Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
In a new scientific paper, a global group of experts has called for mandating indoor air quality (IAQ) in public buildings and presented a blueprint for national standards. The group is headed by Professor Lidia Morawska, a distinguished professor at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology and vice chancellor fellow at the U.K.’s University of Surrey. […]
As businesses struggle to navigate the hybrid work era, tech firm Cisco has released a new report detailing how the reality of the in-office experience compares to employee expectations around the globe. The report also explores how employers are investing in artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for workplace collaboration and productivity. “Making the […]
Designing indoor spaces that promote mental well-being in the workplace is more than a trend; it is a crucial step toward cultivating a productive and content workforce. Here’s how thoughtful design can create visually appealing and emotionally supportive workspaces, enhancing overall employee well-being. Why Design for Well-Being Our surroundings play a pivotal role in our […]
On March 18, the International Code Council’s (ICC) board of directors made determinations on a series of appeals to the draft 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), thus finalizing the latest model code that sets minimum energy efficiency requirements for new commercial and residential buildings. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit […]
Convention center Wi-Fi networks must support tens of thousands of wireless devices and a multitude of technologies. The hundreds of venues in the United States typically accommodate several thousand attendees, whether they are there for a business conference, cheer competition, fishing expo, or other major event. Why It Matters Modern convention centers and other large-scale […]
Building information modeling (BIM), a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, creates a shared knowledge resource for information, making it easier for facilities managers to make decisions, according to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG notes that while some might think of BIM as just 3D modeling and […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $425 million in funding to help reduce industrial emissions and advance clean energy manufacturing in coal communities across the country. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and managed by the Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), the Advanced Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program will support small […]
Facilities professionals involved with the new construction and renovation of commercial, industrial, educational, and governmental properties should be familiar with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and their importance. Understanding and using GFCIs can help protect against electrocution and reduce the chances of fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. What Are GFCIs? According to the […]
Facilities professionals whose human resources (HR) departments have pet-friendly policies should retrofit their buildings to make them more accommodating for felines, canines, and their owners. Owners Miss Their Pets The trend toward more pet-friendly workplaces comes after more than 23 million American households acquired a cat or dog between March 2020 and May 2021, during […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), and U.K.-based Building Research Establishment (BRE) announced an alliance to help unlock the sustainable finance needed for the built environment to play its role in meeting global climate goals. According to the green building certification groups, the international alliance will work to ensure investors, property owners, […]