Building Operating Management September 2011 - FacilitiesNet

102
buildingoperatingmanagement
SEPTEMBER 2011
how much money you’re going to
spend or how long it’s going to take,
one big factor is making sure that everyone’s
on the same page.
“Obviously you’re going to communicate
well with the engineer that
you might work with; you’re certainly
going to communicate well with facilities
management, the technicians on
staff and the potential contractor that
you’re going to use,” Bamonte says.
▲ FREE INFO: Circle 468
Equipment is
important, but
so is operating
it correctly. A
control system is
only as good as
its operator
Find an [ air ] system that lowers
your energy costs in our Library:
greenheck.com/library
Visit our online reference
Library for valuable tips,
equipment descriptions and
project profiles to help you
plan a cost-effective, energy
efficient and reliable ventilation
system for your building.
Do your existing properties
need a ventilated make over or
new replacement fan? Check out
our Quick Delivery Program.
715.359.6171
FANS | ENERGY RECOVERY VENTILATORS | MAKE-UP AIR | KITCHEN HOODS | DAMPERS & LOUVERS
▲ FREE INFO: Circle 469
“But even more important is to
talk to the occupants of the building.
If we’ve had any slips, if you will, it’s
when we haven’t successfully communicated
to customers what we’re
thinking, what the plans are for the
project, what’s the timeframe, what
are our expectations, what are the expectations
for you, the tenant.”
And in the end, equipment is important,
but so is operating it correctly.
“The fundamental piece of it is
the quality of the operating staff,” Ulrich
says. “How well you take care of
(equipment) really has an effect on its
useful life. The manufacturers make
some pretty darn good equipment
that stands up over time.” Bamonte
agrees, pointing out that a control
system is only as good as its operator.
“You can have the greatest energy
control system out there, but if
it’s not properly utilized by property
management or facilities management,
you’ll have wasted the dollars
and lost opportunity on the potential
energy savings going forward.” ■
Email comments and questions to
casey.laughman@tradepress.com.