Facilities Maintenance

Green Application 6

Key Lessons from FMIn 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 EfficiencyProper 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 EfficiencyAn 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 ManagementFM 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 ManagementAn 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 ConservationFM 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 ConservationAn 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 QualityChanges 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 QualityAn 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 SelectionThere 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 TradesAn 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 Section Relevant Green Application SectionChs. 1-4. Consumer Relations, Tools, and Safety

Homeowner Education & Reference ManualGreen Product Selection

Chs. 5-10. Trade Systems Maintenance

Reduce Material Use and Recycle WasteGreen Product SelectionEnergy EfficiencyWater ConservationIndoor Air QualityDurability and Water Management

Chs. 11-15 Specialty Systems Maintenance

Green Product SelectionWater ConservationIndoor Air Quality

Chs. 16-17 Technical Skills Work with Other Trades