Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $18.5 million awarded to four states and 20 local governments through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. Applications remain open for future rounds of funding. Governments receiving awards will use program funds to conduct energy assessments and efficiency upgrades at community centers and schools, install solar […]
Driving efficiency is a competitive imperative in the modern-day market. Facilities management is, for many, a large component of a significantly larger initiative. The pursuit of creating a business environment where systems work in tandem to ensure productivity, employee comfort, and process optimization has nearly universal appeal. However, instituting a cohesive facility optimization strategy can […]
As the electric grid gets more taxed, more facilities are implementing on-site solar technologies not just to help reduce the load but also to increase their sustainability. Meanwhile, some facilities need adequate battery storage during power outages and enough capacity to handle electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These issues and more were discussed during a panel […]
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced plans to invest $80 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into smart building technologies that will help reduce emissions, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance comfort across an estimated 560 federal buildings. The GSA said the investments, impacting 49 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, […]
The proliferation of technology is here to stay—and not just in the classroom. More and more K-12 schools around the country are embedding technology into their buildings, from smart HVAC systems that optimize energy usage to automated security protocols for student safety. This transition isn’t just about embracing the latest gadgets. It’s about fundamentally reshaping […]
Light plays a critical role in our ability to see via day and night vision. But just as important, nonvisual receptors in the eye regulate our internal body clock, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Traditional lighting design primarily focuses on visual comfort, ambiance, and task illumination. However, recent scientific studies and technological advancements have introduced […]
On this latest episode of FMA Shorts, Phil Zito, CEO of Smart Buildings Academy and host of the Smart Buildings Academy Podcast, lists some top funding options for facility tech upgrades. This clip was taken from a webinar titled “Facilities 2.0: Thriving in an Era of Rising Operational Costs.” The full session is available for […]
After receiving public input, the Biden administration has revealed the highly anticipated, finalized version of its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the standardized definition will help advance industry efforts to decarbonize the buildings sector, which is responsible for more than one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas […]
The Boston Celtics will play the Dallas Mavericks for the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, split between the two teams’ home-court venues, between June 6 and June 23 in a best-of-seven series. Games 1 and 2 (and games 5 and 7, if necessary) will be played at the Celtics home court at the TD […]
Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly generative AI (GenAI), is quickly and quietly revolutionizing facilities management. More and more, facilities managers are harnessing AI for rapid, informed building operations decisions and leveraging GenAI to boost operational efficiency. Rooted in automation, AI’s potential to save thousands of working hours across an entire workforce has mass appeal, helping to […]