Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
For a long time, facility management was a predominantly reactive practice. Major decisions, processes, and activities occurred after the fact. For instance, maintenance would happen reactively, or FMs would take action to remedy situations or improve processes only after they observed a problem in the facility. Doing things this way left too much room for inefficiencies. […]
Considered a rising star in the facilities management industry, Jessica Bickel loves taking on challenges, learning new skills, and making valuable connections. One prominent industry veteran called Bickel “an example of the future of FM.” Bickel currently serves as Facilities Coordinator for Reece Group USA, a Dallas-based supplier of plumbing, kitchen, appliance, and HVAC products […]
While some might think humidity is only a problem in the summer, the wrong amount of humidity in a facility can be an issue year-round. Facilities professionals should therefore ensure their facilities have the correct amount of humidity not just for the comfort of their occupants but also to avoid damage to the building and […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced the ranking of its annual Top 10 States for LEED, with Illinois once again topping the list and demonstrating leadership in green building. Illinois certified 3.16 square feet of building space per person under LEED in 2021. LEED is the world’s most widely used green building program and was created by […]
Facilities management (FM) costs are slated to rise again in 2024 but moderately compared to a spike in 2022, according to a new report from CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business. The report expects FM costs to increase 2.5% in the U.S. in 2024, down from a forecast gain of 3.3% in 2023 and a […]
Cold and cough season is officially here. As a facilities manager, it’s important to implement a rigorous cleaning plan at your building to remove dust, allergens, and infectious agents. It’s equally important to maintain well-stocked restrooms and break rooms, with soap and paper towels, to promote handwashing—one of the first lines of defense we have […]
The summer of 2018 was particularly devastating for much of the wildfire-prone western states. And though the drought has broken in some of the most devastated regions — helping to alleviate some of the immediate danger — wildfire risk remains high in 2019. The lessons learned from battling the Carr and Camp fires can hopefully […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly securing a foothold in the facility management space. A quick Google search for “AI tools for facility management” will produce a host of companies offering AI-driven tools to help with everything from maintenance management to space optimization. Facility managers who are eager to exploit the benefits of AI-driven tools should […]
Honeywell recently released its predictions for emerging trends that will help shape building operations and technologies in 2023 and beyond. Top company experts revealed insights on opportunities to make buildings more sustainable, safer, and occupant focused. Honeywell’s predictions for 2023 include both ongoing and burgeoning trends: The Acceleration of the ‘Electrify Everything’ Movement Communities across the […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. During a fire or another emergency, your employees need a clear exit route and clearly marked and unlocked exit doors. Your employees’ exit route must remain unobstructed by equipment or stored items, and employees must be […]