- Who We Are
- Our Role
- Awards
- Academic Careers
- News
- Faculty & Staff Forms
Space Management
SFU Space Management Plan
Space is an important resource that plays a strategic role in engaging students, research and communities.
Following an internal consultation process regarding space issues and an external review of space models at other institutions, SFU implemented a space management model, which applies a notional cost for space across the university with the goal of encouraging more effective utilization of space over time. The model was introduced in the 2021/22 fiscal year on a cost-neutral basis where funding attributable to space offset space costs incurred in the initial year. Over time, if a portfolio acquires more space, its annual space costs will increase. If a portfolio releases space, its annual space costs will decrease.
Through the process of developing this space management model, considerable progress was made on enhancing space-related data by conducting comprehensive annual physical space inventories across campuses, compiling space standards by space type as benchmarks of space needs, and implementing new space management systems and processes. The emergence of hybrid work arrangements highlights the need to continue to refine space-related data to assist with space planning.
The space management model has been introduced in phases in terms of the types of space it encompasses, and currently considers offices and related administrative spaces, teaching labs and research labs. Other space categories such as classrooms may be considered in future years.
Send questions by email to: space_inquiries@sfu.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SFU Space Management Plan?
Following an internal consultation process regarding space issues and an external review of space models at other institutions, SFU introduced a space management model that applies a notional cost for space across the university with the goal of encouraging more effective utilization of space over time.
Why is a space management model needed?
Space is integral to achieving SFU’s strategic vision and plays a critical role in engaging students, research and communities. Through an incentive-based approach, the space management model is intended to encourage more effective use of space within and across portfolios to meet our evolving space needs.
When was the space management model introduced?
The model was introduced across the university in the 2021/22 budget year on a cost-neutral basis. This means that funding attributable to space offsets space costs incurred in the initial year. Over subsequent years, if a portfolio acquired more space, its annual space costs increased. If a portfolio released space, its annual space costs decreased.
how are space funding and costs assigned?
The President’s Office and each Vice President's portfolio determine how they would like to manage space funding and costs within their portfolios. Some may manage space funding and costs at a portfolio level only. Others may choose to assign space funding and costs at a unit level.
What space data is used to calculate space costs?
Prior to the implementation of the space management model, a comprehensive physical space inventory was conducted and portfolios were consulted to confirm any data updates needed through the inventory process. Space records have been updated regularly since then through the annual physical space inventory process and following changes in space assignments. The space categories considered in the space management model are limited to Office and Related Space, Teaching Labs, and Research Labs. Other space categories may be added in future years, such as Classrooms.
How is the cost of space determined?
A notional cost of space per square meter was identified for the purposes of the space management model following a review of external lease rates and aggregate costs related to space at a university level. The notional cost of space has remained the same over the initial years of the model and is expected to increase thereafter at approximately the rate of inflation.
Why is space the same rate regardless of quality?
The notional cost of space is a blended rate that does not vary by location or relative quality of space. A single blended rate was incorporated in SFU's space management model after an assessment of possible approaches. This assessment concluded that introducing and maintaining varied rates would increase the complexity of the model and would be unfair in some cases, such as when Faculties or Units invest in renovations.
How do I submit a request for additional space or to return/exchange existing space?
For information regarding individual space requests or specific space needs, please complete the Space Request Form or email space_inquiries@sfu.ca.
Who should I contact if I have questions or suggestions about SFU’s space management model?
For general inquiries or comments about SFU’s space management model, please email space_inquiries@sfu.ca.