Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
At the forefront of all facilities managers’ minds is the importance of reaching energy efficiency goals in the near term. All levels of government in the public sector, along with large companies of all sizes in the private sector, have set goals and expectations across the board to reduce carbon emissions, with the ultimate goal […]
Twenty-five of the world’s leading building industry organizations, including ASHRAE and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), have issued a joint statement to government representatives attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27). Titled “Building Industry Steps Up to Address Climate Change,” the statement serves as a pledge from the signatories that they will […]
In August, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received $5 million from Congress under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for programs to boost voluntary corporate climate reporting while the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ramps up for legal battles regarding its upcoming mandatory climate change reporting rules. To report or not to report Many […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a Notice of Intent (NOI) to provide $225 million for states and local governments to expand the implementation of the latest building energy codes and support the development of buildings that use less energy. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Building Energy Codes: Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation […]
A forthcoming proposed rule from the Biden administration will require contractors supplying goods and services to the federal government to disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other climate-related risks. The rule follows similar requirements proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to the disclosure of climate change risks. The proposed changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation […]
In honor of Net Zero Buildings Week June 13-17, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) highlighted a milestone reflecting the growing demand for net zero buildings: The organization announced nearly 100 net zero certifications have been earned under the LEED Zero program, representing more than 23 million square feet of space. One-fourth of LEED Zero […]
Universities across the country are embracing solar energy to help power their campuses, become more sustainable, and save money. Proving that point, here are three major announcements U.S. universities made in late May alone. Brigham Young University–Hawaii Brigham Young University–Hawaii announced completion of a campus-wide renewable energy system that includes rooftop solar, carport solar, and […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a total $15.3 billion in energy savings through the Better Buildings Initiative, a public-private partnership with more than 900 businesses, state and local governments, utilities, housing authorities, and other organizations across the United States pursuing ambitious energy, waste, water, and/or greenhouse gas reduction goals and sharing their solutions. […]
Countless studies have found that good indoor air quality is critical for facility occupants’ health. But are your facilities, themselves, located in a region with a dangerous amount of outside air pollution to combat? The American Lung Association has released its 23rd annual “State of the Air” report card, which tracks and grades Americans’ exposure […]
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and U.S. airports have launched an Airport Climate Challenge to help achieve the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Airports can take advantage of several FAA funding programs to meet this goal, including grants for low- or zero-emissions vehicles, renewable energy production, energy assessments […]