GV facilities honored with award

Date: October 8, 2009

GV facilities honored with award

Grand Valley State University’s “Quality Improvement Initiative” received the Effective and Innovative Practices Award from APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators).

The initiative is designed to enhance efficiency, lower costs, and support university goals. The initiative was recognized for several different cost-cutting and quality improvement projects. One example involves the university custodial crew and Grand Valley students. Custodians commissioned students in residence halls to carry trash from the top floors down to designated areas. This small change saved the university $20,000 a year in staff labor time, according to Tim Thimmesch, assistant vice president for Facilities Services at Grand Valley.

Other examples include the purchase of a newer, more efficient mower to maintain the university grounds and the use of natural materials for erosion control which saved $90,000. Over 9,900 pounds of used goods were donated to a local charity.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized in this way,” Thimmesch said. “Staff members at all levels are involved in the initiative. This is truly an indication of the really good things we’re doing here and the important programs we’re putting in place.”

APPA is the association of choice serving educational facilities professionals. An international association dedicated to maintaining, protecting, and promoting the quality of educational facilities, APPA represents more than 1,500 learning institutions serving more than 4,700 individuals.