Tag: commercial buildings

Sustainable Waste Solutions: Practical Strategies for Facilities Management

By Perry Moss, Quest Resource Management Group Mar 25, 2025 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Mar 25, 2025

Facilities managers play a vital role in advancing sustainability and minimizing waste within commercial and industrial environments while managing tight budgets. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, managers must identify cost-effective waste management solutions that do not compromise financial stability. Innovative approaches can significantly enhance environmental stewardship while ensuring fiscal responsibility. According to the […]

The Future of the Buildings Industry: 5 Trends Shaping 2025 and Beyond

By Brent Lowe & Michael Westerfield, Acuity Brands Mar 17, 2025 Data Centers

Updated: Mar 17, 2025

The commercial building management industry is poised for transformation as advanced technologies and data-driven insights redefine building management. Mastering these resources is more critical than ever, considering that 80% of buildings operating in cities today are expected to still exist in 2050. Facilities management is increasingly a strategic area for organizations. However, facilities managers, whether […]

Back to Basics: Electric Heater Safety in the Workplace

By Ali Hickerson, Contributing Writer Feb 17, 2025 Back to Basics

Updated: Feb 17, 2025

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know.  Another winter, another story of electric space heaters being recalled or starting fires. Newer electric heaters include a host of precautionary safety measures, but older models might be carried into your facility by a chilly colleague who […]

Industry Outlook Highlights Interior Design Trends for 2025

By Joe Bebon, Editor Feb 3, 2025 Design and Construction

Updated: Feb 3, 2025

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) has released its 2025 Trends Outlook report, offering a comprehensive analysis of the evolving forces shaping the interior design landscape. Addressing changes in lifestyles, wellness, technology, the workforce, and the economy, the report explores a growing focus on creating environments that inspire joy, foster well-being, and harmonize sustainability […]

DOE Launches Tax Deduction Tools for Energy-Efficient Commercial Building Upgrades

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 16, 2025 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Jan 16, 2025

Thinking about making energy upgrades at your facility? Try cashing in on tax deductions! The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released the 179D Portal, which hosts two free tools to estimate potential federal tax deductions for installing eligible energy-efficient technologies in commercial buildings. Intended for commercial building owners, as well as designers of energy-efficient upgrades for […]

Is 3D Printing the Future of Facility Construction?

By Zachary Mannheimer, Alquist 3D Jan 15, 2025 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 22, 2025

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. The construction industry stands at a transformative juncture. After years of technological advancements in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and telecommunications, construction is finally getting the innovative lift it deserves. At the heart of […]

The Danger of Radon in Commercial Facilities: How to Detect and Mitigate

By Insoo Park, Founder & CEO, Ecosense Jan 3, 2025 Safety

Updated: Jan 3, 2025

Editor’s note: Originally published in 2022, this article is being reposted in recognition of National Radon Action Month. January is National Radon Action Month. When you say the word “radon,” most people probably think about residential homes. The majority of people probably never hear of radon until they buy or sell a house. But, the […]

The Rise of Commercial Building Electrification

By Joe Bebon, Editor Dec 24, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Dec 24, 2024

Demand for commercial building electrification has been growing over the past decade as organizations aim to reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient. By electrifying systems such as HVAC, water heating, and cooking, building owners and organizations have been able to achieve benefits such as increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and safer […]

The Rise of Office-to-Amenity Conversions in Commercial Real Estate

By Tiffany Hughes, FCA Nov 14, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 14, 2024

Offices are increasingly vacant. According to Moody’s Q2 2024 CRE trend report, office vacancy rates have exceeded 20% this year as businesses reduce their space or leave the office entirely, driven by the continued demand for hybrid work. In response, building owners and facility leaders are under increased pressure to offer enhanced amenities, to help […]

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 […]