Smithsonian Institution Office of Facilities Management and Reliability: Study of Facility Management and Operations Best Practices

This 20 page case study, from the Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow (BEST) National Center, provides an overview of the facility management, maintenance, and operations of the Smithsonian Institution's facilities in Washington D.C.. Best practices are highlighted to "provide snap-shots of selected areas of excellence that crystallized as particularly significant to the successful operations of each facility." These cover activities that meet end use requirements, improve cost effectiveness, reduce energy consumption and encourage energy consumption awareness, improve occupant comfort, or meet sustainability goals. "Best practices span excellence in technology and design strategies, troubleshooting and problem solving, proactive organizational management and strategic planning, education and training efforts, and shared leadership." In addition, this case study provides a facility overview, background of the Smithsonian's buildings and systems, and information on facility staff. Best practices highlighted are the development and use of a facility management strategic plan, training programs, reliability centered maintenance using techniques such as vibration analysis and laser alignment, employee and stakeholder outreach, and leadership and organizational influence. Each best practice highlighted is accompanied by a section outlining the skills and knowledge required for implementation. A "Summary of Best Practices" in the form of a table is provided at the end.