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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 […]

Mitigating Workplace Hazards with Smart Facility Design

Workplaces of all shapes and sizes have potential safety hazards lurking around almost every corner. From slippery floors and poor indoor air quality to excessive noise and inadequate emergency preparedness, the number of employee safety and well-being risks is quite high. Facilities managers everywhere have a duty of care to mitigate these dangers for the […]

WIU Facilities Management Team Conducts Open Burns to Boost Campus Landscape

The facilities management team at Western Illinois University (WIU) has recently taken on several campus projects geared toward enhancing the overall landscape of the university grounds. As part of this initiative, the team completed open burns, or prescribed burns, recognized as an effective method for planned land management. Prescribed burns come highly recommended by the […]

Google’s Search for an Energy Leader and What You Should Learn from It

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. You can always tell the priorities of global tech firms by who they are trying to hire. Google’s next hire? A new role for a team leader dedicated to developing a plan and budget […]

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for its draft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 5 (LEED v5), the latest iteration of the globally recognized green building certification. Although the update initially focused on operations and maintenance of existing buildings, it has since been expanded to include […]

Higher Ed Facility Investments Jump 26%, but Campus Challenges Remain

In a “seismic shift,” higher education institutions upped their facility reinvestment game by more than 26% year-over-year in 2023, according to a new report from Gordian. The 11th edition of the “State of Facilities in Higher Education” report reveals the significant facility investments over the past year have reduced the spending shortfall to 34%, closing the […]

Key Considerations when Switching from Cast Iron to Condensing Boilers

Amidst a nationwide effort to increase whole-facility energy efficiency, mechanical systems rank high among the most critical areas of focus. Space heating and domestic hot water production account for approximately 42% of energy use in the United States. For many existing facilities served by a hydronic system, the straightest path toward a smaller carbon footprint […]

State Farm Stadium: Star Player for Men’s March Madness Final Four

Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, is about 10 miles from downtown Phoenix and will be the home of the ultimate thrill of victory and the agony of defeat for the remaining four teams of March Madness, as the NCAA Basketball Men’s Final Four and championship games will be held […]