Facilities management is an essential part of property management. It focuses on the tools and services that support the upkeep of our buildings, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and comfortable for those using them.
Maintaining and taking care of the physical infrastructure of all properties is the key to effective facilities management. This encompasses not just the buildings themselves but their grounds, utilities, shared equipment, and systems – such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and security.
It is often facilities managers that are in charge of ensuring that all these parts work in harmony to create the best possible environment for the people using their facilities. Their responsibilities range from lease management to maintenance, operations, energy management, and occupancy management – no day is ever the same!
So, what exactly does effective facilities management look like, and why is it important?
Sustainability and energy efficiency
Facilities management is crucial in enabling sustainable processes and materials in properties. Especially when it comes to energy, managers can implement energy-saving initiatives such as efficient lighting systems, smart building controls, and renewable energy solutions to reduce consumption and lower operating costs.
By keeping track of energy consumption, tenants can better manage their personal costs, and property managers can identify and integrate the most efficient solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings.
Safety and security
A large part of facilities management is ensuring that properties are safe and secure for the people utilising them. At SBA Property Management, we work with security service providers to implement comprehensive security measures, including access control systems, surveillance cameras, and alarms.
We also have a 24/7 out of hours service that allows tenants to access emergency maintenance support when required. By managing this service effectively, we minimise risks within our facilities, giving our tenants peace of mind.
Planning and procedures
To minimise risk in emergencies, such as fire or failure of equipment within the building, facilities managers must ensure that emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and regular safety training are in place for landlords and tenants.
By being efficient and putting the correct protocols in place, facilities managers can mitigate potential risks and increase the wellbeing of their occupants. Careful planning also helps managers guarantee regulatory compliance by ensuring they are well-informed of regulation changes before the deadline.
Communication and coordination
Coming hand-in-hand with planning is ensuring that any procedures or updates are clearly communicated with landlords and tenants. At SBA, we collaborate with our stakeholders to develop maintenance budgets, prioritise repairs and upgrades, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. By maintaining regular contact with stakeholders, facilities managers can ensure everyone is happy and informed of upcoming work. This will encourage a more positive and productive environment for everyone involved.
Digital solutions
It is vital that facilities managers integrate the latest technologies to provide solutions to tenants. For example, computer-aided facilities management can help managers analyse and learn from data, enabling them to undertake predictive facilities maintenance and create more productive, cost-efficient environments. This leads to higher tenant satisfaction and streamlines administrative processes, allowing managers to focus more on high-priority issues.
How can we help you?
It is clear that effective facilities management is necessary to keep buildings safe, productive, and enjoyable for their inhabitants and visitors.
As part of our bottom line, at SBA Property Management, we implement robust facilities management practices centred on maintenance, sustainability, safety, and technology to create environments that generate a high level of tenant satisfaction and reduce operating costs. Our approach also maximises facility value by keeping it in good condition in the short and long term.
To find out more about our facilities management services, please visit: https://sbaproperty.com/facilities-management-2/.