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Biden Admin Finalizes New Lightbulb Efficiency Standards

On April 12, the Biden administration finalized congressionally mandated energy efficiency standards for the most common residential and commercial lightbulbs. The standards will go into effect in July 2028 for newly produced bulbs. Over 30 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects the standards will save Americans more than $27 billion on their utility bills […]

TSA Caught Over 1,500 Guns at Airports in First Quarter

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 1,503 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first quarter of 2024, which ended March 31. This total represents an average of 16.5 firearms per day, comparable to the same period in 2023. During both time periods, more than 93% of firearms were loaded. The number of airline passengers […]

The Future of Smart Buildings: Trends and Tech for Facilities Managers

Smart technology has been on the rise in recent years. Data collected by Google shows that 61% of people now own a smart device like a virtual assistant, smartwatch, or smart TV. The trend towards increased smart-tech adoption applies to businesses, too. Google data shows that industry leaders are 1.5 times as likely to utilize […]

Is Your Facility Blackout-Ready? Ensuring Safety and Continuity During Power Failures

Between extreme weather events, an aging power grid, and the transition to renewable energy, power interruptions are becoming a much greater risk in all parts of the country. Many will remember the highly publicized 2013 Super Bowl blackout when the power shut down the biggest game in American sports for 34 minutes, plunging the New […]

SIA Names Best New Security Products at ISC West 2024

During the ISC West trade show in Las Vegas, the Security Industry Association (SIA) announced the 2024 winners of the SIA New Products and Solutions (NPS) Awards. Since its inception in 1979, the flagship awards program has recognized innovative security products, services, and solutions. Top among the winners were IronYun for the 2024 Best New Product Award; Swear for the […]

4 Ways Security Teams Can Protect Their Facilities from Active Shooters

The tragedy of active shooter situations and their resulting loss of life, property damage, and financial costs prompt facilities and security professionals to ask how they can harden their facilities. As part of Facilities Management Advisor’s FM NOW: Secure Buildings 2024 virtual event on March 20, John Iannarelli, ESQ, CSP, a retired Federal Bureau of […]

6 Warning Signs That Your Facility’s Boiler Needs Maintenance

Maintaining a boiler in top operating condition will yield significant dividends to your facility, but often there are early warning signs that your boiler is in need of attention. So, what are some of these warning signs? In this article, we’ll examine six indicators that your boiler may require maintenance or repair. Additionally, we’ll discuss some preventative […]

U.S. Government Works to Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Federal Buildings

In a move aimed at better protecting the health of custodial staff, federal employees, and the environment, the Biden administration is directing government contractors to purchase cleaning products for federal buildings that are free of toxic “forever chemicals.” This change is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the […]

SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: Implications for Businesses and Facilities Managers

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. In recent years, the conversation surrounding climate change has intensified, prompting many businesses to take greater responsibility for their environmental impact. Recognizing the urgency to address climate-related risks and opportunities, regulatory bodies such as […]

Why Facilities Managers Should Consider Wearable Panic Buttons             

No matter the workplace, facilities managers should consider working with management to have employees wear panic buttons, which can enhance the facility’s emergency management plans with the button’s associated digital indoor mapping applications. Stacy Meyer, Vice President of Marketing at CENTEGIX, gave a presentation called “Could Panic Buttons Save Lives? Many Organizations Think So” as […]