Category: Energy Management and Lighting

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 27, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 27, 2024

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 […]

Think Big Picture When Evaluating Point Solutions vs. a BMS

By Joël Désiré & Michael Westerfield, Distech Controls Sep 26, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 26, 2024

It might surprise some to learn that building management systems (BMS) are not a 21st-century invention. The initial rudimentary BMS originated nearly 150 years ago with the development of the first thermostats used to manage boiler room temperatures. Building management has evolved extensively over the decades, from compressed air apparatus to electric to the now […]

Drone inspecting a construction workplace

Top Uses of Drones and Robots for Facilities

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Sep 25, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 25, 2024

Futuristic technology is proving that it can create efficiencies for building operations, and facilities managers are finding ways to incorporate it into their tasks. But while many facilities managers may be knowledgeable about the Internet of Things (IoT), building information modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), new sustainability measures, and cloud-based solutions, there could be some […]

National September 11 Memorial & Museum Completes Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrade

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 24, 2024 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Sep 24, 2024

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the completed installation of energy-efficient LED lights throughout the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Located at the World Trade Center in New York City and opened in 2014, the museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting […]

Smart Building Technologies for Healthier Indoor Environments

By Miles Oliver, Contributing Writer Sep 18, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 18, 2024

Smart buildings today are far more than a token contribution to sustainability or a clever way to save energy—they positively impact health, safety, and comfort. This shift in how we design and operate buildings comes as research increasingly links indoor environmental quality (IEQ) to human well-being and productivity. Modern technologies offer powerful tools to meet […]

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 16, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 16, 2024

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 13, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 13, 2024

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 […]

Connecting the Dots: How Tech Can Boost Visibility and Autonomy in School Operations

By Raj Subramanian, Facilio Aug 22, 2024 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Aug 22, 2024

In 2018, a third of Baltimore’s schools closed due to heating issues. In 2019, schools in Providence, R.I., faced leaking sewage and contaminated drinking water. These aren’t signs of low funding—average U.S. public school spending per pupil actually rose 8.9% to $15,633 in fiscal year 2022. So, what’s the problem? Research paints a clear picture. […]

The Role of People Counters in Smart Building Management

By Chester Avey, Contributing Writer Aug 13, 2024 Access Control

Updated: Aug 13, 2024

Smart building technologies have revolutionized how facilities managers approach efficiency, safety, and productivity. The increasing popularity of smart buildings has illustrated a pressing need to adapt to the changing needs of individuals and businesses in an ever-evolving industry. Among the many innovations that have gained traction in recent years, people counting systems have emerged as […]

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Plan to Decarbonize Buildings in America

By Katherine Kaplan, U.S. Department of Energy Aug 12, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Aug 13, 2024

As a nation, our buildings will play a pivotal role in achieving our clean energy future. Buildings are where we live, work, and play—so it makes sense that we spend 90% of our time in buildings and that our buildings use a substantial amount of energy. Residential and commercial buildings are among the largest sources […]