The Modern Facilities Management Podcast

In this episode of the Modern Facilities Management Podcast, host Griffin Hamilton interviews Gretchen Schimelpfenig, a professional engineer specializing in civil and architectural engineering with a focus on sustainable design and construction. Gretechen is currently a Sr. Energy Engineer at Energy Resources Integration.

The conversation explores Gretchen's journey into project management, the definition and research of emerging technologies, and the balance between energy savings and secondary benefits in facilities management. They discuss future trends in sustainability, the comparison of US and global approaches to technology, and the importance of mentorship in professional growth.

Enjoy!

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Gretchen Schimelpfenig

02:41
The Journey to Project Management

04:30
Defining Emerging Technologies

05:59
Researching Emerging Technologies

09:43
Balancing Energy Savings and Secondary Benefits

12:02
Applying Research to Project Management

15:51
Future Trends in Sustainability

18:10
Comparing Global Approaches to Sustainability

20:53
Finding Gretchen's Work and Influences

Resources

• Emerging Technology studies:
  • Ice Arena Vortex Water Treatment
  • CEA and Greenhouse HVAC Market & Technology Study
  • Smart Controls for Data-Driven Indoor Agriculture Field Evaluation
  • Enabling Non-Residential Electrification and Efficiency with Fault Managed Power Systems (FMPS)
• Recent Articles
  • Integrated HVAC Systems for Cannabis Cultivation Have the Lowest Life Cycle Cost 
  • How New Energy Codes Are Affecting Greenhouse Growers

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Summary

David Jones, Director of Estates and Facilities at the University Hospital of Southampton, discusses the impact of backlog maintenance in healthcare buildings on patient harm. 

During the interview, he shares his research on the link between estate infrastructure and patient outcomes, highlighting the need for evidence-based design in older hospitals. David explains his use of AI and data analysis to identify infrastructure incidents and their impact on patient care. He emphasizes the importance of collecting data and presenting evidence to influence policy and secure funding for backlog maintenance. He also encourages facilities managers to engage in research and advocate for the value of their role in healthcare facilities.

Takeaways

• Backlog maintenance in healthcare buildings can have a direct impact on patient outcomes and safety.
• There is a lack of evidence-based research on the link between estate infrastructure and patient harm.
• Collecting data on infrastructure incidents and their impact on patient care is crucial for securing funding for backlog maintenance.
• Facilities managers should engage in research and advocate for the value of their role in healthcare facilities.

Check out David's Doctoral Research Survey here

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

02:57
The Impact of Backlog Maintenance on Patient Outcomes

06:08
The Need for Evidence-Based Design in Older Hospitals

09:14
Using AI and Data Analysis to Identify Infrastructure Incidents

12:05
Influencing Policy and Securing Funding for Backlog Maintenance

14:55
The Role of Facilities Managers in Healthcare Facilities

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Kelly Kuntz, President of Submeter Solutions, discusses the importance of submetering in property management and the benefits it offers. 

Submetering allows property owners to allocate utility costs to tenants based on their actual usage, resulting in fair and accurate billing. By implementing submetering, property owners can reduce costs, promote conservation, and have more control over utility expenses. 

The interview with Kelly also touches on the role of technology in submetering, including leak detection and data analysis. Overall, submetering is becoming more common in the industry, and advancements in technology are making it easier and more efficient to implement.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Overview of Submetering

05:09
The Benefits of Submetering and Cost Reduction

11:18
The Role of Technology in Submetering and Leak Detection

18:41
The Future of Submetering in the Industry

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Summary
Joey Klein, EVP at JLL and host of TechTalk, discusses the impact of urban development on facilities management and the importance of authenticity in building spaces. He also talks about the changing dynamics of the tech industry and the role of AI in real estate leasing. 

Takeaways

• Urban development has transformed cities like Atlanta, leading to the repurposing of old buildings and the need for authentic spaces.
• Companies evaluating new properties should start the process at least 18 months in advance, considering factors like supply, demand, and the transactability of landlords.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

06:39
The Impact of Urban Development on Facilities Management

13:49
The Changing Dynamics of the Tech Industry

16:33
The Role of AI in Real Estate Leasing

18:42
Evaluating Properties: Factors to Consider

21:58
The Importance of Time in the Decision-Making Process

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

On this episode, Griffin Hamilton interviews John Lose, a facilities engineering manager at FMC Corporation, about sustainability and net zero emissions. 

John has over 14 years of commercial R&D lab and office facility management experience with responsibilities ranging from management of MEP design firms, capital project execution, strategic planning, energy and energy efficiency as well as sustainability.  

Takeaways

• Energy efficiency is a crucial first step towards achieving net zero emissions.
• Facilities managers should focus on reducing energy consumption and engaging staff in energy-saving practices.
• There are three scopes of emissions: scope one (on-site emissions), scope two (emissions from procured energy), and scope three (emissions from third-party tenants and transportation).
• Microgrids provide resiliency and reliability by allowing facilities to generate and distribute their own energy.
• Facilities managers can position themselves as strategic partners by implementing energy efficiency measures, procuring renewable energy, and creating a culture of sustainability.
• Sustainability efforts can also have a positive impact on recruiting top talent.

Resources

• Scope 1 and Scope 2 Inventory Guidance | US EPA
• John Lose | LinkedIn

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Summary

In this episode, Joe Sharp of Meadowbrook Facility Services shares his journey from being a facility manager of QSRs to creating Meadowbrook Solutions, a company that handles its own repairs and services. He emphasizes the importance of providing quality service, building trust, and adding value to the operators he works with. Joe also discusses his approach to creating content and networking on social media.

Takeaways

• Organic growth can be achieved by providing quality service and building trust with operators.
• Adding value and consistently meeting expectations are key to establishing long-term relationships with clients.
• Creating valuable content and networking on social media can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities for growth.

Enjoy!

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Clinton Fairbanks, founder and managing director of Soji REFM Advisory, discusses the future of Facilities Management and the impact of technology. 

Takeaways

• Being a Futurist in facilities management means continuously looking for ways to improve and innovate.
• The four pillars of technology in FM are software, hardware, AI automation, and innovation.
• Technology platforms in facilities management will rapidly improve in the next few years, with AI playing a significant role.
• Robotics can fill the labor gap in facilities management and enhance the work of technicians.
• Embracing change, collaboration, and viewing service providers as strategic partners are key to successful organizations in FM.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:01
The Future of Facilities Management

06:10
The Role of Robotics in Facilities Management

09:28
Embracing Change and Collaboration

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

This weeks guest is Dr. Jake Smithwick, a professor at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Jake and his team have assisted hundreds of owners improve performance outcomes across thousands of projects ($15+ Billion of procured services in construction, IT, auxiliary services, design, healthcare, insurance, and more). His industry experience also includes field inspection of nearly 2,000 roofing systems (74 million square feet) across the United States, and six years in the US Air Force Reserve (civil engineering squadron).

On this episode, Dr. Smithwick discusses the role of AI in facilities management, including: 

• The value of mentorship in the FM industry and the positive impact AI can have in knowledge transfer and enhancing FM practices. 
• The fear of the unknown and the skepticism surrounding AI 
• Practical applications of AI in FM for tasks such as work order scheduling, maintenance planning, and data analysis. 

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

08:39
The Impact and Potential of AI in FM

15:31
Practical Applications of AI in FM

28:31
Closing Remarks

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Kevin Bee, the District's Operations Manager at Naperville 203, joins the show to share his journey in facilities management, and the importance of creating a culture that embraces change. 

Kevin started as a custodian and worked his way up, gaining experience in employee relations and eventually becoming a leader. He discusses the challenges of laying the foundation for a culture that embraces change, including the need for consistency and effective communication. Kevin also highlights the importance of explaining the why behind changes and creating a positive culture of growth and mentorship.

Takeaways

• Continuous learning and staying on top of new technologies and practices is crucial in facilities management.
• Creating a culture that embraces change requires consistency, effective communication, and explaining the why behind changes.
• A positive culture of growth and mentorship is essential for attracting and retaining talent in facilities management.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:13
Starting from the Ground Floor and Climbing the Ladder

08:01
Embracing Change and Guiding the Culture

14:05
Creating a Culture of Growth and Mentorship

22:55
Caring for the Environment and Building a Positive Culture

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!

Annmarie Bhola, Founder of Enhanced Building Solutions, joins the show as this weeks guest.

Annmarie is a former plant operator with extensive knowledge in new construction and existing buildings. She focused primarily on MEP commissioning and energy efficient operations and brings 20+ years of industry experience to clients. 

On this episode, Griffin and Annmarie discuss the importance of standardizing training, and leveraging video content to document tribal knowledge.

Takeaways

• Training and documenting tribal knowledge is crucial in facilities management to address the gap caused by turnover and ensure consistent operations.
• Site-specific training videos are essential to understand the unique requirements of each building and system.
• Contractor-provided training can lack consistency and may not cover all necessary information, highlighting the need for dedicated training resources.
• Documentation should be updated regularly to reflect changes in technology and standards.

Sound Bites

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

01:14
Identifying the Gap in Facilities Training

03:16
The Importance of Training Videos

04:14
The Challenges of Sharing Training Videos

05:29
The Need for Site-Specific Training

06:46
The Importance of Consistent Video Training

07:44
The Challenges of Contractor-Provided Training

08:37
The Importance of Updated Training Materials

09:37
Separating Roles and Responsibilities

10:36
Preserving Tribal Knowledge

15:29
Addressing the Gap in Documentation

20:43
The Value of an Outsider's Perspective

22:19
The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

24:59
The Necessity of Documentation in a Changing Industry

25:02
The Impact of Mentors on Career Growth

26:29
Expressing Gratitude for Mentors

27:04
Conclusion

Interested in closing the skills gap? Check out our friends at Interplay Learning!