The Inherent Benefits Achieved

When you think of Green and Sustainable Initiatives you may consider them being tied to new construction or renovation projects. However, the benefits and results achieved from Facility Information Solutions can have a direct impact in determining how green your facility is as well.

• Utilizing the Space Management features of an IWMS system to optimize the use of space, may result in the ability to vacate a lease or eliminate the need for more space, reducing your carbon footprint.

• Utilizing a Document Management solution to convert paper documents to electronic format and track efficiently, helps create a paperless environment.

• Utilizing a Room Scheduling solution to manage your "hoteling" policy where home-based (telecommuters, virtual, remote) employees reserve a shared space when in the office, reduces your carbon footprint.

• Utilizing the Maintenance Management features of an IWMS system to manage your action plan to properly maintaining HVAC systems, allows them to run more efficiently, reducing energy usage and provides better indoor air quality.

• Utilizing the Asset Management features of an IWMS system to track assets more efficiently can lead to their reuse - one of the three "R's" of green concepts - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

• Utilizing the Space Management features of an IWMS system to closely track the type and amount of areas that need to be cleaned will result in the optimal use of cleaning products, reducing waste and allows the promotion of green products.

• Utilizing a Room Scheduling solution to properly use video conferencing rooms, reduces the amount of travel required, reducing your carbon footprint.

But it doesn’t have to stop there. By integrating your Facility Information Solution with other building management and business applications, such as Lighting Control Systems, Energy Management Systems and Finance & Purchasing Systems, the benefits can be extended even further.

In addition, software vendors are developing Green/Sustainability modules that add to the inherent out-of-the-box capabilities. These modules will serve as tools to assist sustainability consultants in providing a plan to help green your facility.

Greening Your Existing Facility

Facility Information Solutions can be utilized to determine and track what needs to be accomplished to green your existing facility and achieve a LEED Certification if desired. These solutions can be used to inventory your existing conditions, develop and incorporate an action plan, and track the progress of your green improvements. Tracking these improvements over time in conjunction with LEED points provides an avenue for planning towards a LEED certification.

Once you’ve achieved a LEED Certification, the components will need to be tracked and monitored for re-certification when the time comes. CAFM/IWMS solutions can track the green improvements you make going forward, while a Document Management solution can track the necessary paperwork that accompanies a re-certification.

As a building owner, it can be beneficial to upgrade and maintain your building and tenant spaces. Good documentation of the green improvements made can result in better lease negotiations. Tenants will be more attracted to a space that they know is energy efficient and utilizes green practices.

These are just some of the benefits that can be achieved. As with other data in a Facility Information Solution, the amount and type you wish to track is up to you.