Maintenance and engineering managers are keenly aware of the challenges their facilities present. From repair backlogs and regulatory compliance to staffing and training, the list of issues only seems to get longer and more complex. From a different perspective, though, facilities actually present a more serious challenge. In some cases, facilities create risks.
Building-related risks are three of the top 10 risks facing higher education, according to a new report by United Educators. Facilities and deferred maintenance came in sixth, public safety ranked ninth, and general premises safety tied for tenth. Enrollment tops the list of risks, which also includes data security, operational pressures, recruitment and hiring, compliance, student mental health and funding.
The group offered these resources to address facilities and deferred maintenance risks:
The report also identified emerging risks for higher education, and not surprisingly, climate change made the list. The group offered these suggestions for addressing the risks: practice tabletop exercises for weather emergencies; modernize emergency communication systems; establish green building standards; remove vegetation near buildings; and install fire-resistant building materials.
Each year, United Educators members share their institution’s most pressing risks in the Top Risks Survey. The report reflects responses from 194 colleges and universities that completed the survey between August and December 2024. The group provides liability insurance and risk management services to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.
Dan Hounsell is senior editor for the facilities market. He has more than 30 years of experience writing about facilities maintenance, engineering and management.?
