Category: Maintenance and Operations

Updated ASHRAE Building Efficiency Standard Shifts Focus to Decarbonization

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released the latest version of its energy efficiency standard for existing buildings, with an expanded focus to incorporate building decarbonization. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2024, Energy and Emissions Building Performance Standard for Existing Buildings is a code-ready building performance standard that provides processes and procedures for reducing energy consumption […]

Companies Prioritize Shared Office Space in the Age of Hybrid Work

In 2023, 90% of companies offered some level of hybrid work, according to a new survey from CBRE. The adoption of hybrid work is driving companies to lease less space and redesign their offices to be more effective for employees, with space changes varying by industry. The annual survey reflects workplace and occupancy insights from 66 […]

Net-Zero Commercial Building Market Poised for Dramatic Growth: Report

The market for net-zero commercial buildings is expected to grow dramatically over the next decade, largely due to the implementation of net-zero building codes by national and state governments across Europe and North America. According to a new report from Guidehouse Insights, the number of net-zero commercial buildings around the world is estimated to be nearly 500 in […]

How a Visitor Management System Can Solve Facility Problems

Visitor management is an important part of making a great first impression on your visitors, as well as protecting their privacy and increasing safety. Facilities managers should therefore work with security leaders to implement a modern visitor management solution (VMS) that would adequately greet, process, and monitor those entering your facility. How Should It Be […]

3 Essential Tools for Maintaining Air Quality in Mold Remediation

Although molds are an important part of the environment, their growth indoors can wreak havoc and cause serious issues. And these problems happen fast. Unforeseen incidents like pipe leaks and natural disasters like floods can create standing water, which enables mold to grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Because of its rapid […]

Plumbing Code Violations to Avoid in Your Facility

If you own a hospital, factory, or another large-scale commercial or industrial entity, you likely have a lot on your plate. In addition to making sure that all operations are running smoothly, you also need to worry about the construction and maintenance of your building. While construction and maintenance might not seem like a huge […]

EPA Offers $32 Million to Help Schools Boost Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $32 million to address indoor air pollution at K-12 schools in “overburdened communities.” The announcement comes just days after the EPA awarded nearly $1 billion for zero- and low-emission school buses. This new funding opportunity is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and […]

Report Examines the Rise of Building Digital Twins

A new report from Guidehouse Insights explores the global market for building digital twins. A digital twin is a digital replication of a real-world asset that offers a real-time reflection of the asset’s status. For buildings, this is a three-dimensional model of all building systems and architectural features. According to the report, the building digital twins market […]

FMA Insights: What Does the LEED Update Mean for Facilities Managers?

In September 2023, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) released its highly anticipated draft of LEED version 5, the latest iteration of the world-renowned green building certification. This first update focuses specifically on the operations and maintenance (O&M) of existing buildings. To help us learn more about the update and what it means for facilities […]

EPA Awards Nearly $1 Billion for Green School Bus Fleets

Following “overwhelming demand,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 67 applicants to receive about $965 million in grants through the Clean School Bus Program. That’s more than double the $400 million in grants initially planned when the EPA called for applications in April 2023. The funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, […]