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How to Turn Facilities into Public Cooling Centers During Extreme Heat

As temperatures and humidity increase in many sections of the United States, we are all looking for relief. Facilities managers should understand the importance of making their facilities into cooling centers and consider the best ways they can help keep the public safe. What Is a Cooling Center? According to the CDC, cooling centers are […]

5 Popular Types of Commercial HVAC Systems to Consider

It’s summertime, and many facilities professionals are hard at work on new building projects and major building renovations. There are several types of commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to consider when a new system must be installed. The National Institute of Building Sciences advises businesses to consider energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and […]

What Is Aridification, and How Can Facility Managers Help Address the Issue?

An elderly but long-time Californian remembers 1976 as a fun year. The economy was finally pulling out of a recession that started in 1973. The Watergate “nightmare,” as then-President Ford called it, was behind us. And Californians were having a lot of fun with—of all things—a drought that year. They made up comical jingles to […]

Biden Admin. Launches $225M Program to Advance Energy-Efficient Building Codes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a Notice of Intent (NOI) to provide $225 million for states and local governments to expand the implementation of the latest building energy codes and support the development of buildings that use less energy. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Building Energy Codes: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation […]

10 Ways to Make Facilities Decisions Stick

Facilities management professionals need to find ways to communicate effectively with those they are working with. “Having a process to help executives make decisions in an informed way is very important to everyone,” said Kurt Neubek, a certified facilities manager with the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), an architect, and a Firmwide Healthcare Practice Leader […]

Best Practices to Maintain Your Commercial Roof

Weather, structural movement, and stress are constantly attacking your commercial roof. While normal aging will occur on all roofs, problems stemming from neglect, abuse, contamination, or accidents, if not detected early, can result in extensive, costly repairs or premature failure of the roofing system. Plan and start an inspection program during the first year your […]

Over $230M in Energy Efficiency Projects Underway Across CUNY Campuses

Nearly 30 energy efficiency projects totaling more than $230 million are in development across 13 City University of New York (CUNY) campuses, according to the New York Power Authority (NYPA). As the nation’s largest urban public university, CUNY has seven community colleges, 11 senior colleges, and seven graduate or professional institutions spread across New York […]

Simplifying Hygienic Restroom Upgrades

Restrooms are visible evidence of the overall standards in a building, and with the continuing heightened awareness around hygiene in buildings, restroom upgrade projects are moving up in priority. In research conducted by Zurn Water Solutions into the impact of COVID-19 on the restroom experience, respondents ranked “touching fixtures” as their top concern in public […]

Back to Basics: 10 Ways to Prepare Your Facilities for Wildfires

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. With summer in full swing, along with rising temperatures and increased dry vegetation, facilities management professionals should be reminded that this year’s wildfire season has already begun—and it’s becoming a larger problem than in the past. […]

5 Steps Public Venues Should Take When Evaluating Security Solutions

Several public venues, including facilities hosting sports, concerts, and other events, have begun to trade out traditional technologies for frictionless screening solutions. Providers of these solutions promise to increase the fan experience without reducing screening capabilities. The potential can be polarizing, increasing the need to understand the technology and evaluate the unique needs of your […]