A Guide to RCM Program Success
This is a step-by-step roadmap for implementing five essential elements of an effective Resource Conservation Management (RCM) program:
- Organization and Structure
- Support and Commitment
- Policy and Mission Statements
- Implementation Strategy
- Sustaining the RCM Program
Within each section are links 
to sample documents, checklists, reports, and other nuts-and-bolts resources you can use.
Organization and Structure
Learn how an RCM program can help your organization achieve greater efficiency, savings and productivity. The first step is to gain a basic understanding of the RCM concept. Keep in mind that all facilities are more or less unique, so the RCM will need to develop, organize and maintain a customized program.
- Take a look at the Tip Sheets & Tools tab and consider how your organization can use these resources.
Support and Commitment
Adoption of an RCM program (and the program's success) starts with gaining the support of top-level management. You will need to present a concise and compelling proposal. Remember, first impressions are important, so prepare your presentation carefully. Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to inform and inspire. The challenge is to make top-level management aware of the benefits in a relatively short amount of time.
- Sample resolution of commitment from management (.doc file)
- Sample memorandum of support (.doc file) from a school district superintendent
- Experienced RCMs are generally eager to help and can provide insights and examples that lend credibility to your presentation. To get in touch with practicing RCMs, call the Washington State University Extension Energy Program at (360) 956-2090.
Policy and Mission Statements
In general you will want to start the development of an RCM strategy with the following elements:
- A mission statement
- Goals
- A statement of scope
- Implementation strategies
- Benchmarks for success
- Sample program goal statement (.doc file)
- Natural Resource Conservation Policy (PDF file) and Procedures (PDF file), Seattle Public Schools
- Sample shared savings agreement (.doc file)(allocating dollar savings to RCM salary, individual facilities, etc.)
Implementation Strategy
Steps toward building a successful program include:
- Take a serious look at your facilities and the potential for efficiency improvements.
- Gather basic information about your facility's utility and resource expenditures.
- Estimate the range of potential for efficiency opportunities, savings and other benefits.
- Discuss your ideas and solicit input from inside and outside your organization.
- Build an effective RCM program team.
- Facility Audit
- Audit Report
- Resource Accounting
- Memo from RCM to staff (.doc file)
- Tips for Communicating
Sustaining/Retaining the RCM Program
To sustain and institutionalize resource conservation management, you can use several techniques including:
- Set up an Annual RCM Calendar -- a list of monthly activities that encourage your organization to work together, with each area of the organization (e.g. maintenance, kitchen workers, grounds staff) having its own specific guidelines. The RCM Activities Calendar (.doc file) is one example (if you are not a school district RCM, some items may not apply).
- Work with your RCM teams to develop annual plans for each area of the organization; this may not occur until the 2nd or 3rd year of your RCM program.
- Participate in the planning process for new facilities or major remodels, and encourage building commissioning .