Monitor outdoor air delivery periodically to confirm that minimum ventilation rates are being maintained. Implement a maintenance program to ensure that mechanical system components are functioning properly.
The cost of maintenance will vary depending on the strategy employed. For example, subsurface or drip irrigation systems can be more difficult to maintain, because malfunctions are more hidden.
Installing a sub-metering system for irrigation water can help operators monitor water usage and detect problems early on. Doing so will also contribute LEED-EBOM credit compliance.
Creating an Integrated Pest Management plan will offer environmental and health benefits, while contributing to the ongoing attractiveness of the landscape.
Incorporating mulch and using mulching mowers will help keep moisture in the soil, and reduce irrigation needs. Adding compost to the soil will help maintain plant health over time and aid in moisture retention.
Minimize irrigation frequency in an effort to conserve water. Apply irrigation at the lowest rate required to keep plants healthy. New plants may need to be irrigated more, in order to establish them. Change irrigation schedules on a regular basis to adjust for seasonal variations in watering needs, including turning them off in the fall. Use an irrigation system that is tied directly to weather forecasts, or manually program irrigation clocks weekly or more often, based on projected rainfall and weather patterns.
The restoration team should provide operations staff with a maintenance plan and guidelines appropriate to the specific finishes. Special finishes or other measures used to preserve historic elements may also require special operations and maintenance procedures.
