Category: Maintenance and Operations

GSA Adopts New Accessibility Guidelines for Federal Buildings

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a final rule amending the Federal Management Regulation to adopt the new accessibility guidelines issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board). The Access Board’s guidelines establish that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way dedicated to transportation are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The […]

Making the Case for Infrared Heating Solutions in Warehouses

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 […]

5 Ways to Use Your Surveillance Cameras Beyond Security

Over several decades, surveillance systems have evolved from recording and storing footage for playback later, to smart solutions enabling active security. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) has eliminated the need for someone to sit there reviewing hours’ worth of footage (if they even know what they’re looking for), and even then, if criminal activity […]

EPA Orders Ohio Schools to Address Asbestos and Lead Paint Hazards

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Accel Schools Ohio LLC to address lead paint concerns and asbestos at three of its schools in Ohio: Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy, and STEAM Academy of Warren. Accel is a public charter school system that operates 77 in-person charter schools, primarily in Ohio, and 15 […]

3 Top Tech Trends for Facilities Management

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 […]

IFMA Welcomes 2024-25 Global Board of Directors

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the member-elected executive committee and appointees to its global board of directors for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Effective July 1, Lynn Baez, FMP, SFP, IFMA Fellow, will lead the board as chair. She is joined by First Vice Chair Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ-OE, and Second […]

Incorporating Sustainable Solutions for Facilities

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 […]

Bringing Facilities Management and Logistics Together with a CMMS

This year marks the sixth-annual celebration of National Logistics Day on June 28—an occasion meant to highlight the essential role logistics teams play in the world’s economies and communities. Working together with facilities managers, logistics professionals serve as the backbone of international commerce, ensuring the safe storage and efficient movement of goods all across the […]

Survey Shows Why Clean, Touchless Restrooms Are Good for Business

In a recent survey by Bradley Company, nearly 70% of Americans reported having a particularly unpleasant experience in a public restroom due to the poor condition of the facility. The top restroom aggravations include clogged or unflushed toilets, unpleasant smells, and an old, dirty, or unkempt appearance. Unfortunately, businesses that neglect restroom cleaning and maintenance […]

Pros and Cons of Cooling System Water Sources and Treatment Options

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 […]