Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a 2.3 million square-foot facility in Washington, D.C., has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The convention center achieved LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in […]
Colgate-Palmolive has signed a 20-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for a solar energy project outside of Waco, Texas. With start-up anticipated in 2025, the 209-megawatt (MW) Markum Solar Farm is expected to produce the equivalent of 100% of the company’s U.S.-based operational electricity needs. This news follows the company’s announcement in 2022, when it shared that […]
How do we achieve net zero? This is a key question that facilities managers and other stakeholders are increasingly being required to ask themselves. The world is evolving, and a central piece in this evolution is the shift toward net-zero carbon emissions. This is a marked shift from 10 years ago, when the focus was […]
Emergency preparedness is an essential part of facilities management. To maintain operations and protect building occupants, it’s crucial to plan for various types of hazards, including natural disasters, fires, power outages, and even active shooters. On Sept. 26-27, Facilities Management Advisor‘s FM NOW: Emergency Preparedness virtual summit will offer FREE educational sessions to help you […]
As the immediate past chair of the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Americas Advisory Board, Bobby R. LaRon remains passionate about advancing the FM industry. He calls for collaboration, encourages high-tech solutions, and promotes the invaluable role of facilities managers. LaRon has about 14 years of industry experience and currently serves as senior commercial property […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment (HTA), which continues to identify a high risk of foreign and domestic terrorism in 2024. The HTA provides the public and the department’s partners with a detailed report on the most pressing threats to the United States as part of the Biden administration’s ongoing […]
Caring for campus grounds has become a quieter experience and more comfortable for landscape services employees at Western University in Ontario, Canada, as the university works to eliminate gas-powered units on campus. Facilities Management has recently added two electric John Deere Gator utility vehicles (UTVs) to its landscape services fleet, replacing a carbon-intensive equipment truck […]
In today’s fast-paced world, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)/Computer Aided Facility Management (CaFM) automation has become integral to facility operations. However, not all CMMS/CaFM automation is created equal. Many facilities find themselves stuck in what we call a “superficial automation pitfall” that results in siloed and broken operation processes. This pitfall is caused when facilities […]
In pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050, facilities managers must ensure that day-to-day operations are being run efficiently while simultaneously finding new solutions to support long-term goals. With buildings in the United States consuming about 40% of the country’s energy, facilities managers must look beyond their standard operational practices to forge a more sustainable future. Emerging […]
The carbon emissions associated with materials used in the built environment, referred to as “embodied carbon,” are estimated to contribute up to 11% of all global energy-related carbon emissions. According to a new report from sustainable development consultancy Arup, developed on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California is one of the first states in […]