ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies concrete initiatives and methods to integrate facilities management knowledge in the early stages of construction projects already available to the industry and, furthermore, to investigate if these initiatives and methods are used by Danish building clients. It focuses on the building client, as prior research results stress that the building client is the most important actor in terms of operational viability. Both researchers and practitioners argue that integrating operational knowledge in the design stage of new facilities increases operational friendliness. In addition to increased energy consumption, other aspects of operational performance have been recognised to be deficient. Swimming pools are selected as they are particularly energy consuming and complex to operate, and, therefore, expectedly, there will be a high focus on operation and maintenance during planning and design. Top management is responsible for the building portfolio and decides and orders new buildings.
