As the facility industry increasingly aims for higher performing buildings, facility managers should be aware of proven ways to prevent problems that can sabotage their facility's performance for years to come, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FaciltiesNet website. 

Two important steps: following a strategy of integrative design from the start of the process and involving a commissioning agent early on. These two steps can protect a building from a multitude of issues that can raise operating costs and cause occupant dissatisfaction.

Actions taken early in the new construction design process will obviously have lasting effects for the life of the building. However, and all too often, these early design actions result in equipment and exteriors that only meet code, with teams accepting standard control specs and sequences, and overemphasizing aesthetics by hiding equipment — at the cost of maintenance accessibility. 

The solution is relatively simple: Adopt an integrated design approach. Fortunately, owners, architects, and general contractors are beginning to encourage a more integrative process. This includes having a commissioning authority engaged early in the pre-design and design conversation. 

Read the article.