Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Building information modeling (BIM), a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, creates a shared knowledge resource for information, making it easier for facilities managers to make decisions, according to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG notes that while some might think of BIM as just 3D modeling and […]
Which clean energy technologies will help fuel a more sustainable future? Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are hard at work to answer that question. Meanwhile, Caroline Kelley, a senior facilities manager at NREL, is dedicated to providing the scientists with a safe and well-maintained work environment. Based in […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $425 million in funding to help reduce industrial emissions and advance clean energy manufacturing in coal communities across the country. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and managed by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will support small […]
Clean environments play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance and well-being of building occupants. The connection between cleanliness and human health and productivity has been extensively studied and validated. This article delves into the various ways in which clean environments positively influence the performance of employees in the workplace, encompassing both physical and psychological […]
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 59 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The approved plans, totaling $27 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping education technology program established in 2014. Hochul said, “These investments not […]
In the world of education, getting facilities management right is a game-changer, yet it is clear that it is not top of the priority list within educational organizations. It’s not just about keeping the lights on and the floors clean; it’s about creating spaces that inspire learning and growth. This article dives deep into the […]
Editor’s note: This FM Perspectives op-ed was written in honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8). Facilities management is a dynamic field crucial to the smooth operation of businesses and institutions worldwide. Yet, despite its significance, the industry remains male-dominated. A recent study found that men outnumber women nine to one in […]
The U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools announced the winners of the 2024 Best of Green Schools Awards, an annual recognition in collaboration with the Green Schools National Network. The awards, announced at the 2024 Green Schools Conference in Santa Fe, N.M., honor and recognize schools, districts, individuals, lawmakers, and others active in advancing green schools nationwide. […]
The U.S. Department of Education is imposing a $14 million fine under a settlement agreement with Liberty University for violations of the Clery Act, including issues regarding the school’s published crime statistics and treatment of sexual assault survivors. This is the largest fine ever imposed for violating the federal law, officially named the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security […]
Facilities professionals involved with the new construction and renovation of commercial, industrial, educational, and governmental properties should be familiar with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and their importance. Understanding and using GFCIs can help protect against electrocution and reduce the chances of fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. What Are GFCIs? According to the […]