Some 80% of the energy consumption of buildings takes place during their use. Knowing how to manage a building properly is equally or even more important than building it efficiently. Facility management is a service-management discipline for buildings which ensures the optimum management of the building and its associated services by integrating people, spaces, processes and technologies.

Architects who specialise in facility management can provide the best service for companies or property owners by inputting their specific knowledge of building management and support services as a complement to their basic knowledge, giving them an understanding of the full material, social, historical and urban complexity of buildings and infrastructures.

All buildings and building occupants are different. Every client, every building and every user is unique. There is no single way of managing a building, but there is a whole range of professionals who can offer their expertise. Choosing the right professional or team of professionals is one of the most important decisions you can make. Before starting the search, consider the needs of your project and ask yourself the following questions, whatever your experience and the complexity of your project may be:

• What are the building’s management objectives?
• What is my budget?
• Do I have a defined maintenance and management strategy in place?
• What experience or specialist knowledge do I expect my architect to have?
• Do I have the right management tools for the job?
• Are you aware of the incentives offered by government agencies to improve your building’s efficiency?

The COAC recommends that you visit the Job Bank to help you select the best professionals for your project.