Colleges and universities will need to maintain economic stability in the face of decreasing energy supplies, periodic fuel shortages, increasing prices, and tighter budgets. The necessary physical plant measures and the commitment required of the entire campus community are discussed. (MLW)

Attainment of fiscal stability in the 1980s at the expense of providing adequate resources for plant maintenance, it is suggested, must be avoided by introducing facility management programs anticipating rather than reacting to change. Plant utilization, maintenance, and modernization are seen as requiring continuing attention. (Author/MLW)

The challenge confronting colleges and universities in the 1980s is seen as establishing physical planning processes designed to promote and demonstrate the efficiency of reclamation of resources to provide an enhanced physical environment for the academic program. Rehabilitation studies, space use, land use, codes, and regulations are discussed.…

Comprehensive facilities management is seen as becoming an important factor in higher education. Alternatives to new construction exist in the form of rehabilitation and renovation; deferred maintenance must be addressed and gradually reduced; better use of space must occur through diversion of surplus space, increased utilization, and…

The rapid deterioration of plant and equipment in higher education institutions necessitates quick action by colleges to assess capital needs. Specific plans of action at campus and national levels are required to resolve the lack of information and policies for meeting these needs. (MSE) ***

Large and small businesses have long financed capital projects through tax-exempt financing. Colleges that need large sums of money to retrofit campuses with energy-efficient equipment can achieve the lowest borrowing cost available through bond insurance. (Author/MSE)

Successful facilities management is described as based on a 10-point comprehensive program including: (1) physical planning policy; (2) facilities analysis; (3) management audit; (4) space utilization; (5) capital programs; (6) deferred maintenance; (7) controlled maintenance; (8) energy conservation; (9) environmental quality, health, and safety;…

A comprehensive capital charge policy is recommended as an integral part of college budgeting and reporting. It includes three components: a capital renewal and replacement charge, a new equipment and library and laboratory acquisitions budget, and a debt repayment schedule using internal borrowing. (MSE)

Maintenance is seen as the new goal of colleges and universities. From the viewpoint of a statewide governing or coordinating agency there are thought to be five major components for facility planning: space inventory and utilization records, space requirement projections, funding, federal programs, and research. (MLW)