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Is there a step by step guide available that will assist us in the formulation of a capital equipment replacement program? Our facility has entered its fifth decade of operation, and none of the original equipment has been modernized; this includes boilers, chillers, compressors, and the list goes on and on.

Neil Kingston
Director Of Facilities
University Of The Pacific
School Of Dentistry
San Francisco, CA
nkingston@pacific.edu


James Elledge replies ...

Since your equipment is still functioning, it appears that you will need to prioritize your plant equipment replacement program. You will need to list all of your equipment and then develop a plan based on several criteria:

1. Age

2. Serviceable or obsolete: Can it be repaired within a reasonable amount of time?

3. Cost savings: What equipment would provide savings if replaced? The annual savings can be used to justify the replacement/upgrade.

4. “Criticality”: What equipment will cause the most down time to the school if it will not operate?

5. Creative financial assistance: Are you aware of any grants, loans, or subsidies which might be available? Your local utilities may have some energy incentives which could help pay for the upgrades.

Check out the tools and resources library available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR Web site at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tools_resources.bus_energy_management_tools_resources

Thanks for your question

Jim Elledge

Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM's Editorial Advisory Board. All questions have been submitted via the “Ask The Expert” portion of the magazine’s Web site. To pose a question, visit www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/askfmexpertform.php.

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