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What Are Healthy Buildings?

As we head into Healthy Buildings Week here at Facilities Management Advisor, one might ask: “What are healthy buildings?” Healthy buildings involve a variety of categories, including design, cleaning protocols, ventilation, water quality, safety and security, clear communication and signage, encouragement of active occupants, and certification programs. Healthy buildings take on added importance as many workers […]

Solar Powers Target’s First Net Zero Energy Store

Major retailer Target Corp. announced its most sustainable store to date, as the site will generate more renewable energy than it needs annually to operate and will test multiple innovations to reduce the building’s emissions. The Vista, Calif., store’s retrofit and new features will inform Target’s investments in new stores and remodel programs that support its […]

How Digital Contact Tracing Could Help Facility Managers Limit COVID Outbreaks

From implementing new cleaning and sanitization guidelines to dealing with labor shortages and supply chain issues, facility managers are handling more moving parts than ever before because of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the virus transforming communal areas into new opportunities for infections, facility managers have a newfound responsibility to protect the health and well-being of […]

Workplace Safety Concerns Hit All-Time High for U.S. Employees

Most U.S. employees are more concerned about workplace safety than ever before, with worries ranging from health hazards to cybersecurity, and they expect employers to ensure their well-being while on the job, according to a new study from AlertMedia. Based on responses from over 2,000 full-time U.S. workers, the State of Employee Safety Report found […]

EPA Announces Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants of 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 93 U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2021. ENERGY STAR-certified plants are verified to be among the most energy-efficient plants within their industries. Together, they prevented more than 5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector, which is […]

Do You Need an Office Manager or a Facility Manager? Know the Difference

Although office managers and facility managers have some overlapping roles and responsibilities, their contributions in the workplace are different and unique. As an employer, recruiter, or potential commercial building owner, if you are currently considering employing either of these managers in your premises, here are the details to help you narrow down which of these […]

Is It Time to Ditch Fluorescent Light Bulbs for LEDs? Environmental Study Makes the Case

Fluorescent tube light bulbs, once embraced as an energy-efficient option, use “far more” energy than today’s LEDs and are now a “needless toxic health risk,” according to a new report published jointly by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), CLASP, and the Clean Lighting Coalition. Laws and rules restricting the use of toxic mercury […]

Better Buildings: How Facilities Management Impacts Both Security and Productivity

There can be no doubt that the buildings we work in have a big impact on us. This issue was brought to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people were asked to work remotely.  Interestingly, around one-third of workers admit that they are less productive when working from home. So, we can say […]

5 Ways COVID Changed How Americans View Public Restrooms

Upon entering the third year of the pandemic, Americans are not only more sensitive to germs in public restrooms, they now hold higher standards for the cleanliness, condition, and technology used in these shared spaces, according to the annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corp. conducted in January. Despite ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks, most Americans have […]

Now & Next: Empowering Women in FM (Infographic)

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, top advocates in facilities management offer insights and inspiration for both seasoned professionals and women considering a career in the space. Please help spread the empowerment by sharing this Q&A infographic!