Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
North American tech companies, once the vanguard of workplace innovation, are still catching up to new work patterns. With average peak utilization not exceeding 34% in tech offices, up to $40 million in rent costs are wasted annually on underused space. That’s according to a new report from international design practice Hassell and workplace analytics company Density. The State […]
Is money going down the drain at your facilities? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its WaterSense program has made it easier for businesses and consumers to save trillions of gallons of water. In 2023 alone, WaterSense-labeled products helped save 1.2 trillion gallons of water. Since the conception of the WaterSense label, the EPA […]
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 […]
The American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, recently completed the reaccreditation process for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. The sports arena, home of the NHL’s Dallas Stars and the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, joined more than 100 facilities across the globe in renewing its GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation during […]
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 […]
Restroom experiences can significantly influence the perception of a business or commercial facility. Think of a time you may have encountered an out-of-order toilet, messy sink, or empty soap or paper towel dispensers, and how that created a negative experience, or left a lasting impression of neglect or poor management. Poorly kept restrooms can undermine […]
Now is the perfect time to do groundskeeping projects on college and university campuses since classes are done for the spring semester and the warm summer weather is here. Facilities managers should consider inspecting all areas of their campuses to determine what needs to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded. Whether your facilities management team handles […]