November 1, 2017 - Green
One of the more interesting concepts in green planning and design is “integrated design.” To an architect, engineer, or general contractor, integrated design basically means, “we all work together.” But for the facility manager, the priority isn’t just the design or getting a project built; what matters is how all of it will work after the design team is gone.
How often is the facility manager even involved in the design? More often, they are simply handed the design or, worse yet, the building.
Integrated design from a facility manager perspective, therefore, must allow for the facility manager to be part of the process — from concept to opening and onward.
Buildings, small or large, are complicated, and the facility manager will make or break a design. Giving the facility manager a head start and a place at the table is critical today and over the life of the building.
This article was contributed by Rivion, a provider of energy audits, benchmarking assessments and other services designed to improve building performance. Rivion’s experienced team provides energy and sustainability solutions that reduce operating costs, increase asset value and create healthy environments. For more on green building and other sustainability initiatives, see Building Operating Management’s October 2017 Green Issue.
