Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Certifications have become a cornerstone in the professional development of skilled trade workers, particularly in the fire, electrical, and life safety realms. Certification programs are designed to be comprehensive, promoting competency and safety in various specialized domains. In today’s competitive job market, the value of certifications extends far beyond a mere acknowledgment of skills; it […]
Nearly one-third of public schools (31%) have one or more non-permanent (portable) buildings in use on campus, according to new data released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the statistical center within the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Additionally, major repair, renovation, or modernization work was being performed in […]
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is awarding $970 million to 114 airports across the country, spanning 44 states and three territories. The funding covers terminal expansions, sustainability, security, accessibility improvements, and more. “Today’s funding not only helps modernize airports to meet the needs of travelers today and for years to come, but also creates good-paying […]
As winter’s icy grip tightens around the country each year, facilities managers face the challenge of preparing heating systems to withstand severe cold temperatures. A proactive approach to preventative maintenance is crucial in ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of heating systems. The objective is not merely to address issues as they arise but to […]
In the realm of sustainable development, the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria has gained significant traction. Major property owners, in particular, have come under increasing scrutiny on their environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. Fortunately, drone inspections present a promising avenue for enhancing building ESG performance. This article explores how drone […]
Brivo, a provider of cloud-based access control and smart building technologies, announced the results of its research into integrated physical security in building design by architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) practitioners. The report finds that despite an increased commitment to “security-by-design” principles, the industry is still spending significant time and money post-build to fix security […]
Facilities professionals should regularly inspect the inside and outside of their commercial properties to look for problems with their foundations. Keep in mind that commercial foundations are built differently than residential foundations so they can support the weight of the structure. According to Forbes, commercial property foundations can fail because of saturated or frozen soil […]
This winter, frigid temperatures, high winds, and frozen precipitation across the country triggered record blackouts for homes and businesses, disrupted travel plans, and even delayed the meticulously scheduled NFL playoffs. As extreme weather events grow in frequency and intensity, power outages are becoming more common. These disruptions lead to essential businesses shutting down and lost […]
If you want to make a difference in today’s social, economic, and environmental climate, a great place to start is by examining what’s going on behind the scenes in facilities. Many consider social, economic, and environmental themes the triple bottom line (TBL) of facilities management. The TBL theory suggests that instead of one bottom line, […]
Pennsylvania officials have announced a total of $175 million will be available through two grant programs to help schools make facility upgrades and environmental repairs. Recognizing that students cannot learn, grow, and thrive without access to safe and healthy school facilities, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced $75 million in funding through the Public […]