Cost Containment Measures

In support of the University’s efforts around cost containment, Facilities will adjust its service delivery models. Each measure focuses on decreasing the University’s expenditures, with a priority on decreasing spend with external resources. These changes will be put into effect through the balance of FY25, with full implementation by FY26.

Cost Containment Initiatives

Custodial Service Adjustments

All Schools and Units Will Adopt the Tiered Cleaning Schedule
- Tier I Spaces: Restrooms, Public Areas and Entrances
  - Daily full cleaning
  - Recycling and waste daily removal
- Tier II Spaces: Corridors, Stairwells, Elevators, Classrooms, Teaching Labs, Computer Labs, Conference Rooms, Kitchens and Break Rooms
  - One full cleaning per week
  - Partial cleaning between weekly full cleaning
  - Recycling and waste daily removal
- Tier III Spaces: Offices, Cubicles, Labs, and and All Other Space Types
  - For Offices and Cubicles:
    - One full cleaning approximately once every four weeks
  - For Labs:
    - One full cleaning once per week
    - Daily removal of lab recycling and waste
- Key Terms and Notes
  Partial/General Clean: Cleaning includes collecting recycling and waste, spot cleaning any visible issues, such as spills or muddied floors. This new level of service is designed to ensure that the campus’ appearance is maintained between full cleanings.
  
  Full Clean: Cleaning goes a step further to include a wipe down of all horizontal surfaces (except electronics and personal items), vacuuming or mopping floors, and disinfecting toilets, sinks, and fixtures.
  
  Departments can submit to self-fund cleaning services beyond these protocols to support unique, non-recurring needs such as event support, move-out or move-in cleanings, etc.
- Offices and Cubicles Will Shift to a Central Trash Model
  Trash and recycling will not be removed from offices or cubicles. Occupants will bring their trash and recycling to common-space bins, which will be emptied nightly. Trash service will remain unchanged for labs, Tier I, and Tier II spaces.
  
  Existing bins will be left in offices and cubicles for convenience. It is highly discouraged to leave food waste or similar trash in them overnight.

Discretionary Work Deferral

Requested non-capital work will undergo review by Facilities staff. Requests will be subject to cancellation or rescheduling based on the work’s alignment with University priorities and/or resource availability.
Work that can be defined as discretionary, or deferrable, and would require the utilization of contracted resources, will not be approved.
Examples may include larger-scale paint & carpet refreshes, room renovations, window washing, etc.

Standardized Building Hours

All office and administrative spaces will adopt standard building hours.
- Ventilation systems (heating and cooling temperature control) will be operational Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Ventilation schedules for lab spaces will not be changed.
- Access privileges to the buildings will not be changed.
Facilities will work with the Office of the Registrar to consolidate buildings hosting after-hours or weekend classes.

Eliminate Winter Contractor Support

The Evanston Campus winter lights will not be deployed during cost containment.
Third-party snow removal services will not be contracted.

Overtime Constraints

Facilities overtime will be reserved for planned University events (e.g., Commencement and Convocation activities), weather events, and similar needs.
Customer work requested for overtime will likely not be supported, regardless of departmental funding.