Current Conversations on MyFacilitiesNet:

Low Cost of Water Masks Underlying Problems

Compared to energy costs, water seems to amount to (pardon the pun) a drop in the bucket. The low cost of water makes it harder to justify efforts to save the seemingly abundant resource. But the low price that facilities pay for water by no means reflects the full cost of delivering clean water. It's important for facility managers interested in high performance buildings to understand the wide range of challenges facing the water supply system — from droughts to aging infrastructure — as they develop and justify water-efficiency plans. Click through to learn more about the U.S. water supply, and drop me a note in Comments if it's affecting your facility.

     Ed Sullivan, Be the first to comment

What Projects Are You Finally Wrapping Up?

The Facility Maintenance Decisions Achievement Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of maintenance and engineering departments in institutional and commercial facilities. The 8th annual FMDAAs shine a spotlight on maintenance and engineering departments going above and beyond to ensure that facilities operate safely, reliably, energy efficiently and sustainably. Entries are free, so get your good work the recognition it deserves. Click through to find out how to submit.

     Ryan Berlin, Be the first to comment

So Much Depends On a Baby Duck: FM and the User Experience

Swiping through my Facebook feed, I came across a friend's post about heartless politicians not caring about baby ducks. Two simple ramps had been installed at the Capitol Reflecting Pool by the Architect of the Capitol to make it easier for the ducklings to get past the pool's border. However, it seems at least one politician felt it was an example of waste, and the Twitterverse was not pleased. I'll leave the political judgement up to you, but the story reminded me of a similar situation—of an FM wanting to find a way to alleviate her tenants' distress regarding baby ducks. Facility management is more and more just as much about the user experience as it is about bricks and mortar. Check out Joan's story, and that of other FMs, for ideas on how to tackle occupant complaints, I mean, concerns, in creative ways that will in the end make everyone's day a little bit easier. And tell me your own story about an occupant concern and how you resolved it—or not. I'm here to listen, not judge.

     Naomi Millán, Be the first to comment

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