In recent years, the facility management (FM) landscape has evolved dramatically, with a growing emphasis on creating environments that prioritize the well-being of occupants. Nowhere is this more critical than in healthcare facilities, where the design of physical spaces can significantly impact patient outcomes, staff efficiency, and overall operational effectiveness. This article delves into how facility management is improving healthcare and senior living facilities through human-centered design, exploring key strategies and benefits.
The Importance of Human-Centered Design in Healthcare
Human-centered design focuses on creating spaces that cater to the needs, preferences, and well-being of the people who use them. In healthcare settings, this approach is crucial as it directly influences patient recovery times, staff productivity, and the overall patient and staff experience. By prioritizing the human element, facilities can foster environments that enhance healing, reduce stress, and improve operational efficiencies.
Creating Healing Environments
A core principle of human-centered design in healthcare is the creation of healing environments. These are spaces specifically designed to promote recovery and well-being through elements like natural light, green spaces, and soothing color palettes. Research has shown that access to natural light can significantly reduce patient stress and improve recovery times. Incorporating green spaces and nature-inspired elements can also have a calming effect, reducing anxiety and improving mood.
For instance, some hospitals are now integrating gardens and green roofs into their designs, offering patients and staff a serene place to relax and recharge. These natural elements not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the facility but also contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Enhancing Patient Comfort and Safety
Patient comfort and safety are paramount in healthcare design. This involves creating spaces that are easy to navigate, comfortable to stay in, and safe to use. One strategy is to design patient rooms that feel more like home and less like clinical environments. This can be achieved by using soft lighting, comfortable furniture, and decor that feels inviting and non-institutional.
Safety can be enhanced through thoughtful design choices such as minimizing the need for patients to move long distances within the facility, reducing the risk of falls and other accidents. For example, decentralized nurse stations allow nurses to stay closer to patients, enabling faster response times and more attentive care.
Supporting Staff Efficiency and Well-being
While patient-focused design is essential, it’s equally important to consider the needs of healthcare staff. High-stress environments and long working hours can lead to burnout, affecting staff performance and patient care quality. Human-centered design addresses this by creating workspaces that support staff efficiency and well-being.
Flexible workspaces, ergonomic furniture, and access to quiet areas for breaks can significantly improve staff morale and productivity. For example, providing dedicated rest areas with comfortable seating and calming decor allows staff to decompress and recharge during their shifts. Additionally, well-designed workstations that minimize physical strain and optimize workflow can enhance staff efficiency and reduce fatigue.
Integrating Technology for Better Care
Advancements in technology play a crucial role in modern healthcare design. Integrating smart systems and IoT devices can streamline operations and improve patient care. For instance, real-time location systems (RTLS) can track the movement of staff and equipment, ensuring that resources are optimally utilized, and patients receive timely care.
Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems integrated into patient rooms allow healthcare providers to access patient information quickly and efficiently, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. Telemedicine capabilities can also be incorporated into the design, enabling remote consultations and reducing the need for physical visits, which is particularly beneficial in senior living facilities.
Promoting Community and Social Interaction
Human-centered design in healthcare also involves creating spaces that promote social interaction and a sense of community. Social support is a critical component of patient recovery and overall well-being. Designing communal areas such as lounges, dining areas, and recreational spaces encourages patients and residents to interact with each other, reducing feelings of isolation.
In senior living facilities, community-focused design is especially important. Spaces that facilitate social activities and group interactions can significantly enhance the quality of life for residents. For example, multipurpose rooms that can be used for social gatherings, exercise classes, and recreational activities provide opportunities for residents to engage with each other and stay active.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Case Studies: Success Stories in Human-Centered Healthcare Design
Several healthcare facilities have successfully implemented human-centered design principles to create better environments for patients and staff. One notable example is the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, which incorporated extensive natural light, outdoor gardens, and family-friendly spaces into its design. This approach not only improved patient and family satisfaction but also enhanced staff well-being and operational efficiency.
Another example is the University of Pennsylvania’s Pavilion, which emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in its design. The facility features modular rooms that can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs, as well as advanced technology integration to streamline operations and improve patient care.
Conclusion
Human-centered design is transforming healthcare facilities by creating environments that prioritize the well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. By focusing on elements such as natural light, safety, staff efficiency, and social interaction, facility managers can design spaces that enhance healing, reduce stress, and improve overall operational effectiveness. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, embracing human-centered design principles will be crucial in creating facilities that are not only functional but also nurturing and supportive for everyone who uses them.
By integrating these design principles, healthcare and senior living facilities can better meet the needs of their occupants, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of care.
In the world of facility management, maintenance teams often find themselves facing problems that seem straight out of a puzzle book. From wildlife intrusions to ancient plumbing mysteries, the path to a solution requires not just technical skills, but creativity, innovation, and sometimes, a bit of luck. This blog post celebrates the ingenuity and perseverance of those who tackle these challenges head-on, sharing tales of unusual maintenance issues and the clever solutions that resolved them.
When Nature Calls: The Case of the Beehive HVAC
At a small office building in the suburbs, the air conditioning began to fail during a sweltering summer. Technicians initially suspected a typical malfunction, but the truth was far buzzier. A massive beehive had taken residence in an external HVAC unit, blocking airflow and threatening both the system and the building’s occupants. The solution? Maintenance collaborated with a local beekeeper. They safely relocated the bees to a nearby farm, clearing the unit without harm to the bees or technicians. This incident reminded everyone of the importance of regular exterior inspections and the unexpected ways nature can impact facility operations.
A Ghost in the Machine: The Mysterious Nightly Alarms
A heritage hotel experienced a baffling problem: fire alarms going off nightly at precisely 2:03 AM, with no apparent cause. This not only disrupted guests but posed a serious concern for safety protocols. An electrician uncovered the issue wasn’t supernatural but historical—old wiring that expanded and contracted with temperature changes, triggering the alarms. The solution involved replacing the outdated wiring, but to preserve the building’s integrity, this was done meticulously to blend with its historical character. The hotel now enjoys peaceful nights, with guests only disturbed by the occasional creaks of its antique floors.
The Escalator to Nowhere: A Lesson in User Experience
In a modern shopping center, an escalator inexplicably began reversing direction at random intervals, causing confusion and safety concerns. Initial checks on the system’s mechanics and electronics returned no clues. The breakthrough came when a keen-eyed technician observed shoppers leaning on an advertising panel at the escalator’s base, unwittingly pressing a hidden “reverse” button intended for maintenance use. The solution was elegantly simple: relocate the button and educate the staff, preventing further accidental escalator adventures. This incident underscored the importance of considering user interaction in facility design and maintenance.
The Unseen Leak: Solving a Puzzle Below the Surface
A newly renovated office building faced an escalating water bill with no visible signs of leaks. The maintenance team embarked on a detective mission, using thermal imaging to trace the building’s plumbing. They discovered a small, but constant leak in a pipe encased within a concrete floor, likely damaged during construction. Repairing this without extensive disruption required precision: the team drilled a small access hole to inject a sealant, successfully stopping the leak without having to excavate the floor. This approach not only solved the problem but did so in a way that was minimally invasive and cost-effective.
The Staircase Symphony: Harmonizing Form and Function
In a unique instance at a university, a newly constructed outdoor staircase began producing musical tones when stepped on, much to the confusion and delight of students. While initially considered a charming quirk, concerns arose about its potential as a distraction or even a safety issue. Investigation revealed that the spacing of the steps, combined with the material used, created the musical effect when walked upon at a normal pace. The creative solution? Embrace it. The university launched a competition for students to compose melodies for the staircase, turning an oddity into an attraction. This innovative response not only resolved the concerns but also celebrated the intersection of functionality and art.
Conclusion
These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of facility maintenance, where the ordinary can quickly turn into the extraordinary. They showcase the ingenuity required to solve problems that don’t always have a straightforward fix. For facility managers and maintenance teams, these tales underscore the importance of being prepared for anything, thinking outside the box, and sometimes, finding the joy in the challenge. In the world of maintenance, every problem is an opportunity to innovate, learn, and occasionally, add a little excitement to the daily routine.
Building automation systems (BAS) or “smart buildings”, are increasingly popular in commercial and industrial buildings. Why? Because they improve energy efficiency and reduce costs by integrating and automated systems such as lighting, HVAC, and security. While these systems of systems are often associated with larger commercial or industrial facilities, advances in technology are lowering price points enough for smaller building owners to access the benefits. But before you invest, consider the pros and cons of a building automation system.
What is an Building Automation System?
Building automation systems use a combination of sensors, controls, and algorithms to monitor and manage building systems. These systems can be integrated with a building’s existing infrastructure, such as HVAC and lighting systems, to create a centralized control system that can adjust and optimize building operations in real time. For example, a BAS can automatically adjust the temperature and ventilation in a building based on occupancy levels and outside weather conditions or turn off lights in unoccupied areas to reduce energy waste.
Building Automation System Pros
Automated building systems have the potential to significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and improve building comfort and productivity.
Greater Energy Efficiency
AS can use occupancy sensors and time schedules to control lighting and HVAC systems, ensuring that they are only running when needed and at optimal levels. By reducing energy usage during periods of low occupancy, such as nights and weekends, a BAS can help to significantly reduce energy costs.
Better Occupant Experiences
By optimizing building systems for comfort, such as temperature and lighting, BAS can help to create a more comfortable and productive work environment. This can lead to improved employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
Reduce Maintenance Repair and Costs
By continuously monitoring and optimizing building systems, a BAS can identify and diagnose issues before they become major problems, allowing for timely maintenance and repairs. This can help to extend the lifespan of building systems, reduce repair costs, and minimize downtime.
Real-time Analytics
One key feature of a BAS is its ability to provide real-time monitoring and data analytics. By collecting and analyzing data from building systems, such as energy usage and occupancy levels, a BAS can help building owners and managers identify areas of inefficiency and opportunities for improvement. This can help to inform future decisions around building upgrades, retrofits, and maintenance, allowing building owners and managers to optimize their operations and save money over the long term.
Energy Regulation Compliance
With energy codes and regulations becoming increasingly stringent, it is becoming more important for building owners and managers to optimize their energy usage and reduce waste. By implementing a BAS, building owners and managers can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, and potentially qualify for tax credits and other incentives.
Building Automation System Cons
Despite the many benefits of automated building systems, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.
Upfront Costs
Building owners may need to invest a significant amount of money to purchase and install the necessary hardware and software to create a fully integrated BAS. This cost can be a barrier for some building owners, particularly for smaller facilities with limited budgets.
Complex Installation
Building owners may need to work with a team of engineers and technicians to design, install, and configure the system, which can be time-consuming and require specialized expertise.
Technical Issues
While BAS systems are designed to be reliable, there is always a risk of technical issues and system failures. These issues can cause downtime and disrupt building operations, which can be costly and frustrating for building owners and occupants.
Staff Training
Adopting a BAS may require building owners to train their staff on how to use the new system. This can be time-consuming and may require additional resources to ensure that staff members are properly trained and understand how to use the system.
Security Concerns
As with any technology, there are potential security concerns with adopting a BAS. Building owners need to ensure that the system is properly secured and protected against cyber threats, as a security breach could have serious consequences for building operations and occupant safety.
While there are pros and cons to adopting an automated building system, building owners and managers should also consider the effects their decisions have on broader issues like climate change. Buildings make up an enormous amount of the world’s energy use and green house gas emissions. Reducing emissions takes collective action. Lower your building’s carbon footprint is doing your part.
As technology continues to advance, building automation systems have become increasingly popular in commercial and residential spaces. Like our vehicles and homes, many of the systems that run commercial and industrial buildings have become automated. Automation systems can make buildings more efficient, secure, and comfortable for occupants. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the basics of building automation and how it works.
What is Building Automation?
Building automation refers to the use of technology to control various systems in a building, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, security, and more. Building automation systems (BAS) use sensors, controllers, and software to automate and monitor these systems, allowing for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
How Building Automation Works
Building automation systems work by collecting data from sensors that are placed throughout the building. These sensors monitor various factors such as temperature, humidity, and occupancy. The data is then sent to a controller that analyzes the information and makes decisions based on pre-set parameters. For example, if the temperature in a room is too high, the controller may turn on the air conditioning to cool the space.
Sensors like this motion detector can be connected to lighting and HVAC systems to deliver service only when spaces are occupied.
One of the key benefits of building automation is that it allows for the coordination of different systems in a building. For example, if a room is not occupied, the lights can be turned off automatically to save energy. If the room becomes occupied, the lights can be turned on and the temperature adjusted to a comfortable level. These coordinated actions can help to save energy and create a more comfortable environment for occupants.
Components of Building Automation Systems
Automation systems for buildings consist of several key components. These include:
Sensors: Sensors are used to monitor various parameters such as temperature, humidity, and occupancy. They can be installed in different parts of the building, such as the walls, ceilings, and floors.
Controllers: Controllers are responsible for analyzing the data collected by sensors and making decisions based on pre-set parameters. They can be programmed to control various systems in the building, such as HVAC, lighting, and security.
Actuators: Actuators are used to control various systems in the building. For example, they can be used to turn on the air conditioning or adjust the lighting in a room.
Software: Software is used to program and control the building automation system. It can be used to set parameters for different systems, monitor performance, and make changes as needed.
BAS components like HVAC actuators automatically adjust air flow dampers to keep rooms at comfortable temperatures.
How Does Automation Help People?
Building automation systems offer several benefits to building owners and occupants. Some of the key benefits include:
Energy Efficiency: Building automation systems can help to reduce energy consumption by optimizing HVAC, lighting, and other systems. This can result in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Comfort: Building automation systems can help to create a more comfortable environment for occupants by adjusting temperature, humidity, and lighting levels based on occupancy and other factors.
Safety and Security: BAS can help to improve safety and security by monitoring the building and alerting security personnel in case of any issues.
Maintenance: Automation systems can help to reduce maintenance costs by providing real-time data on the performance of various systems. This can help to identify and address issues before they become major problems.
BAS Layers
An automation system typically has three layers: management, controller, and field. The field layer is composed of devices such as sensors and actuators. These are the devices “in the field” that do the actual work of reading data and/or operating equipment.
The middle layer is the controller layer. It contains controllers, which receive the inputs from field devices, makes decisions, and relays commands to those devices.
Finally, the “top” layer is the management layer. This “supervisory layer” contains the software that manages the entire BAS and brings all controls to a single access point. The management layer usually contains graphic displays that let owners and managers easily see the status of the system or individual parts.
Graphics like these are often part of the BAS management layer. This graphic shows the various levels of three water tanks.
Challenges of Building Automation
While building automation systems offer many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. One of the main challenges is the cost and complexity of installation and maintenance. Building automation systems can be expensive to install, and they require ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal performance. However, advances in technology are bringing down the costs of BAS systems, and many businesses and facilities now find it financially beneficial to invest in basic components and systems.
Resources
Now add to what you’ve learned. Check out these resources on the BAS basics:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a critical component of any building’s infrastructure. They are responsible for maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring a comfortable environment for building occupants. However, HVAC systems can also be a significant source of energy consumption and cost for building owners and managers. Therefore, it is essential for FMs to improve the efficiency of their HVAC systems to reduce energy costs and improve the overall building performance. Here are some ways you can improve the efficiency of your building’s HVAC system.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping HVAC systems functioning at their best. Facilities managers should schedule regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs to ensure that HVAC systems are running efficiently. Neglected HVAC systems can lead to dirty filters, clogged coils, and leaky ducts, which can reduce performance and increase energy consumption. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues, extend the lifespan of the system, and save energy and money in the long run.
Use High-Efficiency HVAC Equipment
Upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC equipment can significantly improve the efficiency of the system. Facilities managers should consider using equipment that meets or exceeds industry standards, such as those certified by ENERGY STAR. High-efficiency HVAC equipment uses less energy than traditional equipment, which can lead to significant energy savings over time. Moreover, high-efficiency equipment is often designed to operate at part-load conditions, which can result in additional energy savings during periods of low demand.
Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a valuable tool for improving HVAC system efficiency. They allow facilities managers to set temperature schedules that align with the building’s occupancy schedule. For example, the thermostat can be set to lower the temperature during non-business hours or weekends when the building is unoccupied and raise it before employees arrive. This simple step can reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs significantly. Also, consider automating your after-hours HVAC program or going HVAC on-demand for the weekends. These programs cut energy waste while giving your tenants more flexible work hours.
Optimize Airflow
Optimizing airflow is another essential factor in improving HVAC system efficiency. Facilities managers should ensure that HVAC systems are designed to deliver the right amount of air to each area of the building. The air ducts should be sized correctly to match the load requirements of the building, and they should be sealed to prevent air leakage. Additionally, filters should be checked regularly and replaced as necessary to ensure that the system is not overworking to compensate for restricted airflow.
Consider Renewable Energy
Facilities managers should also consider integrating renewable energy sources into their HVAC systems. Renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal can provide an energy efficient and sustainable source of energy for HVAC systems. Solar panels can generate electricity to power the HVAC system, while geothermal systems can use the ground’s stable temperature to heat or cool the building. Although these options may require significant upfront investment, they can provide long-term cost savings and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
Improve Building Envelope
Improving the building envelope is another way that facilities managers can improve HVAC system efficiency. The building envelope includes the walls, roof, windows, and doors that separate the indoor and outdoor environments. Improving insulation, weather stripping, and window and door seals can reduce heat transfer and prevent air leaks, resulting in less heating and cooling energy needed. The HVAC system will have less load to handle and thus function more efficiently.
In conclusion, improving the efficiency of HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and lower costs for building owners and managers. Facilities managers can achieve this by conducting regular maintenance, using high-efficiency equipment, installing programmable thermostats, optimizing airflow, considering renewable energy, and improving the building envelope. With these steps in place, facilities managers can ensure that their HVAC systems are functioning optimally, providing comfortable environments for building occupants while saving energy and money in the long run.
Fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) is the process of identifying and analyzing malfunctions or failures within a building’s systems to detect and diagnose faults as early as possible. Early detection minimizes the impacts of downtimes, prevents future failures, and improves overall system performance. FDD is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of a building’s HVAC system.
How Do FDD Systems Work?
FDD is typically achieved using sensors, monitoring systems, and diagnostic algorithms. These tools work together to continuously monitor the performance of the system and detect any abnormal patterns that may indicate a fault. The diagnostic algorithms then analyze the collected to identify the specific fault and provide recommendations for how to address it.
One of the key benefits of FDD is that organizations can proactively identify and address potential issues before they lead to costly downtime or equipment damage. Too often, building owners, maintenance staff, and systems integrators work within a reactionary model, which often follows these steps:
BMS alarm sounds for a VAV
VAV unit inspected
Maintenance request created
Repair or replacement made
This reactionary model works but is inefficient. How long was the VAV malfunctioning before the alarm? How much energy was lost before? How long as it been affecting occupant comfort levels? How much time is required for all steps? How much energy, money, and comfort are sacrificed during downtime? These questions represent the issues inherent in the reactionary model.
FDD sees the problem before the inefficiencies start by using analyzing data from fault trends to predict failures before the actual alarm sounds. If a VAV is consistently running below specification, FDD can flag the activity as consistent with a failing terminal unit. That gives maintenance longer lead times and shortens downtimes.
Diagnostic algorithms like this basic one, move through a series of steps to detect and identify solutions to equipment failures.
FDD Systems Lower Energy Costs
With the growing emphasis on energy efficiency, FDD is becoming increasingly important as a tool for improving overall system performance and reducing energy consumption. Recent studies show that between 5% – 30% of commercial building energy is wasted due to problems associated with controls (Deshmukh 2018). So, FDD offers a massive opportunity to increase energy savings by finding faults faster.
One of the most common types of FDD systems used in buildings is Building Energy Management Systems or BEMS. These computer-based systems monitor and control the HVAC, lighting, and other building systems to optimize energy efficiency. BEMS often use temperature sensors to monitor the performance of an HVAC system and detect when the system is not working as efficiently as it should. The diagnostic algorithms then analyze this data and identify the specific problem, such as a clogged filter or malfunctioning compressor.
Predictive Analytics
Another important aspect of FDD is the use of predictive analytics. Predictive analytics uses historical data and statistical models to predict when a system is likely to fail. This enables building operators and maintenance staff to take proactive measures to address potential issues before they lead to costly downtime or equipment damage. Predictive analytics can be used in a wide range of systems, including industrial equipment, vehicles, and even wind turbines.
Furthermore, the use of predictive analytics can enable organizations to take proactive measures to address potential issues before they lead to a complete system failure.
Improving System Performance
While FDD is typically associated with detecting and diagnosing equipment failures, building operators can use it to improve system performance. By identifying and addressing inefficiencies in a system, organizations can improve overall system performance and reduce energy consumption. For example, an FDD system in an HVAC system might identify that the system is running at a higher temperature than necessary, resulting in increased energy consumption. By addressing this issue, the organization can reduce energy consumption and improve overall system performance.
In conclusion, FDD is an important tool for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of various systems. By detecting and diagnosing faults early on, organizations can take steps to address the problem before it leads to costly downtime or equipment damage.
