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Operate and Maintain

The new Guide to Operating and Maintaining EnergySmart Schools (PDF 2.9 MB) provides organizational and technical information for integrating energy and high-performance facility management into existing O&M practices.

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Space heating, lighting, and water heating account for over 80% of school energy use. Because of this, it is important to keep operations and maintenance (O&M) considerations in mind when planning a new energy-efficient school building or an energy-efficient renovation project. Addressing O&M considerations at the start of a project can contribute greatly to improved working environments, higher productivity, and reduced energy and resource costs. Facilities management should be included during the planning phase, so that approaches to staff and occupant training, facilities monitoring, and other O&M requirements are defined early in the process.

Making the Case

For existing schools, implementing energy-efficient operations and maintenance strategies can enable school districts to save as much as 20% in energy costs, extend the life of equipment, and improve the overall physical environment in their school facilities. These strategies range from simple, no-cost measures to more complicated investments. Many energy management strategies require small capital outlays and can produce rapid paybacks, in some cases, in less than two years. Learn more about key points to creating a winning argument (PDF 443 KB).

Planning and Procedures

To succeed, energy-efficient O&M programs must be carefully planned and be appropriate for the size, resources, and "culture" of the particular school district. Operating and maintaining energy-efficient systems and equipment at optimal performance may require new or adapted practices and techniques.

A well-thought-out, well-executed O&M program can provide huge savings in equipment and energy costs. A comprehensive energy-efficient O&M program typically includes procedures for:

  • HVAC systems and equipment
  • Indoor air quality (IAQ) systems and equipment
  • Cleaning equipment and products
  • Materials
  • Water fixtures and systems
  • Recycling and waste systems
  • Landscape maintenance

More specific guidance and resources on what is involved in a comprehensive energy-efficient O&M program is found on DOE's Building Technologies Web site.

Facilities Monitoring

Once an energy-efficient school has been commissioned, attention to O&M ensures that the district realizes the greatest possible benefits from the energy-efficient features. A facility manager tracks expected performance versus actual performance and helps develop a sustainability management system to maintain performance. These managers and their crews – along with students, teachers, and other building occupants – have a vital role in ensuring that energy-saving features and equipment are being used as designed and are delivering top performance.