Are they building a better Operator too?

Are they building a better operator too?

Owners are looking to improve the facilities they own, or perhaps upgrade their investments to attract more or different customers. Improvement may be valuation by meeting standards within the industry such as BOMA BESt or LEED. What this can mean to the operator on site is that there will be a change in procedures or processes. The building may change operating procedures. Systems may be put in place that are unfamiliar to the person running the building. Training may be required but is it not always done. There may be needed to operate what has been put in place some education that is not what was required when the Building Operator first came on the site. Building/ system designs today can be focused on intelligent, energy efficient and/or high performance building. This ranges from the introduction of high-efficiency equipment and systems, integrated resource management software and the design and operation of building systems to optimize overall environmental performance. Building operators are not necessarily experts with respect to each technology or system, but should have an appreciation and competency in all areas.

There becomes a need for persons running the facilities to upgrade the skillsets to accommodate the installation of more sophisticated processes. This sometimes leaves the less technical persons struggling in acquiring the knowledge in the running and managing of the new equipment. The results is that the efficiencies that are expected in the installation may not be fully realized. The operation of these sophisticated buildings involves an understanding of independent systems and their successful integration. While many professions are engaged in the maintenance and operation of buildings, building operators are distinguished in that they are positioned to consider how various building systems interact to obtain maximum benefit of the installed equipment of procedures. The scope may also extend to commissioning and periodic recommissioning of equipment. The profession of building operator in a comprehensive manner to consider every aspect of the role that operates and runs the systems.

Educators and industry professionals have identified the recent evolution of ‘green’ facilities as the most significant development to influence the operation of buildings, and consequently the profession of building operator. Often the Building Operator in their struggle to get in front of this fast moving technology feel they get run over. Technology is rapid in this industry and a visit to a trade show is an indication of the rapid growth in process and procedures. The ever increasing cost of energy is driving owners to install better controls. But are they building an improved operator at the same time?