Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and stock condition surveys are an essential tool that enable those responsible for school buildings to monitor and control costs. To manage school property effectively it is vital to measure performance and determine future requirements. A successful PPM programme enables schools to do this by relating the condition of their property assets to projected improvements and their cost over a range of different timescales. With carbon management now high on the local government agenda, PPM also has a key role to play in promoting an understanding of the direct impact on carbon and energy reduction associated with a broad range of strategic property decisions.
A successful PPM programme also prompts consideration of a diverse range of property issues, timing projects to achieve economies of scale. A good example is that of a window replacement programme which could be tied in with other structural works such as roof replacement or external redecoration so that scaffolding only has to be erected once. With effective long-term maintenance in place, internal refurbishment programmes can also be scheduled to include aspects such as disabled access and works can also be brought into line with environmental issues so that, for example, a roof replacement programme could incorporate installing a green roof.
In collaboration with Franklin & Andrews, Watts has now developed a software tool linking lifecycle cost with in-built carbon and energy impact assessments. One of the key benefits of this software is the ability to perform scenario testing on different maintenance strategies at the touch of a button, enabling schools to make the right decisions about their asset strategy. This can be employed across an entire school estate or at micro level, looking at a single component, such as roofing, in one building.
The Department for Education has made assurances that new maintenance strategies will deal with the future upkeep of schools. This is another good reason for local government estates departments to ensure they have access to current and meaningful information on the fabric of the school buildings that fall within their remit. Without robust data, effective and cost-efficient maintenance schedules are impossible to implement. In the current fiscal climate, any tool that can be employed to keep expenditure to a minimum and achieve economies of scale should be used to best advantage. Pupils can still be taught effectively in poor buildings – bricks and mortar are only one part of the school environment. However, there is no doubt that good educational facilities enhance both the wellbeing and the life chances of our children. It is clear that only a proportion of those schools in need of new buildings will be provided with them in the forseeable future. However, as Sebastian James points out, making best use of professional expertise to maximise budgets, promoting sharper accountabilities for maintaining buildings and utilising better procurement routes, “will help ensure that the current estate is able to deliver for our children in the decades ahead.”
Mark Few
THE TERRIER - Autumn 2011
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