by Shane Henson — September 30, 2011—The recent publication of Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual: A Guide for Public Housing Authorities, could prove to be a boon to facilities managers committed to making their buildings more sustainable, particularly managers of subsidized multi-unit communities.
The publication was developed by Siemens Industry Inc., a supplier of production, transportation and building technology solutions, in collaboration with Green Seal Inc., a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that has been actively identifying and promoting sustainability in the marketplace. The publication was created to be a comprehensive resource for reducing the use of energy, water, and toxic chemicals and for operating facilities in a more sustainable, healthy manner. Although developed specifically for public housing authorities, any building owner or maintenance staff can take advantage of the guidance to implement more sustainable, energy efficient, and healthier practices.
The manual covers a broad range of facilities maintenance and management best practices including HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, lighting, landscaping, and recycling. Unit maintenance is addressed, as well as a section providing suggestions and tools on ways building owners and operators can engage residents and encourage them to participate in improving the sustainability of the communities in which they live.
“The Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual is unique in that no other green operations resource focuses on multi-unit housing or provides such comprehensive, detailed guidance for free. The guidance is more than academic; these are practices facilities managers can start implementing today to take a significant step toward a sustainable society,” says Dr. Arthur B. Weissman, president and CEO of Green Seal.
“Over time, the practices outlined in the manual will help both residents and their surrounding communities improve their quality of life,” adds Mike Kearney, senior director for Siemens Industry Inc. Building Technologies Division.
