Opinion
Facilitating change
The building services sector must embrace
operational and facilities management if it is to
keep pace with client needs, argues Geoff Prudence
I
t is clear to me that operational and risk management opportunity now, in this time of recession, for
skills need to be further developed by the building engineering managers to take the lead in this area
services engineering industry. Project teams of facilities management.
need to include expertise on operational and risk The engineering-based facilities manager
management to ensure successful, effective building equipped with relevant data will be well placed to
outcomes. When developing the operational service understand all the risks and impacts, and be able to
provision for buildings or a portfolio, the management make sound decisions to reduce costs accordingly.
team must consider not just tracking the risks and Whether it’s a sourcing strategy, retrofit solutions
monitoring them, but understanding the role each or plant replacement, it’s about managing the
member of the team plays in managing the risks to risk. FMs need to take ownership to make those
add value. This needs to be underpinned by strong decisions – it’s cost versus risk, ultimately. This
engineering leadership. means operational FMs who have an engineering
In facilities management, engineering-biased background will continue to be
managers are best placed to manage the risks valued as the focus continues on
through the nature of their experience and can revenue costs, energy and building
In a recession
adapt to include ‘soft’ services, such as catering and operational risk management and
security services. life-cycle costing. there’s a
My frustration is that any recognition of building Companies are looking not only
great opportunity for
services success, whether it is in published case at their business continuity plans,
studies or at awards ceremonies, is usually around but getting more for less out of engineering managers
building design. Operations and maintenance existing systems and resources,
to take a lead
engineers are not fully recognised in the industry, including people. So there is now,
even though core building services engineering is more than ever, greater recognition in FM
about managing risks over the life of the building of the importance of effective
including the statutory compliance associated with operations and maintenance within
health and safety. the FM sphere.
Moreover, clients want more than basic project Within the CIBSE FM Group, we are trying to
management; they want us as engineers to own the influence and achieve awareness of operational
risks associated with buildings and their operations. services into design courses at universities and
Otherwise, six months to a year into a new building demonstrate that CIBSE is there for all of us involved
or a refreshed service contract, expectations will not in building services – not just the design-orientated.
be met. This is crucial because the traditional routes for
Whilst there has always been discussion around engineers develop into lead operational positions,
closing the gap on design/operations, there needs and FM managers are drying up.
to be more emphasis both on the design period and Many FMs are coming through soft facilities
in developing skills for operational FMs. Accredited management services; but engineers are best placed
design courses are not developing these FM skills to maximise the potential for managing building
at present and CIBSE has a role to help plug the gap related risks. CIBSE also has the opportunity to help
and meet demand for these skills in the future. develop the engineering operational management
We need to get people to graduate from building role within the building services engineering
services design courses with greater operational industry for what is truly a sustainable solution. l
understanding, specifically around building
operational risk management. There’s a great
Geoff Prudence is chairman of CIBSE FM Group
16 CIBSE Journal April 2009 www.cibsejournal.com
CIBSEapr09 pp16 opinionGP.indd 16 2/4/09 14:56:40
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