiative, which was selected as the winner in the “Outstanding Sustainable Planning, Design and Development Initiative” category.

The authors of the 40-page guidebook—which includes a foreword by Ray C. Anderson, founder and chairman of Interface, Inc.—declared that: “Today’s world is decidedly not sustainable and neither are the Government’s operations. But both of them can be.” To that end, it provides specific principles for “How to live sustainably as a species on a finite Earth into the indefinite future.”

“The economy is a social structure within the greater ecosystem,” explain the authors. “The ecosystem is not subservient to the economy. Without a high quality of matter and energy to transform into goods and services, the economy is on a shaky foundation. We need to connect the laws of thermodynamics back to our economic and ecological decision-making.”

“Incremental change will not be sufficient,” the authors declare. “Existing policies, programs and rating systems must be examined in a closed-loop context; their limitations understood and their applicability reconsidered.”

To request a copy of this PDF, send an e-mail to tfm@groupc.com with the words, “Sustainable Frontier” in the subject line of your e-mail.

Imagine 5th and 6th grade students donning hard hats and safety glasses, helping to design and build their own school, and then acting as energy conscious stewards for the facility. For public school children in New Haven, CT, Kids Build, an educational program developed by architecture firm Svigals + Partners, in conjunction with the New Haven School Construction Program, is allowing them to do just that. By offering participants the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working with architects, construction managers, and tradespeople, Kids Build offers career mentoring, side by side with lessons in art, science, and math.

The first Kids Build project focused on the Beecher School, completed in 2006.

The Kids Build program is intended to educate schoolchildren about the design, construction, and maintenance of their new schools. Students are involved in the design and ongoing maintenance, becoming “stewards” who can responsibly care for their schools and help younger students learn about these important values.

Kids Build is an energy conscious program that supports the City of New Haven’s efforts to reduce energy use in schools. It provides opportunities for schoolchildren to explore career paths in architecture, design and building/construction and is supported by New Haven Public Schools.

With two schools completed under the program—the Beecher School in 2006 and The Columbus Family Academy in 2008, participants are gearing up for a third project at the Engineering and Science University Magnate School.

Throughout the construction of each school, groups of 30 5th and 6th grade students meet for four two-hour workshops. Activities include exploring the office of Svigals +Partners, visiting construction
trailers, participating in discussions with the architects, construction managers, and tradespeople, and touring the schools at various stages of construction.

Students learn about a variety of building topics related to construction and operations.

Students in past projects hailed from several New Haven Public Schools and included several of those who would be entering the new schools upon completion. Once the schools opened, these students prepared a presentation of their Kids Build experience for their classmates.

New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., has said: “Kids Build is an innovative way to introduce city students to meaningful careers in architecture and construction and also to teach them to be proud of their schools. The City’s $1.5 billion Citywide School Construction program presents a great opportunity for kids to learn more about how to care for assets like their own schools. Kudos to Svigals + Partners for their involvement.”

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International announced it has been approved as a U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Education Provider. USGBC has approved the technical and instructional quality of two of BOMA’s education series, the BOMA Energy Efficiency Program (BEEP) and the Sustainable Operations Series (SOS). BEEP’s six on demand Webinars have been approved for a total of 12 GBCI CE hours and the four Webinars in the SOS series have been approved for a total of six GBCI CE hours, all counting toward the LEED Credential Maintenance Program.

The BEEP series gives building owners and property managers information, strategies, technologies, how-to guides, and resources to reduce energy and costs in their buildings. It was developed by the BOMA Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s ENERGY STAR® program and is supported in part by a grant from EPA. SOS builds on the BEEP program by clearly demonstrating how green operations can effectively enhance the bottom line, improve tenant satisfaction and benefit the environment. Each course features practical strategies and case studies on buildings that have employed green operating practices.

BOMA is committed to enhancing the ongoing professional development of the building industry and LEED Professionals through high-quality continuing education programs. As a USGBC Education Provider, BOMA has agreed to abide by USGBC-established operational and educational criteria, and is subject to annual reviews and audits for quality assurance.

All USGBC-approved Education Provider courses:

• Support the LEED Professional Credentialing Maintenance Program;
• Align with USGBC’s educational mission;
• Are delivered in a variety of formats and target multiple learning levels and audiences; and
• Are peer-reviewed to meet USGBC’s standard for instructional design and content quality.

On February 4, 2010, the LEED Green Associate credential, which recognizes professionals in the green building field, launched in Canada. This credential is the Green Building Certification Institute’s (GBCI) fastest growing credential.

“The green building world is expanding; key players include not only those in the building industry but also sales and marketing professionals, lawyers, real estate brokers, product manufacturers and suppliers, students, and more,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “The LEED Green Associate credential gives these individuals a way to differentiate themselves from their peers in a highly competitive job market.”

The LEED Green Associate credential signifies fundamental knowledge of green building concepts and is ideal for both professionals in non-technical fields of practice as well as professionals and students working towards the LEED Accredited Professional exam. The LEED Green Associate launched in 2009 and has been earned by almost 4,500 professionals in over 40 countries. GBCI is working in collaboration with the Canada Green Building Council to support and grow the LEED credentials held by more than 10,000 professionals in Canada today.

GBCI, based in Washington, DC, administers the LEED Professional Credentials which have been recognized in the industry as a mark of significant achievement for almost a decade. Earning a LEED Professional Credential demonstrates a candidate’s comprehensive understanding of and commitment to green building design, construction and operations.

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has released its new Guide to Developing a Standard Operating Procedure Manual, which aims to assist property professionals with developing or updating a standard operating procedure (SOP) manual for their commercial properties. SOP manuals are critical in facility management since they aggregate policies, procedures, instructions, and directives so buildings can be managed safely, efficiently, and consistently.

“We are excited to publish the new Guide to Developing a Standard Operating Procedure Manual, which will serve as a vital tool for property managers looking to develop or update a SOP manual,” remarked BOMA International Chair James A. Peck, RPA, FMA, senior director of asset services, CB Richard Ellis. “This publication simplifies the often daunting process of compiling building policies and procedures into one cohesive document, and will allow property professionals to manage their properties even more effectively.”

BOMA’s new Guide to Developing a Standard Operating Procedure Manual is a downloadable publication and features  easy-to-read, step-by-step guidelines on how to create an SOP manual, with detailed outlines of 18 commonly used sections, including Tenant Emergency Plan, Lease Administration, Accounting and Reporting, Business Plans and Re-Forecasts, Contracts/Contract Services, Management Office Operations, Physical Operations, Safety and OSHA Compliance, Fire and Life Safety Systems, Security, and more. The guide also provides business tips from the author, Marc Fischer, MBA, CPM®, RPA, CCIM, along with a comprehensive listing of additional resources.

For more information and to purchase BOMA’s Guide to Developing a Standard Operating Procedure Manual, visit the BOMA Bookstore.

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has formed the Casino and Gaming Facilities Community, a new community of practice for those who manage facilities in the casino and gaming industry. IFMA’s communities of practice are organized special interest groups that unite members of specific industries not represented by the association’s councils.

The new community will provide a network for gaming facility professionals to connect with one another and share resources through webinars, roundtables, benchmarking studies, and other continuing education opportunities.

“Over the past decade, the gaming and entertainment industry has shed its stigma and become a mainstream business. From mega resorts in Las Vegas and Macau, to riverboats across the United States, there are millions of square feet under the management of some very qualified facility professionals,” said Richard Emmons, CFM, CFMJ, senior director of corporate facilities for Isle of Capri Casinos. “The new Casino and Gaming Facilities Community will present excellent networking opportunities and provide gaming facility professionals with resources that may not have been previously available to them.”

The new community will hold an introductory webinar entitled “Casino/Gaming Roundtable: What Keeps you up at Night?” on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 10 a.m. EST. The webinar will focus on 24/7 casino operations, food and hospitality services, HVAC, smoking, odor control, and power loss and deregulation. Representatives from Cherokee Nation Enterprises, Edgewater Casino, Isle of Capri Casinos, PCI Gaming, Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise and others will moderate the discussion. Participation is free and open to anyone, regardless of IFMA membership.

The BIFM Awards have launched for 2010, giving facility managers (fms) in Great Britain the chance to get involved in one of the top events on the UK’s facility management (FM) calendar. Winners are announced at the BIFM Awards, the biggest networking event in the UK.

These Awards recognize more than just the work that fms do. There are 13 category headings, and the awards are given for excellence in the field of FM where it can be demonstrated within the context of the category criteria.

The categories are:

• Facilities Manager of the Year;
• Student of the Year;
• Communications & Marketing;
• Public Sector Excellence in FM Team;
• Corporate Occupiers Excellence in FM Team;
• Innovation in Customer Service;
• Overall FM Industry Impact;
• Innovation in Products;
• Sustainability & Environmental Impact;
• Innovation in Technology & Systems;
• Property Investors Excellence in FM Team;
• Impact on Organisation & Workplace; and
• FM Excellence in a Major Project

The judges for 2010 will be lead by Oliver Jones, chief executive of The Asset Factor and a partner with EC Harris. Oliver leads a highly experienced team to decide upon the winners, based on specific criteria.

Oliver says, “The BIFM Awards present a great opportunity for teams and leading individuals in our industry to be recognized against the very best of the competition. To win an Award is a powerful message to the employers of in-house teams, to the clients of outsourced teams, and to all staff and team members at all levels. With our leading industry representatives as judges, the only question is: Who can stand out and show the excellence our industry is capable of?”

Anyone who takes a serious interest in where they and their profession are heading should view the BIFM Awards as an essential part of their education and continuing professional development, and as such, worthy of prestigious acclaim. The Awards highlight an area that the FM and their teams have made a real impact

To nominate a colleague or company, visit this link. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 30, 2010. The BIFM Awards dinner will be held on 11th October 11, 2010 at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London and celebrate the increasingly strategic profile of FM, highlighting the key role it plays in the success of public and private sector organizations.

"Bottom-Line Sustainability for Business" report from ESI

Economic pressures, cap and trade legislation, and other economic drivers are forcing companies of all sizes toward efficiencies to improve the bottom line. Environmental Systems, Inc. (ESI), a commercial and industrial building systems integrator headquartered in Brookfield, WI, recently released an independently researched study aimed at helping executives responsible for financial and operational performance sort through sustainability information, understand trends, and visualize what is possible.

“Companies of all sizes and types are looking for ways to control operating costs, including energy, personnel, facility and maintenance,” ESI President Paul Oswald said. “The good news is that the benefits derived from reducing operating costs have a direct positive impact on creating a more sustainable business.”

The study, “Bottom-Line Sustainability for Business,”  covers reduced operating costs to improved productivity as it relates to building performance and security, energy efficiency, pending legislation, information technology, sustainability, innovation, and integration of systems.

“The difficulty for many businesses is a lack of understanding in how to get started on a path to reduce costs and improve sustainability,” Oswald says. “Making sense of it all and determining what is relevant to reducing costs are not easy tasks.”

This is demonstrated by results from a study conducted by Moskowitz Jacobs, Inc. In interviews conducted with 450 CEOs, CFOs, and senior management, it was found that:

• 87% have room to improve on energy management.
• 74% do not have a handle on energy cost.
• 59% are not well positioned in-house to control energy and improve operational efficiency.
• 49% are seeking ways to optimize energy usage.

ESI commissioned independent researchers to compile the study, which  contains insights from industry experts, including:

• Schneider Electric, EVP, Chris Curtis
• Quad Graphics, Director, Joe Muehlbach
• GE Medical, IT, Kerry Malland
• Sustainability Expert, Paul Ehrlich

“Bottom-Line Sustainability for Business” can be downloaded on the ESI homepage (Look for cover image at left. Registration required.)