David Walker's diary

David Walker is facilities project manager at Northumbrian Water. This is the regular diary of his experiences of facilities management

Managing changeSwitching contractors mid-project proves a headache this week but our regular columnist finds the time to work on a control room refurb and reflect on 30 years in FM 27 August 2010
Back to realityOur rested columnist returns from a break in Cyprus but its back to the grind now as refurbishment continues at work and a new project arises at a historic pumping station. 02 August 2010
Money down the drainThe new target for water efficiency requires us to make changes in our habits across businesses and homes, all of which helps to save resources and reduce our bills. 13 July 2010
Up, up and awayJust as our regular columnist heads off for a much-needed holiday he has the task of confronting a noisy and bad-tempered visitor that decided to set up home on the roof. 30 June 2010
Improving with ageManaging a listed building throws up its fair share of special challenges from finding specialist craftsmen to complying with the DDA, not to mention planning consent. 14 June 2010
Some work and playAs our regular columnist ploughs on with the office moves and refurbishment, he manages to take a little time out at a company golf day and the annual WaterAid ball 28 May 2010
Flawed floor coveringsPreparing the ground for an office move is taken literally when organising carpet fittings and, come what may, scheduling problems cant be swept under the rug. 18 May 2010
The natural obstaclesMaintaining historic buildings requires good working relationships not only with statutory bodies and eager volunteers but also Mother Nature and her many creations. 18 May 2010
Giving off the signalsTraffic light inspections are familiar approaches for many FMs tasked with identifying issues, recommending actions and implementing the remedies in a variety of areas. 06 April 2010
Space: my final frontierThe complicated, often wasteful, logistics of an office move, can usually be minimised, and the move itself sometimes avoided, if FMs have an robust planning policy in place. 23 March 2010
Let there be lightEfficiency is key in all refurbishment projects and this week we see our regular columnist working out lighting, tackling ceilings and pondering on the installation of fire protection 09 March 2010
Window of opportunityHeat transfer and cleaning issues are the central factors to consider when planning the most cost effective way to replace glazing as part of a wider refurbishment project 22 February 2010
The upside of UPSPower failure is disruptive, frustrating and costly so an uninterruptible power supply and a good maintenance regime provides the confidence that all will be ticking along nicely. 11 February 2010
Getting to grips with gritIn this cold and snowy season building entrances, car parks, walkways, slopes and areas constantly in shade need close attention as all are vulnerable to being slippy underfoot. 28 January 2010
Measuring your FootprintWhether motivated by environment or economy, the quickest way to reduce your carbon footprint is to save energy you need to understand how it is been used. 14 January 2010

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