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EPA Names Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants of 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Together, these facilities prevented more than 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from […]

Webinar Watch: FM NOW Sessions on Secure Buildings

On Wednesday, March 20, make sure to join your colleagues and expert panelists for our FM NOW: Secure Buildings virtual summit! The FREE event will include two back-to-back webinars covering active shooters and emergency panic buttons, helping you identify ways to incorporate best security practices into your facilities amid a heightened threat environment. Can’t make it to […]

The Need for Strong Wi-Fi Networks at Convention Centers

Convention center Wi-Fi networks must support tens of thousands of wireless devices and a multitude of technologies. The hundreds of venues in the United States typically accommodate several thousand attendees, whether they are there for a business conference, cheer competition, fishing expo, or other major event. Why It Matters Modern convention centers and other large-scale […]

5 Benefits of Using Building Information Modeling in Facility Construction

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 […]

Faces of Facilities: Caroline Kelley from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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 […]

DOE Announces $425M for Green Manufacturing in Coal Communities

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 […]

How Cleaning Supports a Positive and Productive Workplace Experience

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 […]

N.Y. Schools Awarded $27M for Tech and Security Upgrades

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 […]

A Foundation of Learning: The Impact of Facilities Management on Educational Excellence

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 […]

A Call to Action: Empowering Women in Facilities Management

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 […]