Guide to Success

This is a step-by-step roadmap for implementing five essential elements of an effective Resource Conservation Management (RCM) program:

1. Organization and Structure
2. Support and Commitment
3. Policy and Mission Statements
4. Implementation Strategy
5. Sustaining the RCM Program

Within each section are links to sample documents, checklists, reports and other resources.

1. Organization and Structure

Learn how an RCM program can help your organization achieve greater efficiency, savings and productivity. The first step is to gain a basic understanding of the RCM concept. Keep in mind that all facilities are unique, so the RCM will need to develop, organize and maintain a customized program.

2. Support and Commitment

An RCM program must be built on a solid foundation of top-level management support. To convince of the benefits of an RCM program, present a concise and compelling proposal that informs and inspires them. 

• Sample resolution of commitment from management
• Sample memorandum of support from a school district superintendent
• Experienced RCMs are generally eager to help and can provide insights and examples that lend credibility to your presentation. To get in touch with practicing RCMs, call the Washington State University Energy Program at 360-956-2090.

3. Policy and Mission Statements

Start your RCM strategy with the following elements:

• A mission statement
• Goals
• A statement of scope
• Your implementation strategy
• Benchmarks for success

Examples:

• Sample program goal statement
• Sample shared savings agreement (allocating dollar savings to RCM salary, individual facilities, etc.)

4. Implementation Strategy

Steps you can take to build a successful program include:

1. Take a serious look at your facilities and the potential for efficiency improvements. Click for more on the facility assessment (sometimes called a walk-through).
2. Gather basic information about your facility's utility and resource expenditures. Click for more on the assessment report.
3. Estimate the range of potential for efficiency opportunities, savings and other benefits. Click for more on resource accounting.
4. Discuss your ideas and solicit input from inside and outside your organization. Click for a sample memo from RCM to staff .
5. Build an effective RCM program team. Click for tips for communicating.

5. Sustaining/Retaining the RCM Program

You can use several techniques to sustain and institutionalize the RCM program, including:

1. Set up an annual RCM calendar – a list of monthly activities that encourage all facets of your organization to work together (e.g. maintenance, kitchen workers, grounds staff) following s specific guidelines. The RCM Activities Calendar is one example (if you are not a school district RCM, some items may not apply).
2. Work with your RCM teams to develop annual plans for each area of the organization; this may not occur until the second or third year of your RCM program.
3. Participate in the planning process for new facilities or major remodels, and encourage building commissioning .