Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Three words have always been considered the keys to real estate success: location, location, location. While location is still important, two new words, energy efficiency, have become essential as well, not only to property owners but to tenants too. Energy efficient buildings not only save money, they also support corporate sustainability programs and can help […]
The electrical grid in the United States – including generation, transmission, and distribution – is based on alternating current (AC). However, an increasing number of devices required by modern life (e.g. computers, mobile devices, and LED lights) run on direct current (DC), requiring that the power be converted before it can be used. As it currently […]
Energy efficiency is one of the top concerns of facilities management professionals, and a recent proposal from the Department of Energy (DOE) may influence how lighting products are defined under certain regulations. The DOE is proposing to withdraw a rule issued in the final days of the Obama administration that expanded the definition of general […]
OSHA’s illumination standards for construction (29 CFR 1926.56) and shipyard employment (29 CFR 1915.82) set minimum lighting requirements in terms of foot-candles, a term that has been somewhat indistinct for employers and one that OSHA itself has acknowledged does not provide clear direction on how much light is needed for specific tasks.
The new year has arrived, so let the predicting begin! In this infographic, the Professional Retail Store Maintenance Association (PRSM) presents their predictions based on their 2019 Trends Report about what retail facilities managers can expect for the coming year. Some follow already in-process trends, such as an increase in mixed-use spaces, while others, like […]
For building and facility owners or managers striving to meet fire and safety codes, new “dual technology” exit signs are combining the efficiency of LED lighting with revolutionary new photoluminescent materials to increase reliability and performance over decades of use.
Facility managers are tasked with a great deal, beyond simply keeping the doors open and lights on. With the cost of energy on the rise, it’s becoming more important to account for spending on utilities while increasing the overall energy efficiency of the facility. This infographic provides some tips to help you move towards a […]
Using ambient air to cool and condense steam at electric power plants is a costly alternative to water cooling, however, energy companies are gradually adopting dry cooling according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Dry cooling or hybrid cooling—a combination of air and water—occurs in 3% of all U.S. thermoelectric generating capacity, says the […]
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is an internationally recognized, third-party green building certification system. The LEED certification program operates under the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and focuses on recognizing eco-friendly design and construction decisions.