Facilities Management Journal: Strategic Infrastructure Decisions: Building new v. upgrading aging assets
Upgrade or build new? FMs must strategically evaluate aging infrastructure vs. new construction with data, cost analysis & long-term goals.
In a recent article for FMJ, Katie Gramajo delves into the critical decisions facility managers face when weighing the investment in aging infrastructure versus new construction.
With many commercial buildings nearing 50 years old, leaders must employ a strategic evaluation framework, integrating comprehensive asset reviews, detailed cost-benefit analyses, and predictive analytics to make informed choices. The article explores the benefits and challenges of both paths, from the modern efficiencies and significant upfront costs of new builds to the lower initial investment and community value of upgrading existing facilities. Katie ultimately advocates for data-driven insights and a holistic assessment of long-term value, operational resilience, sustainability, and community impact to guide these complex infrastructure decisions.
