Atlanta FM Blog http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog IFMA Atlanta Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:14:03 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Converting Waste into Wealth in Georgia http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/23/converting-waste-into-wealth-in-georgia/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/23/converting-waste-into-wealth-in-georgia/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:12:02 +0000 Joseph Geierman http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=365 The Lifecycle Building Center is a new nonprofit which sells salvaged building materials to the public and reinvests the proceeds back into the community through green building education/job training programs. The LBC warehouse is located at 1116 Murphy Avenue in Atlanta and the organization is currently an all-volunteer effort. A renovation project for the warehouse is underway through Perkins+Will’s Social Responsibility Initiative, and the project is also pursuing the Living Building Challenge. The LBC is currently salvaging building materials from the Centers for Disease Control’s Building 1, an 8‐story structure built in the 1950s, scheduled for demolition in December, coordinated with IFMA member Joanne Cole.

 

A review of Georgia’s 2010 Statewide Construction and Demolition Debris Characterization Study reveals the staggering scope of resources which are discarded each year. Within a 12 month period, Georgia threw away 2,952,123 tons of wood, gypsum wallboard, metal, asphalt shingles, concrete, sand, and brick. It is estimated that reusable building materials comprise approximately 5% of total solid waste produced. In 2009, Georgia produced 14.6 million tons of waste, which translates to 730,000 tons of reusable material thrown away in one year. At an estimated average value of $2500 per ton, Georgia’s waste stream alone has the potential to generate 1.8 billion dollars in revenue annually through the reuse of materials which are routinely thrown away.

 

Financial analysis aside, the environmental impacts of material reuse are equally profound. The reuse of salvaged building materials reduces our need to extract raw materials, reduces the amount of water and energy consumed to produce new materials, and keeps material out of our landfills. Keeping reclaimed materials within the community from which they are extracted also reduces the amount of fuel consumed and greenhouse gas emissions produced in association with material transportation and also retains economic resources within local communities.

 

My personal interest in building material reuse was sparked in 2009 during the renovation of Perkins+Will’s new office location in Midtown Atlanta. Instead of trashing the interior finishes/fixtures/furnishings within the existing building we purchased, we salvaged and donated 62 tons of materials to 19 different organizations. A group of people who were involved in this effort came together in 2010 to form the Lifecycle Building Center (LBC) movement.

 

The goals of the LBC are to reduce C&D waste disposal, provide programs that enhance resource efficiency in the built environment, and improve access to educational and experiential resources needed to raise market demand for green building goods and services. The heart of the LBC concept is the establishment of a large‐scale used building materials retail facility that sells or otherwise directs collected material to the general public in lieu of disposal. The sales revenue, foot traffic, and operational behavior of the facility are leveraged to enact the LBC mission and creatively serve the community at large.

 

The LBC will also help Atlanta reduce its solid waste, provide residents with access to low‐cost building materials as well as the skills needed for higher-paying jobs, improve the energy‐efficiency of Atlanta’s housing stock and help the Atlanta community learn more about the benefits of material reuse. Atlanta’s construction industry will financially benefit through access to low‐cost materials and reduced tipping fees. Nonprofits will benefit from having access to low/no‐cost building materials. Additionally, local artists will be supported by creative outreach programs and the provision of a vibrant community center.

 

More information about the LBC can be found at www.lifecyclebuildingcenter.org. Several people have donated countless hours and a wide range of skills toward this cause. Over $140,000 in professional services have been donated and pledged to the project but, despite this outpouring of support, there is still a great deal of work left to be done. You can help as a volunteer, an advisor, or through a financial, material or equipment donation. We are striving to demonstrate that, when passionate people collectively organize and work together, they can transform their communities. Your support, in any capacity, will help us prove it in Atlanta.

 

Current needs include:

  • volunteers (both for salvaging/palletizing/loading materials at CDC & for unloading/organizing at LBC warehouse)
  • equipment (pallets, pallet jacks, forklifts, trucks for hauling materials)
  • help brokering salvaged materials (raised access flooring, solid oak cabinets, pavers, aluminum storefront, HVAC equipment, polished travertine wall panels, electrical equipment, battery bank, stainless steel toilet partitions/accessories, cable trays, light fixtures, file cabinets)

 

Anyone interested in volunteering at CDC, providing equipment, or acquiring salvaged materials may contact Shannon Goodman at shannon.goodman@perkinswill.com.

- Written by By Shannon Goodman, Perkins+Will

]]> http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/23/converting-waste-into-wealth-in-georgia/feed/ 0 IFMA Community Services Fall Lunch & Learn http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/17/ifma-community-services-fall-lunch-learn/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/17/ifma-community-services-fall-lunch-learn/#comments Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:36:06 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=359 The topic of the fall quarter IFMA Atlanta Lunch and Learn for Nonprofits, held on November 17 at Georgia Lions Lighthouse, was Getting Discounts Using Nonprofit Procurement Vehicles.  David Kidd, Program Manager with U. S. Communities, a government purchasing alliance that assists public agencies and non-profits to save time and money in the procurement process, discussed how to access a no-cost, no-commitment contract established on behalf of all public agencies with the full buying power of all the U.S. Communities contracts behind it.  Nonprofits may register on line at www.uscommunities.org or contact David Kidd at dkidd@uscommunities.org.  

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The Nonprofit Lunch and Learn program is held quarterly by the Community Services Committee, Rick Yarbrough (T.L. Gowin & Co., Inc.) and Emily Perry (Harris Perry), Chairs, and is open to all nonprofit organizations.  Our thanks to Community Services Partner Georgia Lions Lighthouse for providing our venue and to Coordinators Renee Bonnell (Chosen Enterprises) and Debbie Wiggins (RooterPLUS). The next event will be held February 16 on on Facilities Condition Assessment and Maintenance Plans.

]]> http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2012/01/17/ifma-community-services-fall-lunch-learn/feed/ 0 Getting to Know… Rod James http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/12/18/getting-to-know-rod-james/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/12/18/getting-to-know-rod-james/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:27:06 +0000 Joseph Geierman http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=355 This month I had the opportunity to interview IFMA member Rod James — Facilities Manager at Allstate. Interviewing Rod gave me insight into how Facilities Managers job responsibilities may differ depending on the organization.

Rod has been an employee at Allstate for 24 years. He began his career in accounting and managed the accounting division at Allstate, which included the property management and telecommunications departments. When he was promoted, 12 years ago to manage the entire division he was cross trained to gain knowledge about the property management role which enabled him to transition into his current role as the Facilities Manager. Over the past 10 years the property management role was centralized to the corporate office in Chicago, which now includes Facility Managers in several regions. Around the same time frame all the metro Atlanta offices were consolidated into one office building where Allstate leases 5 out of 6 floors, which is where Rod is housed.

As the Facilities Manager at Allstate, Rod maintains the interiors of facilities (excluding phones and computers) in ten states throughout the southeast region. Travel has been reduced because of the economy but he typically travels twice a month unless there is a major project taking place. The relationships he has built with the property managers and building engineers are important because they help him maintain the buildings when he is unable to visit the sites. The buildings that he manages are all leased spaces. Most of his work is generated when a lease is about to expire. If the lease manager decides they will renew the lease then they may be just touch up the paint and clean the carpet. When the lease ends and the lease manager makes the decision to move to a new location, the first step is to find a new facility. Once the location has been determined, the process may include completing new construction, space planning, moving or buying new furniture and moving employees to the new facility. As the Facility Manager, Rod is responsible for putting these plans into place and maintaining the space until the lease renewal. He must also ensure that the old building is in workable condition and meets the landlord’s move out standards.

Managing facilities in 10 states may be demanding at times but Rod loves that things never stay the same and that there are daily changes. As he stated, “Every building has slight nuisances depending on the location.” In colder climates he may experience issues with pipes busting and in warmer climates there may be issues with the HVAC system.

Some of the most challenging aspects that he notices in the FM industry are the frequent changes such as going green and finding new ways to save money for the company. In order to deal with these challenges his advice is to provide the best service while showing your value, create innovative processes, and think outside the box. This advice is also good advice for some one starting a career in the FM industry. Other advice he offered to someone wanting to start a FM career included, 1. Get involved with IFMA
2. Pursue education to take you to the next level and seek training within the field to become knowledgeable and 3. Be a go getter and be able to change w/ the job.

Since becoming a member of IFMA, Rod began serving on the community service committee and serves as the lead contact for Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children. He sees IFMA as a perfect fit for his career because the organization embodies the day to day activities an FM experiences. He stated, “IFMA offers an opportunity to learn from the best and learn how others at various facilities incorporate and improve new processes.” Being an IFMA member has also helped him create valuable bonds with others with in the industry.

Overall I gained knowledge about what my future role as a FM would be like if I decide to pursue a similar career path. Rod’s involvement in IFMA has proven to be beneficial not only in his career but also in his personal life. Every company needs someone to manage their facility even if the responsibilities and titles differ. With his willingness to resourcefully deal with new challenges and changes, Rod exemplifies what is to be a successful Facilities Manager. I would like to thank Rod for his willingness to share her experience and knowledge with an emerging FM.

Written by Arletrice Green (RIT Grad Student)

]]> http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/12/18/getting-to-know-rod-james/feed/ 1 Getting to Know… Joyce Roper http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/10/20/getting-to-know-joyce-roper/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/10/20/getting-to-know-joyce-roper/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:57:50 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=343

This month, we begin a new series of interviews between Arletrice Green — one of our younger members who is just starting out in our career — and some of our more seasoned professional members.  Arletrice is a Facilities Management graduate student at Rochester Institute of Technology.  She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design. Arletrice has over six years of experience in Design and Customer Service which she plans to intertwine into one cohesive career path to be successful within the FM industry. She is also a student member of IFMA serving on the Community Service and Newsletter Committees.

This month’s interview is with Joyce Roper.

 

 

I had the opportunity to sit down to interview IFMA member, Joyce Roper, Manager of Workplace of Services at Coca-Cola. Joyce provided some insightful information regarding the Facilities Management industry and her career. As a new IFMA member I gained knowledge about the profession and got to know an existing member. Hopefully everyone reading this will also gain something from reading about one of IFMA’s own.

 

Joyce’s previous roles in Administrative Management and as Director of Contracts at Holder Construction helped her transition into her role at Coca-Cola. In 1993, when Coca-Cola Enterprises and The Atlanta Coca-Cola Bottling Company were merging office into their new location at Wildwood, there was no Facilities Manager. Because of her background and experience, Joyce was selected to fill the role. She credits her customer service aptitude and her listening and communication skills for her success in her current role.

 

Her advice to someone starting their career in the FM industry is to become an IFMA member and join an active committee. Joining IFMA will allow you to network and interact with like-minded professionals, as well as attend a variety of educational programs, seminars and other targeted training. She also suggested pursuing certifications offered by IFMA such as the FMP, CFM, or SFP designations, which will add value to your career. The best piece of advice she offered was that education alone will not help you succeed. You have to be well-rounded, take advantage of every opportunity, and build relationships. As she stated, “You get out of it what you put in.”

 

She has found that some of the most challenging aspects of the Facilities Management profession are: 1.Developing a team that knows what excellent customer service is all about; 2. Keeping your team motivated, engaged and able to collaborate as a team; 3. Educating Senior Management on the value of Facilities Management as a vital part of the strategic team.

 

Joyce stated that one of the reasons she is passionate about FM is because she loves to work with people. This was evident by her openness in our interview. As a FM professional, she is most excited about being involved in the design and construction aspects. The feeling of planning something of value that will last far beyond her career is another aspect of FM that Joyce enjoys.

 

Over the years being an IFMA member has enabled her to meet other people, find products, receive education from many associate members, and do her job better. Serving as a board member has enabled her to build valuable friendships.

 

Each of us has our own experiences to share which will help others learn. In any industry you have to start from the bottom and work your way up. It’s people like Joyce who will help pave the way for the success of future and experienced Facilities Management professionals, through her dedication and knowledge of FM. I would like to thank Joyce for her willingness to share her experience and knowledge with an emerging FM.

 

Written by Arletrice Green (RIT Grad Student)

]]> http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/10/20/getting-to-know-joyce-roper/feed/ 0 July, 2011 USGBC Postings http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/07/14/july-2011-usgbc-postings/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/07/14/july-2011-usgbc-postings/#comments Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:55:02 +0000 Joseph Geierman http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=337
  • Prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam at this education event held on Friday, 7/8 8:30 am at Trane Training Center, 2677 Buford Highway, Atlanta. USGBC-GA Green Asssociate Exam Prep Course – Register at: http://usgbcga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&Itemid=110
  • Please join other “emerging green” professionals for a Summer Farm Social on Sunday, 7/10 11:00 am at Gaia Gardens.  Register at:  http://usgbcga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=8
  • Please join other “green” professionals for July’s networking event held on the second Tuesday each month. This month is Tuesday, 7/12 5:00pm USGBC Green Scene Atlanta at Fox Sports Grille.  Register at: http://usgbcga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=8
  • Earn LEED GBCI and AIA continuing education credit at this education event held on the third Thursday each month. This month isThursday, 7/21 4:00pm at TVS Design.  USGBC GA:Atlanta – Water Stewardship and the Coca-Cola Company.  Register at:  http://usgbcga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=8
  • Please join other “green” professionals for a Member Brunch on Friday, 7/22 8:00am at Knoll Showroom.  USGBC GA: Quarterly Member Brunch.  Register at: http://usgbcga.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=8
    • ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/07/14/july-2011-usgbc-postings/feed/ 0     IFMA Announces Dates for 2011 Advocacy Day http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/29/ifma-announces-dates-for-2011-advocacy-day/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/29/ifma-announces-dates-for-2011-advocacy-day/#comments Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:36:19 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=334 Decisions made in Washington , D.C. , are increasingly affecting the built environment. Whether it is the newly announced Better Buildings Initiative energy efficiency, tax incentives for green technologies or the possible implementation of a carbon cap and trade system, now more than ever, the facility management profession needs to make its voice heard in Washington D.C. Be part of the solution at IFMA’s Annual Advocacy Day.

    Soon after Advocacy Day 2010 was over, those who participated were notified that the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 had passed through the house and senate and was headed to President Obama’s desk. Chapter leaders played an important role in educating Congress and their staff about the bill’s importance. Here is what one chapter leader had to say: “This victory really makes our recent IFMA advocacy experience really come alive-looking forward to keeping the momentum going for the profession!”

    This year’s advocacy day will take place on Sept. 20-21, and will be combined with IFMA’s Public Policy Forum held in conjunction with our partners at the Federal Facilities Council. It is regularly said in Washington that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu – meaning if you are not part of the conversation, you or your business could be affected. IFMA continually monitors developments in D.C., but in order to further magnify the importance of the FM professional, we need to engage our most effective resource – the experience and expertise of IFMA’s membership.

    This meeting has become an important forum for agency, congressional and industry leaders to exchange ideas and best practices regarding the future of our nation’s built environment and the integrated demands on our infrastructure. We certainly hope you are able to participate.

    This year we are again asking our chapters to send representatives to Washington , D.C. , and engage with their members of Congress during the Advocacy Day and Public Policy Forum. IFMA will provide an educational session the afternoon of September 20 that will provide an overview of the association’s government affairs program, how to articulate our positions on certain issues and most importantly, what to expect in a meeting with a member of Congress or their staff. You need not have any prior advocacy experience in order to participate. All you need is a passion for FM and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and say, “What can I do to help the profession.”

    The Atlanta Chapter had a representative last year and would love to hear from Chapter members who might be flexible enough to plan work in Washington around this event to reduce costs to the Chapter. If you are interested in attending, please contact me to get on the list.

    For those who participated in last year’s forum, we hope you will consider participating again this year so you can share your experience, learn about developments, continue to build relationships with your member of Congress and perhaps even lead a group of first time IFMA advocates around the hill.

    ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/29/ifma-announces-dates-for-2011-advocacy-day/feed/ 2     Upcoming “Green” Events http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/07/upcoming-green-events/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/07/upcoming-green-events/#comments Thu, 07 Apr 2011 21:14:09 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=326 Here are some sustainability-related events around metro Atlanta for the month of April:

    ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/04/07/upcoming-green-events/feed/ 0     4th Annual Facility Summit for Non-Profits (Recap) http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/25/4th-annual-facility-summit-for-non-profits-recap/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/25/4th-annual-facility-summit-for-non-profits-recap/#comments Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:41:06 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=322 001

    February 10, 2011 the IFMA Atlanta Community Service Committee held its 4th Annual Facility Summit for Non Profits. The event was a huge success again this year thanks to Renee Bonnell (Chosen Enterprise) Dave Woelber (Total Plant and Floral) Diane Adams (ART and Associates) Emily Perry (Harris Perry Interior Design) and CJ Clark (Atlanta Community ToolBank). A special thanks to the Atlanta Community Foodbank for hosting the event and providing a tour of their LEED facility.

    What is the Facility Summit? It all started 4 years ago when the Community Service Committee decided that there was a lot more out reach that could be done beyond the few partnering organizations we served at that time. We found too many non profits work in reaction to their facilities and would benefit from being pro active (advancing the profession of facility maintenance).

    The focus of the Summit has been introducing non profit organizations to a preventative maintenance manual. Every year we provide new attendees with information on how to start the development of their own manual. It is a one day educational event that provides topical presentations/discussions about the exterior and interior maintenance envelopes. (ie. Roofing – emergency planning – flooring – grants for facilities – air quality – landscaping – energy efficiency – phone and i.t. –hvac – 5s – plumbing – just to name a few)

    This event kicks off our quarterly lunch and learns which are for our non profit partners and open to other non profit agencies. If you know of any non profits who own their own facility and would benefit from learning how to manage them. Please direct them to the IFMA Atlanta Website or the committee chair (Dave Woelber) – (2011 Lunch and Learn Dates – May 19 – August 25 and November 17)

    Finally a special thanks to our 2011 speakers as they gave of their time and voices to provide valuable information:

    Christy Jellets (Atlanta Botanical Garden) Jan Legg (Architect and Decatur Cooperative Ministry Board Member) Paul Bates (Greenguard Enviromental Institute) Michael Doane (Ecolnsights) Jeff Jellets (The Salvation Army) Brookelyn Bacon & Dustin Priester (RooterPlus) Rob Johnson (Atlanta Community Foodbank) Dan Rhodes (Bonitz Environmental Technologies) Darrell Rodgers (Emerald Data Network, Inc) Kimberly Hays deMuga (Atlanta Community Foodbank) Amanda Gray (City of Alpharetta) Barbara Miller (Akzo Nobel Coating)

    ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/25/4th-annual-facility-summit-for-non-profits-recap/feed/ 1     TrilogyFM Named One of Atlanta’s “Healthiest Employers” http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/20/trilogyfm-named-one-of-atlantas-healthiest-employers/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/20/trilogyfm-named-one-of-atlantas-healthiest-employers/#comments Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:45:20 +0000 Joseph Geierman http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=317 On the morning of February 18th, IFMA Atlanta sustaining patron, TrilogyFM/Millicare was recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the city’s “Healthiest Employers.”  A number of chapter members were there to recognize the achievement.

    We congratulate Tom Haslach and the whole TrilogyFM team for a job well-done!  You can see pictures of the event here.

    Millicare - Atlanta's Healthiest Employers #3

    ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/20/trilogyfm-named-one-of-atlantas-healthiest-employers/feed/ 1     Upcoming Green Events in Atlanta http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/09/upcoming-green-events-in-atlanta/ http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/09/upcoming-green-events-in-atlanta/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:45:25 +0000 IFMA Reporter http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/?p=315 Please join other “green” professionals for February’s networking event held on the second Tuesday each month. This month is Tuesday, 2/8 5:00-9:00 pm USGBC Green Scene Atlanta at 5 Seasons Brewery Westside: http://www.usgbcga.org/programs/events-calendar/297

    Earn LEED credential maintenance continuing education credit at this education event held on the third Thursday each month. Thursday, 2/17 3:30-5:00 pm Educational Event: What Happens After the Commissioning Phase Ends? 1.5 hours of GBCI CEUs – http://www.usgbcga.org/programs/events-calendar/298

    Earn LEED credential maintenance continuing education credit at this education event held at Southface Energy Institute. TH, 2/24 11:30-1:00 pm USGBC Lunch and Learn: Renewable Energy Incentives – http://www.usgbcga.org/programs/events-calendar/300

    ]]>     http://www.ifmaatlanta.org/blog/2011/02/09/upcoming-green-events-in-atlanta/feed/ 0