Operating a government facility can be costly, but there are ways to save money and operate more efficiently. In this post, we’ll explore a variety of cost-saving strategies that can help government facility managers with an age-old request—doing more with less.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

One of the most effective ways to save money on operating costs is to make your facility more energy efficient. Ideas include investing in energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and appliances. You can also consider installing solar panels or wind turbines to generate electricity for the facility.

An energy audit is a great place to start with identifying deficiencies and programming future needs. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Power Profiler can help you get a better grasp of your facility’s consumption.

Preventative Maintenance Protects Assets

Regular equipment and facilities maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns and prolong the life of the equipment. It is crucial to develop a maintenance schedule for all equipment and facilities and to stick to it. This way, you can identify and fix problems early before they become more severe and expensive to repair.

*Pro tip - Tile and surface maintenance should be high on your list since these areas are some of the most heavily used in your facility.

Reducing Waste Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Reducing waste can also help you save money on operating costs. Far from being complicated, consider implementing programs like recycling and composting, reducing water usage, and minimizing the use of disposable products. Even small changes can make huge impacts.

Outsourcing Services

Government facilities can require many different aspects to keep them running efficiently and it's often not cost-effective to keep them all in-house. By outsourcing certain services, you can free up resources and cut expenses.

Automation in Government Facilities

Automating specific processes can also help save money. Harnessing technology like automation can reduce the number of staff needed to complete a task, increase efficiency, and minimize errors, helping to lower labor costs. Automating also helps the facility provide better support to its occupants, and in the end, the citizens that the agency serves.

Leveraging Remote and Hybrid

The global pandemic emphasized just how crucial connectivity is—even outside of your facility. The benefit of which has been the realization that utilizing more remote or hybrid work arrangements means less need for office space and utilities, while on a macro scale reducing transportation costs and emissions associated with a commute.

Partnering with Other Organizations

By partnering with other organizations, you can share resources and combine efforts to reduce costs. Formal arrangements like Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between agencies can include sharing equipment and facilities or collaborating on training and professional development programs.

Review and Negotiate Contracts

Regularly review contracts with vendors and suppliers for goods and services. Look for areas where costs can be reduced through negotiation, or consider seeking out new vendors who can offer better prices.

Efficient Government Facilities Management

Overall, saving money on operating a government facility comes down to being mindful of expenses and looking for ways to reduce costs while maintaining or improving the services you provide. Implementing some of the strategies listed above can help your facility operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

A great place to start is by exploring the cost savings of tile restoration. The SaniGLAZE team becomes a trusted partner in restoring and maintaining tiles and surfaces throughout your facility. Rather than an expensive and inconvenient demo, we can make even the roughest surfaces shine like new—and be protected for years to come. Reach out to the SaniGLAZE team to learn more and see which process may be right for your facility.