Category: Design and Construction

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 […]

Cleveland Guardians Hit Home Run with Stadium Network Upgrade

This wasn’t supposed to be the Cleveland Guardians’ year. Coming off a losing season in 2023, oddsmakers were projecting a similarly middling performance for the Major League Baseball team in 2024. Since then, the Guardians have done nothing but prove the oddsmakers wrong. Deep into the 2024 season, the team was on pace to exceed […]

DOE Awards $90M to Boost Adoption of Building Energy Codes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $90 million for 25 projects across the country to help states, cities, Tribal Nations, and their partners adopt and successfully implement updated energy codes for residential and commercial buildings. Building energy codes establish energy efficiency standards for new buildings, additions, and major renovations. According to the DOE, modern codes […]

ASHRAE Program Certifies Inaugural Group of Decarbonization Professionals

In facilities management, industry certifications can be a great way to expand your expertise, advance your career, and stand out to current and future employers. Several organizations already offer a number of certifications to consider, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is adding another to the list. ASHRAE is proud […]

EPA Announces Label Program for Greener Construction Materials

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it’s implementing a new label program to boost clean American manufacturing by helping federal purchasers and other buyers find and buy cleaner, more climate-friendly construction materials and products. “The label program is made possible by a $100 million investment in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and aims […]

The Hidden Benefits of a Well-Designed Security Barrier System

Security barrier systems are typically viewed as mere protective measures, installed to prevent unauthorized access and enhance safety. However, these systems offer a wealth of hidden benefits that extend far beyond their primary security function. In this guide, we’ll explore the lesser-known benefits of security barrier systems, revealing how they can be used to address […]

Walmart Uses 3D Concrete Printing for Tennessee Store Expansion

Walmart has taken a significant step toward the future of retail construction with one of the largest free-standing, 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the United States. In partnership with Alquist 3D, a 3D concrete printing (3DCP) construction company, the retail giant printed a nearly 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-high addition at its store in Athens, Tenn. Dedicated to enhancing Walmart’s Online […]

Green Airport Projects Included in Over $2B in Infrastructure Grants

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded more than $2 billion in new grants to improve airport infrastructure across the country, including millions of dollars for sustainability projects. Specifically, the funding includes $1.9 billion in grants under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and $269 million in FY 2023 Supplemental Discretionary Grants. In addition to the […]