Add as a preferred source on Google

Georgetown University

  • 03/01/16

Project Snapshot

PROJECT: Asset Management
INSTITUTION: Georgetown University
LOCATION: Washington, DC
COMPANY NAME: The Refinishing Touch
WEBSITE: www.therefinishingtouch.com

Asset Management

When it comes to dormitory renovations, a higher education facilities manager has the ever-increasing responsibility to take cost-efficiency, downtime, resident disruption and sustainability into consideration. With The Refinishing Touch’s award-winning furniture asset management services, Georgetown University was able to check all four of these requirements, and then some, off of the to-do list.

THE CHALLENGE

The university sought to update its popular building, Harbin Hall, by upcycling various assets including love seats, armchairs, lounge chairs and sofas. Specifically, the scope of work included the refinishing and re-upholstery of these pieces, using fabrics from The Refinishing Touch’s exclusive Touch Textiles division. Most importantly, the desired project needed to fulfill several objectives including budget, project deadlines and building upon Georgetown University’s focus on sustainability.

THE SOLUTION

The process of transporting furniture in and out of the facility is not only a waste of both parties’ time and money but also creates unnecessary carbon emissions. With that in mind, our experienced production crew went to Washington, DC to implement our ISO 9001:2008-compliant furniture asset management solution. The project was completed on-site using non-toxic lacquers with low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring safety. This solution allowed the project to be completed well before the deadline while also minimizing disruption to students.

By investing in The Refinishing Touch’s furniture asset management services, Georgetown University reduced its total expenditure an estimated 55 percent — lowering the cost for the project from $36,526 to $16,241 — and completed the project on site in less than a week and a half.

Asset Management

IMPACT ON LEARNING

Through the work of The Refinishing Touch, Georgetown University was able to successfully extend their sustainability initiatives quickly and cost effectively. Recent research by The Princeton Review found that two-thirds of students and parents said that a university’s commitment to the environment would make a difference in application and attendance. With that in mind, Georgetown University is actively promoting a healthy learning environment, while simultaneously reducing their environmental impact — Mission Accomplished!

Editor’s Review

Studies show that students who live on campus earn better grades. But students also expect all the comforts of home in their residence halls. If universities can’t offer housing that lives up to student expectations they may look for off-campus housing that does, and see their GPA suffer accordingly. By upcycling residence hall furnishings Georgetown University has shown their commitment to student success by offering them updated residence facilities, while also displaying attention to both sustainability and budgets.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

  • Image credit: O

    Strategic Campus Assessment: Moving Beyond Reactive Maintenance in Educational Facilities

    While campuses may appear stable on the surface, building systems naturally evolve over time, and proactive assessment can identify developing issues before they become expensive emergencies. The question isn't whether aging educational facilities need attention. It's how institutions can transition from costly reactive maintenance to strategic asset management in a way that protects both budgets and communities.

  • California K–12 District Opens New Athletic Complex, Gym

    The San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) in San Mateo, Calif., recently announced the completion of two new athletics facilities: a new gymnasium at Burlingame High School, and a new athletic training complex at San Mateo High School, according to a news release.

Digital Edition