It's a cliché to say, but as the economy shrinks, facility managers are under the gun to show that they add value to the organization.
There are many different ways to do this of course.
One way is to be able to demonstrate to your managers that you are taking action to keep costs under control — and that you are doing so in a way that doesn't compromise the core mission of the organization.
To that end, we've been getting a lot of good tips in our Cost Cutting Sweepstakes contest. Our contest is looking for tips from you on how you are cutting costs in your organization. Each tip you enter is a chance to win a $100 gift card from Home Depot in May and June.
One user suggested removing the lights from vending machines. Another suggested making sure that drapes in hotel rooms are closed in the summer to shoulder width to minimize heat gain. Yet another suggested checking with the local fire inspector to remove unnecessary fire extinguishers. What are you doing to cut costs in your organization? Post them in our contest to win, and have your tip recognized in a future issue of Building Operating Management.
I focus on learning every purpose for every piece of my heating system. I learn to minimize stem pressures, make sure everything is working properly, have professional outside maintenance folks in at least once per year to look at what I've got and how it should be, and wow do I learn a thing or two each time. I stay with them. I ask questions. I know why I need to make a repair or inprovement. next year and next week I know what to look for and who to call.