Every school has a list of renovations, upgrades and repairs that need attention, but many are too distracting and disruptive to carry out during the school year. Often, the best time to address these nagging construction projects is during the summer when students are on break and the campus is quieter. Although these "summer slammers" often are…

Far from the limelight of LEED, Energy Star or Green Globes certifications are the energy codes developed and updated by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Code Council (ICC) through the support of the Department of Energy (DOE) as minimum guidelines for building envelope,…

School and university restrooms, locker and shower rooms have specific ADA accessibility requirements that serve the needs of staff, students and campus visitors who are disabled as a result of injury, illness or age. Taking good care of them is good for the reputation of a sensitive community institution, and fosters positive public relations.…

At thousands of schools and universities, years of economic troubles have led to repeated budget cuts. The reductions typically fall disproportionately on maintenance departments, where cuts are viewed as less critical than those that directly affect classroom instruction. And so nearly every facility manager at an education institution faces a…

The economic debacle of September 2008 left in its wake major economic losses at both corporate and personal finance levels. Equally disturbing, a looming economic uncertainty ensures this: fund-raisers will need to work even harder and smarter to capture dollars. Although higher-education institutions have a track record of weathering these…

There is a right way to clean a restroom. If a worker does two things wrong, repeated in 20 restrooms a day, it is fairly certain that restroom users will complain. However, what people see or smell is not the most important issue. The overriding guideline should be to clean for health first, appearance second. Minimizing…

Schools and universities throughout the United States now appear to be embracing green roofs as one of many environmentally friendly initiatives. However, once a green roof is in place, school managers soon realize they are not the same as typical landscaping. Although they tend to be relatively low-maintenance, the location and highly specialized…

Discusses why indoor air quality problems in schools should be treated, not only as a health problem issue, but as a potential for legal actions. What types of proof are needed to make a legal claim involving indoor air problems are addressed as are the elements which constitute a "sick building." (GR)

Discusses the selection of floor-care equipment so that the equipment's features and performance attributes can match their intended purposes. Offers tips such as buying only composite-material buckets and wringers, choosing cleaning machines with good maintenance track records, and buying automatic scrubbers that can operate in both large and…

Discusses the expanded uses of school identification-card systems for college campuses and the benefits to the campus of having a one-card, multi-purpose system. Addresses tips for setting up a one-card system, and its future potential and benefit to a college. (GR)

Provides tips for restroom maintenance operations that can enhance a school's image as well as that of the effectiveness of the management program itself. Advice is also provided on keeping restrooms disinfected and deodorized as are ways of reducing cleaning costs while increasing maintenance efficiency. (GR)

Discusses ways colleges and universities are making their residence halls more homelike and less institutional through careful selection of furniture and furnishings. Balancing cost with comfort and adequately addressing student needs for computer space are addressed. (GR)

Discusses school locker characteristics and evaluation steps to consider before purchasing them. Locker door features are highlighted and the importance of knowing the degree of personal storage, strength, and security needs is addressed. (GR)

Explores ideas for controlling mold buildup in educational facilities. Topics addressed include source identification, prevention of standing water, carpet cleaning, and odor removal tips following water damage. (GR)

Presents tips on how to make school emergency communication procedures more efficient and effective. Highlights use of simple codes, and offers advice on staff training and emergency drills. (GR)