Tag: building design

Building Envelope Upgrade: Can Metal Panels Breathe New Life into Aging Buildings?

By Emily Newton, Contributing Writer Nov 12, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

When upgrading a building’s envelope, facilities managers and designers should use materials created to protect aging structures while modernizing their visual aesthetics. The building enclosure separates the interior from the environment, shielding it from external elements. Most aging structures were created with outdated materials, decreasing their thermal efficiency and providing less protection. Metal panels may […]

New Study Finds Building Collisions Kill A Lot More Birds Than Initially Thought

By Joe Bebon, Editor Aug 9, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Aug 9, 2024

Is your facility a bird-friendly building? If not, what steps can you take to help protect the winged wildlife? A research study published in PLOS ONE has uncovered alarming new evidence that building collisions are killing significantly more birds than previously estimated—well over 1 billion annually in the United States alone. The research, conducted by scientists at American Bird […]

Decarbonization Strategies for the Whole Building Life Cycle

By Edward Benes & Jake Zach, LEO A DALY Aug 8, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Aug 8, 2024

As climate change reshapes our world, the demand for environmentally responsible building practices has never been more urgent, especially given that the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry contributes more than 37% of global carbon emissions. A new focus on sustainable construction is emerging, with a particular emphasis on the critical role of embodied carbon. […]

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

By Joe Bebon, Editor Apr 4, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Apr 4, 2024

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for its draft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 5 (LEED v5), the latest iteration of the globally recognized green building certification. Although the update initially focused on operations and maintenance of existing buildings, it has since been expanded to include […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of February 2024

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 29, 2024 Under Construction

Updated: Apr 4, 2024

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. More Room for Largest HBCU During Black History Month, there were several notable facility projects that honor and benefit the Black community. The list includes the reconstruction of a 1738 fort; plans for a new Jackie Robinson […]

Is Physical Security an Afterthought in Building Design?

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 15, 2024 Access Control

Updated: Feb 15, 2024

Brivo, a provider of cloud-based access control and smart building technologies, announced the results of its research into integrated physical security in building design by architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) practitioners. The report finds that despite an increased commitment to “security-by-design” principles, the industry is still spending significant time and money post-build to fix security […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of January 2024

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 31, 2024 Under Construction

Updated: Mar 1, 2024

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. Hornets Arena Overhaul Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE) has unveiled plans for major renovations at Spectrum Center, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. Dubbed “Re!magine Spectrum Center,” the $215 million project includes a range of fan-focused and […]

Report Examines the Rise of Building Digital Twins

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 12, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Jan 12, 2024

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 […]

Biden Admin Seeks Input on National Definition for Zero-Emissions Buildings

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 5, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 5, 2024

What constitutes a zero-emissions building? The Biden administration is working to create a national, standardized, and verifiable definition for all stakeholders. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has developed Part 1 of a draft national definition for zero-emissions buildings and is now seeking feedback from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders through […]

Green Building Groups Unite Around Common Materials Framework

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 27, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

Leading organizations dedicated to sustainable building practices and impact reduction in the built environment have joined forces to align around the Common Materials Framework (CMF), which establishes a common language for holistic material sustainability in the building industry. The groups include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), […]