Category: Design and Construction

‘Mission Possible’: ICC Kicks Off Building Safety Month 2024

The International Code Council (ICC) has launched Building Safety Month this May, marking the group’s 44th annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of building codes and the role that building safety professionals play in keeping communities safe. This year’s main theme, “Mission Possible,” encourages people to get involved in all aspects of building safety. […]

5 Ways Handwashing Habits Have Changed Since COVID

While it’s been four years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives, one behavior has left a lasting impression: handwashing. That’s based on survey findings of more than 1,000 American adults conducted by Bradley Company, a global manufacturer of commercial washroom fixtures. In 2024, the impacts of the pandemic remain—especially in terms of hand hygiene and public restrooms. […]

New Final Rule Puts Federal Buildings on Path to Net Zero

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it has delivered on Congress’ mandate to cut emissions from new or newly renovated federal buildings through the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings Rule. By meeting the requirements of the rule, federal buildings will reduce pollution, improve air quality, create good-paying jobs, […]

5 Ways to Create a Better Workplace for Neurodivergent Employees

As more companies return to the office, either on a part- or full-time basis, facilities managers should work with employers to modify the workplace so neurodivergent employees are given equal opportunities to succeed. What Does Being ‘Neurodivergent’ Mean? According to the Cleveland Clinic, “neurodivergent” is a nonmedical term describing people whose “brains develop or work […]

Top 10 Earth Day Must-Reads for Facilities Managers

Unless Elon Musk stops messing around with Twitter and gets us to Mars, Earth is our only home for the foreseeable future. That means we’ve got to take good care of the planet and conserve its finite natural resources. It’s also why sustainability is a hot topic all year long and why facilities managers are […]

Back to Basics: 4 Earthquake Safety Tips

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know.  While some Americans may think earthquakes only happen in California and Hawaii, a recent earthquake in the Northeast and its aftershocks—the biggest earthquake in the area since 1884—prove earthquake preparation is important for everyone, including facilities […]

Mitigating Workplace Hazards with Smart Facility Design

Workplaces of all shapes and sizes have potential safety hazards lurking around almost every corner. From slippery floors and poor indoor air quality to excessive noise and inadequate emergency preparedness, the number of employee safety and well-being risks is quite high. Facilities managers everywhere have a duty of care to mitigate these dangers for the […]

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for its draft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 5 (LEED v5), the latest iteration of the globally recognized green building certification. Although the update initially focused on operations and maintenance of existing buildings, it has since been expanded to include […]

Higher Ed Facility Investments Jump 26%, but Campus Challenges Remain

In a “seismic shift,” higher education institutions upped their facility reinvestment game by more than 26% year-over-year in 2023, according to a new report from Gordian. The 11th edition of the “State of Facilities in Higher Education” report reveals the significant facility investments over the past year have reduced the spending shortfall to 34%, closing the […]

State Farm Stadium: Star Player for Men’s March Madness Final Four

Glendale, Arizona’s State Farm Stadium, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, is about 10 miles from downtown Phoenix and will be the home of the ultimate thrill of victory and the agony of defeat for the remaining four teams of March Madness, as the NCAA Basketball Men’s Final Four and championship games will be held […]