Day: December 17, 2018

As a facilities management professional, you are responsible for a vast array of facilities issues. As you look around, it makes sense to question why a pond was built behind the property, why some metal doors are on the surface of the parking lot or why the city has sent a letter regarding stormwater.

Chances are your property has one or more types of stormwater controls.

Speaking the language. Until recently, stormwater systems were called “Stormwater BMPs” aka Stormwater Best Management Practices. Today, however, they’re commonly referred to as “SCMs” or Stormwater Control Measures.

What are SCMs? When natural woodland areas are removed, stormwater runoff from rain or snow melt no longer gets absorbed back into the ground or moved along the surface to streams, rivers and other natural receptors. SCMs are designed to protect property, but because underground stormwater sewers convey stormwater quickly, the remaining natural receptors struggle to sustain the plants, biology and structure critical to survival.

The mission of a “SCM.” SCMs capture a site’s impervious surface runoff slowly and release it over time, like a natural woodland and reduce pollutants.

Why Me? Doesn’t it cost money to own and operate a SCM? The answer is yes, and with many different types of SCMs in service today, creating a SCM budget would need to be site-specific. However, studies have shown the annual cost to maintain a SCM averages between three to five percent of construction cost. This cost includes scheduled routine maintenance, inspections and provides a reserve for non-scheduled services.

What’s a good approach to managing SCM’s? If it’s an existing system, proper maintenance should always be a top priority. For new SCM systems, ensure the builder constructs the system correctly. When purchasing or assuming ownership of property that contains a SCM, have an inspection performed by a licensed engineer with experience evaluating SCM systems.

Responsibility vs. Liability. Stormwater almost always ends up feeding into federally controlled waters. This is why SCM requirements were developed. Violations of the Clean Water Act can cost up to $22,500.00 per day. In the past, many SCM’s have not been maintained or even noticed. Today, federal, state and local governments have increased efforts to identify SCM locations and their owners. The goal is ensuring today’s SCMs are maintained and operated according to original design standards. 

All about maintenance. The best management practice is maintenance. Proper maintenance will increase the system’s life to the 20-year minimum and ensure the SCM is operating as designed. It’s not optional. Identifying a company that specializes in and has experience with SCM inspections, maintenance and repairs is always the best approach.

So, what are the ABC’s of SCM’s?
(A)lways maintain your SCM systems. (B)ecause without it, cost of ownership will increase over the life of the system. (C)aring about the environment is what responsible FM professionals do.

Today, more than ever, clients notice the details and improving the environment never goes unnoticed. Remember, clean water is essential to us all!

 Sandy Baker, Watterson & Mike Brown of BMP Environmental

Upgrading to LEDs in parking lots drives big energy savings

Today, most retail facilities managers understand the benefits of indoor LED lights – they use far less electricity than fluorescent bulbs, they don’t produce as much heat, which provides additional energy savings, and their bright, powerful light showcases a retailer’s products.

A growing number of FMs have also discovered it pays to think outside the box regarding LED lights. Using LEDs to illuminate parking lots can lead to substantial energy savings, reduced maintenance costs and enhanced security for customers and employees. 

The results from the Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) campaign illustrate the energy savings possible by using LEDs to light parking lots. The LEEP campaign was a partnership spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) between 2012 and 2018.  It provided free guidance and recognition to organizations for installing high-performance, cost-saving lighting in parking lots and garages. 

During the campaign, LEEP participants upgraded or installed energy-efficiency equipment and/or lighting controls for more than 560 million square feet of parking facilities, representing 1.7 million parking spots, and those investments quickly paid off. In 2017 alone, LEEP participants saved more than 227 million kilowatt-hours and more than $23.6 million in energy costs – enough to power 21,000 homes for one year. 

One of the leading LEEP participants was Walmart, which first installed LEDs in 2012, on a one-year trial basis, in the parking lot of a store located in Rogers, Ark. In addition to energy savings, security guards were able to see the entire parking lot better and could more accurately discern color than with the incumbent high-intensity discharge system. Now, every new Walmart store has LED parking lot lighting, and retrofits are being completed wherever feasible.

Based upon the success of parking lot LEDs Walmart quickly installed the lights at 100 new and retrofitted stores, covering 40 million square feet of parking lots and more than 100,000 parking spaces. The company is saving more than 15 million kWh each year as a result of lighting upgrades, according to a DOE case study.

John Davidson, Senior Manager for System Designs at Walmart, said the impetus for the conversion to LED lighting began in the company’s international market, which prompted the launch of a sustainability initiative in the United States. 

Walmart also was seeking to address the persistent problem of crime in its parking lots since retail stores are responsible for customer and employee safety while on store grounds. 

 “We’ve been able to realize approximately 80 percent energy savings over the HID alternative and enjoy a reduced maintenance program, in addition to the enhanced visibility,” Davidson said. 

Other LEEP participants enjoyed similar energy savings. At a T.J.Maxx in Manchester, N.H., 28 high-pressure sodium lights and six metal halide lights, each 400 watts, were replaced with 25 LED lights, each controlled by an integral occupancy sensor that switches from low to high light output depending on whether movement is detected in the parking lot. 

The store experienced a 58 percent reduction in energy usage and recouped its investment in the upgrades in three years, partially due to the high local electricity rate of 14 cents per kWh. At the lower national average rate of 10.4 cents per kWh, the payback would have taken five years.  

Similarly, a Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, switched from 1,000-watt metal halide lights to 309-watt LEDs and saved 69 percent on energy costs while noticing more uniform light distribution in the parking lot and better security. 

These energy savings are typical for chains that install LED lights in parking lots. According to LEEP campaign statistics, participants were enjoying energy savings of up to 70 percent and a reduction in maintenance costs of up to 90 percent because the LED lights can last two to five times longer than traditional outdoor lights. Those statistics have many retailers looking to upgrade. According to the Department of Energy’s 2015 U.S. Lighting Market Characterization, 23 percent of outdoor commercial spaces were using LED lights in 2015, up from only 8 percent in 2010.

By: Nick Fortuna

Create visually appealing outdoor areas without breaking the bank

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” When it comes to retail, the vast majority of shoppers ignore this old adage. Ninety-five percent of consumers said a store’s external appearance influences their decision on where to shop, according to an Omnibus survey. In other words, curb appeal is key to a retailer’s success.

“There is a saying in the retail industry that ‘your store is your brand,’ meaning the condition of the physical environment of a retail location delivers a strong brand message to the consumer,” said Mike Popadak Co-Founder & CEO of iVueit, a site auditing platform for landscaping contractors and their clients. “The appearance and condition of a retail location’s exterior landscaping, including irrigation, parking lots, signage and lighting, play an important role in delivering a positive brand experience.”

Missy Henriksen, Vice President of Public Affairs with the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), reflected this sentiment. “Not only does a well-maintained landscape provide aesthetic beauty for retail employees and customers, but it can also add 15 to 20 percent to a retail property’s overall value,” she emphasized. “Poorly shaped trees, overgrown shrubs and weeds can detract from a property’s overall appearance and ultimately turn customers away.”

Lara Parker, Regional Property Manager of the Southeast Region with DLC Management Corp., added that landscaping is much more than aesthetics for retail centers. “Landscaping not only enhances the customer’s experience, but serves as a protection from storm water runoff, controls erosion, and in certain locations controls temperature extremes.”

Tap Into Tech

When you think about flowers and shrubs, technology probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, the latest tech tools can enable retailers to improve landscaping, boost sustainability and reduce overall costs.

“Technology and readily available resources have drastically changed this industry,” Parker said. “Landlords no longer have to rely on contractors for information regarding landscaping material and local government regulations or to research other centers’ landscaping choices.” Cutting-edge apps provide landlords the ability to visualize and make direct changes to landscaping projects.

“We know the challenges facilities managers and their landscaping service partners face to reduce costs, maintain best practices and improve sustainability across thousands of properties,” Popadak said. “Unfortunately, thousands of dollars and hours are spent on site visits attempting to amass  photographic records of all landscaping and exterior projects. The results are incomplete, costly and delivered too late to provide real insights and meaningful decision support.”

This is where modern technology can help. “There is technology available that enables retail facilities managers and service providers to efficiently verify the status of hundreds of projects nationwide,” he said. For example, crowdsourcing services like iVueit deploy an independent crowd of local consumers, armed with a smartphone, an app and a task list, to deliver real-time photographic verification of a property’s exterior status with the click of a button.

“These services enable property managers to ‘see’ hundreds of locations simultaneously without leaving their office,” he added. “And service providers can improve compliance with their Service Level Agreements, which require photographic verification of all work performed.”

Pick the Perfect Plants

When it comes to creating a stunning yet sustainable retail landscape, it’s important to select the right plants.

“Appropriate design is essential when designing a landscape that is cost effective, functional and sustainable,” said Mark Tomko, President of Metco Landscape, LLC in Aurora, Colo., a member of the NALP. “Select the right plants for the right place and climate. Plants that are not adapted to local environment require more resources such as more water, soil and fertilization.”

Landscaping is all about location, location, location. “One size does not fit all when it comes to landscaping,” Parker said. “Tenants, customers, environmental challenges (such as climate, flood prone zones, heavy foot traffic, no irrigation, etc.) and local ordinances play an integral role in cost.” If you want to reduce overall cost while maintaining visual appeal, it’s critical to have a working knowledge and understanding of each property’s needs.

Avoid Water Waste

If you want to slash landscaping costs, keep water usage in check. “Eliminate the need for water wherever possible,” Tomko suggested. “Proper irrigation maintenance is crucial.”

Water use can be reduced by eliminating broken sprinkler heads and leaking lines, he explained. “Ensure proper zone coverage and head placement, and periodically inspect the irrigation system, preferably weekly.”

Survey Says…

Popadak also suggests retailers create customer surveys about landscaping at store locations. “In addition to providing photographic verification, crowdsourcing services enable retail facilities managers to quickly collect qualitative and quantitative information, in the form of short surveys, about the landscaping for a specific location,” he said. “This is a great perk and inexpensive way to get the customer’s point-of-view about your brand from a landscaping perspective.”

By: Amy Bell

At the end of PRSM Mid-Year Conference, the PRSM Foundation had more than 40 volunteers step up to help transform the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Scottsdale, while others teed off to raise money for the newly minted 501(c)(3) Foundation.

The Virginia G. Piper Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale provides a safe, affordable place during critical non-school hours and during school breaks. Their professionally trained staff teach students positive values, healthy habits and how to set high expectations for success as an adult. 

PRSM volunteers painted hallways in the 4,500-square-foot facility and a local Lowe’s donated a new kitchen stove for the center. 

“I would like to thank the PRSM Foundation for painting our facility. It definitely makes an impact on how the kids feel when they walk in. It doesn’t look like a hospital anymore! They have a new sense of place when they enter the building. The kids love it! It shows them people really do care about them and there is lots of love out there,” said Cathy Cabezas, Virginia G. Piper Branch Director. 

While the PRSM Impact volunteers were hard at work, other PRSM members were teeing off to raise money for the Foundation at the first PRSM Foundation Golf Classic held at the Westin Kierland golf course. 

“On behalf of the PRSM Foundation, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the volunteers, golfers and especially to the sponsors who made these events a success. The Foundation is just getting off the ground and it is exciting to see what has already been done and what we have planned for the future,” said Bill Ackerman, PRSM Foundation Chair and National Sales Executive, Vixxo Sign & Lighting. 

The Foundation has received its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS and is planning for the PRSM2019 National Conference. At the conference, the PRSM Impact Charity project team will work on The Family Motel, a facility that works with the Denver Department of Human Services to provide housing for families in need. 

The Foundation is also planning a golf event at the Top Golf facility located near the Gaylord Conference Center where PRSM2019 National Conference will take place. λ 

Charity Project Hat Sponsor and Host – Vixxo

In-Kind Donors – National Coating Solutions,
Sherwin Williams, Superclean Service Company, Lowes

Golf sponsors:

Silver Sponsor – CBRE-Facility Source

Hole sponsors: CBRE-Facility Source

Branded Group

Commercial Fire

Fexa

Grounds Control

Global Facility Management & Construction

Major Facility Solutions

Onsite, Inc.

QSI Facilities

S.A. Comunale Company

Triangle Sign & Service

Sign Services

Veterans Worldwide Maintenance

By: Bruce Condit, PRSM Association 

PRSM members welcomed Dick Vitale to center court during the PRSM Mid-Year Conference with thunderous applause and he did not disappoint. The legendary NCAA basketball coach and award-winning ESPN sportscaster did not waste a minute getting to the point. 

“You can do anything you want to do! You can overcome anything if you believe you can and, surround yourself with people who want to win!” Vitale stated emphatically. He illustrated his inspiring message through dozens of personal examples.

“When I was growing up, I watched my mom and dad. They were my examples,” he continued. “My dad worked pressing coats. He got paid based upon how many coats he could press in a day. He and my mom never missed a day at work. They were always there doing what they had to do to provide for the family. However, we were always told we could do anything we wanted to do if we just worked hard enough.”

That extreme work ethic carried over into Dick’s coaching career, where he started coaching in an elementary school, but quickly worked his way up to high school where he coached his team to 35 victories and two consecutive state championships. This led to him being hired by Rutgers University and ultimately an NCAA Championship in 1977.

“I’m living the American dream!” Vitale told the audience. “I learned from my mom and dad, who didn’t have a formal education, but had doctorates in love. They told me if you give 110 percent all the time a lot of beautiful things will happen.”

Vitale told the story of his once driver, who never believed he would excel in life. “I told him – believe in yourself and give it 110 percent and you’ll see some amazing things happen.” Several years later, that driver became the CEO of ESPN and was the person who negotiated Vitale’s contract to become an announcer on that network. “Never give up – never stop believing! That is the key!” he reminded listeners.

When he was coaching the University of Detroit and preparing his team to play Michigan, he told them, “When you walk out of this locker room I want you to shake my hand and tell me – tonight we are going to shock the nation!” That night, they won!

Vitale closed by reminding everyone that winning is important, but it is not everything in life. Vitale serves on the V-Foundation, dedicated to fighting children’s cancer. “Cancer is a terrible disease,” Vitale said. “These kids are tough. They’re tougher than I am, but they need our help. Please help if you can.”

Attendees left the room inspired by a sports legend to not only excel at work, but also at home, and in the way they help those who are not as fortunate. As only Vitale could say it – “If you want to win – put it all on the line baby!”

Emerging trends and new laws drive retail parking to the next level

When you’re thinking outside the “big box,” one of the most important things to consider is your parking lot. After all, if your customers don’t have access to safe and convenient parking, they may decide to skip your store altogether.

“Historically, there were three primary reasons retailers cared about their parking lots: safety, aesthetics and asset preservation,” said BJ Schlageter, Director of National Accounts with Rose Paving, a national paving company headquartered in Bridgeview, Ill.

However, when it comes to modern day parking lots, there’s much more for retailers to contemplate. “Believe it or not, online trends actually affect parking lots as well,” Schlageter emphasized. “Retailers are hypersensitive about creating an impactful customer experience, and it all starts with the moment they step foot on the parking lot.”

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, if online sales continue to grow at the current rate (almost 10 percent per year), online purchases will account for nearly 20 percent of total retail market share in 2025, more than 30 percent in 2030 and approximately half by 2035.

In an effort to curb this trend, brick-and-mortar retailers are working hard to create an enjoyable, stress-free shopping experience for in-store customers. And where does every retail shopper’s experience begin? You guessed it – the parking lot. This is why it’s critical for retailers to stay on top of the latest and greatest parking trends and carefully choose parking lot suppliers.

ADA Laws & Curbside Pickup

Schlageter said some of the most notable trends in today’s parking lots revolve around re-designing parking lots to comply with ADA laws. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the ADA National Network website, “New construction projects must meet minimum standards with very few exceptions.” When a business restripes a parking lot, it must provide accessible parking spaces as required by the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

According to Schlageter, online order pickups are also playing a role reshaping parking lots. “Brick-and-mortar retail is very important for customers, but there is more pressure on retailers to create a positive experience because customers have so many other options,” he explained. This is why an increasing number of brick-and-mortar stores are offering same-day pickup of online orders.

According to a 2017 Nielsen study, home delivery is the most common option for online shoppers, with 87 percent of orders shipped to the customer’s house. However, pickup options are on the rise. In 2017, 8 percent of online orders were fulfilled via in-store pickup, and 4 percent by curbside pick-up. In another study, Retail Systems Research and SPS Commerce reports that 61 percent of retailers worldwide now offer some kind of buy-online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) service. As this option becomes increasingly popular, many retailers are looking to create convenient curbside pickup areas in their parking lots.

Selecting a Stellar Supplier

As ADA laws become more stringent and curbside pickup continues to skyrocket in popularity, retail parking lots are undergoing a major transformation. In this evolving environment, it’s critical for retailers to carefully select parking lot suppliers.

He says it’s crucial for retailers to ask the right questions up front. Inquire about the company history, number of employees, in-house crew capabilities, subcontractor resources, recent projects, current backlog and customer referrals. “Once the customer can match their goals with the best contractor profile, it then comes down to the relationship,” Schlageter added. “Finding the right contact can make all the difference.” 

By: Amy Bell