Category: Maintenance and Operations

New Terms to Ensure Effective Cleaning

Have you heard of the term “indiscriminate disinfecting?” What about the term “hygiene theater” or “Safety First”? These are all terms that have evolved since the beginning of the pandemic. Because the pandemic has likely changed professional cleaning forever, these are terms that facility managers (FMs) who work with and hire cleaning professionals need to […]

Mass. Investing Millions in Facility Upgrades for Public Higher Education

In Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito administration recently announced investments totaling more than $120 million to four public colleges and universities to renovate and expand campus facilities that further students’ skills in STEM fields. An additional $400 million will be invested over the next five years for critical building infrastructure. Salem State University, Massasoit Community College, Springfield […]

U.S. Dominates List of World’s Top 10 Busiest Airports

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport regained its title as the world’s busiest airport for passenger traffic in 2021, after losing the top spot to China’s Guangzhou Bai Yun International Airport in 2020, according to a new report from the Airports Council International (ACI) World. The trade association’s report, which lists the top 10 busiest airports worldwide for […]

Energy Department Announces $500M for School Upgrades

As part of the new Biden-Harris Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released a Request for Information (RFI) for a $500 million grant program from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for K-12 public school energy upgrades. According to the DOE, the program will help deliver cleaner and healthier classrooms, […]

How FMs Can Maximize Effectiveness in Hybrid Work Environments

In these pandemic days, everyone is talking about hybrid workplace arrangements. Nearly three-fourths of companies say they’re using or planning to use a hybrid work model, yet few articles are discussing how hybrid work will affect the role of facility managers. Hybrid working affects facility managers’ jobs in unique ways, and they will need to know how […]

Top 50 U.S. Cities for Termites, a.k.a. ‘Wood-Eating Machines’

There seems to be a changing of the guard, as the city of Angels has apparently become the city of… termites? Pest control specialist Orkin revealed Los Angeles is claiming the top spot for the first time on the company’s annual Top 50 Termites Cities list. Miami, the historic frontrunner, has fallen to second place, […]

Biggest Challenges for Facilities Managers in 2022

With the arrival of 2022, the world has begun to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and many things have changed about the way we live. This sweeping change has clearly created challenges in virtually every industry and every workplace, and this is certainly true for facilities managers. Of course, it is worth pointing out that […]

Eco-Friendly Pest Control for Landscaping

An eco-friendly pest control plan is the best way to ensure your landscaping remains pest-free and has the healthiest impact on your building, employees, and the environment. Whether you’ve dealt with ineffective pest control methods in the past or you’re proactively looking to keep critters and pests at bay, opting for an eco-friendly route can […]

cleaning

Back to Basics: Cleaning, Disinfecting, or Sanitizing? What’s Right for Your Facility?

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know.  It’s important to properly clean, disinfect, and sanitize to make buildings healthy. There is some confusion among the three terms, but it’s important to focus on cleaning and disinfecting unless your facility or local, state, or […]

What Are Healthy Buildings?

As we head into Healthy Buildings Week here at Facilities Management Advisor, one might ask: “What are healthy buildings?” Healthy buildings involve a variety of categories, including design, cleaning protocols, ventilation, water quality, safety and security, clear communication and signage, encouragement of active occupants, and certification programs. Healthy buildings take on added importance as many workers […]