Modernizing Higher Education Infrastructure: Why Smarter Facility Management Is Essential to Protecting Aging Schools

• By Kristi Flores
• 06/18/25

Across the United States, college campuses are grappling with the consequences of aging infrastructure. From leaky roofs to outdated HVAC systems, the physical backbone of higher education is in urgent need of attention. The University of California and California State University systems alone report a combined $16.8 billion in deferred maintenance. At the University of Houston, more than 60 buildings require nearly $700 million in repairs. These are not isolated cases — they reflect a broader national crisis playing out behind lecture halls, and student housing.

Budget constraints add another layer of complexity. Leaders find themselves stuck between competing priorities — infrastructure competes with programs, staffing, attracting new students, and a long list of urgent needs. Instead of viewing maintenance and upgrades as massive one-time costs, schools now have the opportunity to adopt smarter, more strategic approaches to futureproof operations and enhance the on-campus experience. Technology is making that shift possible.

Getting Ahead of the Curve

Reactive maintenance has long been the norm. Something breaks, and the team scrambles to fix it. While this keeps buildings operational in the short term, it leads to higher costs down the road. Breakdowns become more frequent. Emergency repairs pile up. Staff and student satisfaction dwindle.

Predictive maintenance flips this model on its head. Sensors and analytics now make it possible to identify operational threats before they cause disruption. Equipment can be serviced during off-hours or when issues are minor, preventing major failures altogether. This approach keeps classrooms and common areas comfortable and in working condition, while avoiding the need to pull valuable dollars into constant crisis response. In short, it is not about fixing problems faster — it's about preventing them from happening in the first place.

Doing More with Less Through Smarter Energy Use

Running aging buildings takes energy. Older lighting, heating, and cooling systems were simply not designed with efficiency in mind. The result? High utility bills that eat into budgets better spent elsewhere.

Energy management platforms offer schools a powerful lever to pull. By connecting all systems into a unified view, facilities teams can spot inefficiencies and adjust in real time. Small changes — like refining lighting schedules or improving temperature controls to align with room occupancy — can lead to meaningful savings over time. These cost savings don't just help budgets, but free up resources that can be redirected back into the classroom.

Turning Data into a Strategic Advantage

Maintenance records and energy bills are important, but on their own, they only tell part of the story. Schools often struggle with fragmented, inconsistent data about the state of their facilities, making long-term planning difficult.

This is where facility lifecycle management software can make a difference. These platforms centralize information, ensuring teams have a full picture of building conditions. Leaders can use that data to better inform decisions around repairs, replacements, and upgrades.

The ability to plan strategically, supported by clear and accurate data, can transform how districts approach funding requests and advocate for infrastructure improvements.

Connecting Infrastructure to Outcomes

Facility investments are sometimes viewed as a nice to have rather than an essential. That mindset misses the bigger picture. Research shows that better school environments contribute directly to student success.

Safe, clean, and comfortable buildings help improve attendance and allow instructors to focus on course curriculums instead of facility maintenance distractions. Moreover, high-quality schools enhance property values and strengthen communities. Investing in infrastructure is not merely about cost savings; it's about fostering environments where students can thrive.

Closing the Awareness Gap

Despite clear benefits, the public's understanding of infrastructure challenges remains low. Accruent's recent survey found that only 14% of respondents were familiar with the ASCE Infrastructure Report Card. Without awareness, there can be no action. With a large part of the population not fully realizing the role infrastructure plays in optimizing learning environments, it leaves room for a path in trying to connect the dots in order to make strides.

To course correct the underlying issues, leaders need to advocate more openly and make infrastructure part of the public conversation. Community members and alumni are more likely to support funding when they understand how it impacts education and neighborhoods.

A Smarter Path Forward

Aging school infrastructure presents complex challenges. But solutions exist, and they are within reach. Predictive maintenance, energy management, and data-driven planning offer practical ways to stretch limited dollars further.

Technology alone will not solve every issue, but it provides a foundation for doing more with less. Combined with advocacy and smarter decision-making, these tools can help institutions modernize aging buildings while creating sustainable, more effective learning environments for future generations.