Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Although the summer might seem like an odd time to be thinking about heating, it could be the perfect opportunity to get ahead of issues before they arise in the fall and winter months. Choosing heating solutions for warehouses can be a tricky business. These expansive spaces present unique challenges, such as frequent drafts and […]
On July 2, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released text of a proposed heat injury and illness prevention standard. The proposed regulation would contain requirements for water, shade, paid breaks, heat acclimatization, and training. Heat injury and illness prevention requirements would be triggered by a National Weather Service heat index of 80° Fahrenheit (F) or […]
Cooling towers play a critical role in both indoor climate control and process cooling systems. Ensuring a high-quality water supply for these components enhances their efficiency, extends their lifespan, and simplifies maintenance. Municipal-supplied or well water has historically been the most common source of makeup water for evaporative cooling systems. However, concerns related to water […]
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, […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. June is National Safety Month, and in this month’s Back to Basics, we look at workplace heat safety—a major concern not only for those working outdoors but also for indoor workers in facilities with lots of heat. […]
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 […]
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 […]
In Part 2 of our NBA Finals Stadium Series, learn all about the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas, Texas! The stadium is home to the Dallas Mavericks, who will play the Boston Celtics for the 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals. The championship games will be split between the two teams’ home-court venues from […]
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 […]