FCM STUDY TOUR: ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

The study tour I have signed up for is at Niagara College Canada Campus in Welland ON. Welland is about 20 minutes outside of Niagara Falls. The purpose of the study tour was to learn more about planning and implementing capital infrastructure projects as well as learn about new technology that can help plan and visualize the project.

Study Tour Group learning about Laser Technology to Map Town and Draw proposed changes

Some of the things I learned or questions that need to be asked include:

     ·         Do we need an architect of record for X years?

     ·         Develop a master plan of the area and facilities early

     ·         Clearly articulate the ideas and concepts

     ·         Prequalify the contractors ahead of time then go with the lowest bidder

     ·         Emphasize design ideas and concepts before the concept drawing (often the concept drawing is the building that is built)

     ·         Five questions to ask as part of the design process:

          ·         What is the air barrier?

               ·         How does hot air stay in and cold air stay out?

          ·         Where does the water go?

               ·         Rainwater, groundwater, storm water, and waste water

          ·         How are repairs made?

          ·         How is it operated?

          ·         How is energy consumption managed?

·         Empower the project manager to make the right decisions with the right resources

·         Plan for 2%-3% of capital is needed for first year operations

·         Operational staff are needed prior to completion to learn about operations and maintenance

·         The first 5 years a new facility is maintenance needy

·         We are entering a tipping point of low cost and accessible automated and remote building maintenance

·         Building Committee should include:

     ·         Elected Officials

     ·         User Groups/Community Members

     ·         Technical Specialists

·         Integrate operating controls with programming scheduling

·         What is the payback period?

·         Use the demand response question

     ·         Make a subtle change such as a 2 degree cooler temperature and unless a number of complaints are made leave the change

     ·         Does anyone notice the change?

·         Design to Energy Star performance standards

·         Use cutting edge technology because by the end of construction it will be dated

When Welland started construction waterless urinals were cutting edge and now they are required by the building code