Category: Maintenance and Operations

Unlocking Efficiency: Navigating the Future with Facility Automation

By Paul Phillips, Chief Technology Officer, Eptura Feb 6, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Feb 6, 2024

The shift towards hybrid work has revolutionized workplace dynamics, prompting operational leaders to adapt swiftly. With this evolution, employees have presented diverse demands, compelling leaders to leverage workplace technology for precise metrics. This technological utilization is not solely for convenience; it has become integral for managing facilities and strategizing space allocation effectively. Interpreting these metrics […]

CBRE Inks Billion-Dollar Deal to Acquire Facility Services Provider J&J Worldwide

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 5, 2024 Human Resources

Updated: Feb 5, 2024

CBRE Group Inc. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire J&J Worldwide Services—a provider of engineering services, base support operations, and facilities maintenance for the U.S. federal government—from private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners. CBRE, one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firms, said the deal will expand the Dallas-based company’s […]

Is Your Facility Prepared for the Next Big Freeze?

By Ted Cabaniss, QBE North America Feb 5, 2024 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Feb 5, 2024

The 2022 holiday season across the Southern U.S. was disrupted by an Arctic blast on Dec. 24 that exploded across Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana, delivering sub-freezing conditions that lasted for several consecutive days to a region where temperatures normally drop below 32°C for just a few hours. Old Man Winter came to visit and […]

Exterior LED Lighting Upgrade Takes Off at Milwaukee Airport

By Bob Tortorello, Optec LED Lighting Feb 2, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 2, 2024

Energy use is a significant percentage of an airport’s operating costs—as much as 10-15% of these facilities’ entire operating budget. Upgrading to LED luminaires greatly reduces airports’ energy consumption because, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, they use up to 75% less energy than traditional luminaires. LED luminaires also reduce maintenance costs because they […]

Survey Shows How Americans View Handwashing and Public Restrooms

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 2, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 2, 2024

According to the Healthy Handwashing Survey conducted by Bradley, Americans implement handwashing on an “as-needed basis.” Case in point, 74% wash their hands more frequently or more thoroughly in response to seasonal virus outbreaks and 54% increase their handwashing activity when they’re sick. In addition, 77% make it a point to wash up when on […]

The Future of Open Floor Plans: Achieving Flexibility Without Employee Backlash

By Mike Szczesny, EDCO Awards & Specialties Feb 1, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 1, 2024

Cubicles and closed-off spaces in workplaces are outdated. Today, many businesses prefer open floor plans over private work zones. While open spaces are great for collaboration, they also have some drawbacks. How can you enhance the flexibility of open floor plans, boost employee well-being, and mitigate the drawbacks? Here are some ideas to consider. The […]

FAA Awards Over $240 Million in Airport Infrastructure Grants

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 1, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 1, 2024

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded $243.7 million in Airport Infrastructure Grants under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The $243.7 million includes 150 grants in 37 states to modernize airport infrastructure and improve runway safety. “We saw a record number of passengers fly during the recent holiday season, and we can […]

FEMA Expands Disaster Relief Funding to Include Net-Zero Energy Projects

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 31, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 31, 2024

For the first time, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will fund net-zero energy projects through its Public Assistance grant program, which covers the rebuilding of schools, hospitals, fire stations, and other community infrastructure investments post-disaster. FEMA is also funding net-zero energy projects for its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and now offers incentives through its […]

Creating a Safe Workplace for Winter: Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Jan 30, 2024 Grounds Management

Updated: Jan 30, 2024

While some might enjoy walking in a winter wonderland, if facilities managers aren’t careful, their employees’ journey could include slip, trip, and fall injuries, which can be costly for employers and employees. However, there are ways to be prepared for what Mother Nature has in store. What Are Slips, Trips, and Falls? The Occupational Safety […]

Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps Represent Major Opportunity for U.S. Building Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 29, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050. “To put that in context, 593 terawatt-hours is about 15% […]