Category: Design and Construction

Pennsylvania Awards Schools $175M for Facility Improvements

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved 208 investments in school projects, totaling $175 million, under the new Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Launched earlier this year as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the new program provides grants of up to $5 million to public school districts and career […]

Under Construction: Texas A&M University’s Business School Expansion

Texas A&M University is expanding its renowned Mays Business School in College Station, Texas, and has teamed up with major construction and development firm Skanska to build the Wayne Roberts ’85 Building. Facilities Management Advisor spoke with Ben Johnson, senior project manager at Skanska, to learn interesting and unique details about the facility. Named after […]

The Rise of Green Construction Materials for Facility Projects

In all likelihood, you’ve noticed—and participated in—the shift toward green facility management over the recent years. One overlooked aspect of sustainability is keeping things green even before a facility starts being used. By ensuring new facilities are built with sustainable principles, they are better suited to fit in with existing infrastructure. While it can be […]

What Facilities Managers Should Know About Wellness Rooms

Facilities managers (FMs) should consider adding wellness rooms when renovating or constructing new facilities so that occupants, such as employees or students, can relax and calm down when they’re stressed out. You want to create a safe environment for the people who are using your building. Adding these rooms gives individuals the environment to take […]

WNBA Finals Stadium Spotlight: Barclays Center

The New York Liberty, ranked No. 1 in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), will play the Minnesota Lynx, ranked No. 2 in the WNBA, for the WNBA Finals, split between the two teams’ home-court venues from October 10–20, in a best-of-five series. Games 1 and 2 (and game 5, if necessary) will be played […]

How to Prevent Common Fire Safety Violations in Your Facility

Local fire departments responded to an estimated 1.5 million fires in the United States in 2022 that cost approximately $18 billion in property damage, according to the most recent Fire Loss report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In addition to the human impact of fire damage, property damage and the required reconstruction are […]

Goal! Portland Timbers Stadium Scores Green Building Certification

Providence Park, home of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Portland Timbers, has been awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Timbers pursued LEED Gold status for the stadium as part of the club’s environment-focused Green Is Gold campaign. “Obtaining LEED Gold certification at Providence Park has been a priority of our […]

The Secret to Reducing Clutter and Improving Operational Flow

Clutter is more than a visual nuisance; for facilities management professionals, it’s a roadblock to operational efficiency. Disorganized spaces, misplaced tools, and inefficient workflows can slow down processes, leading to wasted time, resources, and ultimately, money. So, what’s the secret to clearing the clutter and creating a more streamlined environment? It involves a mix of […]

Green Building Groups Issue Policy Recommendations for Next U.S. Administration

Regardless of whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election in November, a coalition of green building advocates is calling on the next administration to help address several commercial real estate (CRE) challenges. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), New Buildings Institute (NBI), Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), and Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) partnered to release a […]

Adjusting Facility Design to Meet Today’s Security Demands

When designing facilities from the ground up, several key safety factors are understandably considered to ensure the safety of occupants. HVAC and fire code compliance—like fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and proper ventilation—are crucial. Planners ensure new facilities have clear exit paths, accessible exits, and adequate lighting. Facilities may incorporate basic security measures such as […]