Facilities Maintenance Green Application 6

Key Lessons from FM In FM, we learned about: Tool and equipment safety, and occupant relations Good maintenance practices for all usual building systems and trades Good maintenance practices for specialty systems Good technical skills

Green Building Principles and FM Each of FM’s key lessons can shape these important green principles: Energy efficiency Water conservation Durability and water management Indoor air quality Green product selection Reduce material use and recycle waste Homeowner education and training manual

Energy Efficiency Proper FM shapes actual energy use. An FM technician is responsible for long- term energy performance, including making sure that HVAC, wiring, and appliances are properly functioning.

Energy Efficiency An FM technician can: Perform regular energy fixture and system checks and operations, like light bulb replacements Make sure that HVAC, wiring, and appliances are properly functioning Understand core diagnostics for energy use and efficiency, and determine appropriate solutions Perform rudimentary weatherization Understand advanced energy-retrofitting

Durability and Water Management FM involves making sure that long-term management plans hold in place. Repairing damage from water leaks on walls and floors is the job of the green FM technician. They also learn to look for signs of long-term problems.

Durability and Water Management An FM technician can: Repair damage from water leaks Identify the core cause of water leaks Assess pest infestations Check and inspect the condensate drain in equipment

Water Conservation FM ensures that any water conservation techniques in the original plans are upheld, but also can install new techniques. A green FM technician will fix water leaks and perform fixture replacements.

Water Conservation An FM technician can: Make sure current systems are functioning properly Add aerators and other water conserving retrofit techniques Plan for water-conserving appliances and equipment Switch landscape irrigation systems

Indoor Air Quality Changes to indoor air quality can happen at any time during a building’s lifetime. From occupant behavior to poorly planned equipment, any change could have health and safety effects. A green FM technician will be able to monitor changes and respond appropriately.

Indoor Air Quality An FM technician can: Check for indoor pollutants and pests Perform basic air quality inspections Perform regular HVAC and ventilation system checks and operations Monitor fire and smoke alarms Select low-VOC paints and sealants

Green Product Selection There are few materials and products that an FM technician can select since most have already been installed. A green FM technician can select and install appropriate green products, especially during larger replacements of fixtures and appliances or general finish remodeling.

Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste Likewise, there are few materials and products that an FM technician will be responsible for eliminating. But, an FM technician can recycle any products or materials that she replaces, and plan any remodeling with materials and waste management in mind.

Work with Other Trades An FM technician must understand all other trades and their impact on green performance, but rarely do FM technicians work with them. A green FM technician can prepare documentation for specialty trades, and coordinate and supervise them.

Homeowner Education and Training Manual Homeowner relations are especially important for an FM technician because occupants might not understand green equipment or proper green home actions. A green FM technician will have exceptional customer relation skills.

Homeowner Education and Training Manual An FM technician can: assist occupants and homeowners and translate their concerns or problems into actual repair solutions inspect and monitor units communicate green behaviors and home usage to owners and occupants

Referencing FM and the Green Application FM SectionRelevant Green Application Section Chs Consumer Relations, Tools, and Safety Homeowner Education & Reference Manual Green Product Selection Chs Trade Systems Maintenance Reduce Material Use and Recycle Waste Green Product Selection Energy Efficiency Water Conservation Indoor Air Quality Durability and Water Management Chs Specialty Systems Maintenance Green Product Selection Water Conservation Indoor Air Quality Chs Technical SkillsWork with Other Trades