Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Return-to-office (RTO) mandates have become a hot topic, with major corporations like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Dell insisting employees work on-site. However, Amazon’s hardline policy on returning to the office or else is being met with resistance, and other companies are considering their options. In a recent Q&A released by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business, Tim […]
Rapid technological advancements have dramatically altered how we live, work, and interact. This sentiment is especially true for facilities managers where digital tools like the Internet of Things (IoT) bring substantial benefits via automation and sensor-enabled intelligence. IoT-powered smart facilities streamline operations, reduce costs, and automate tasks, while meeting demands for sustainability, cleanliness, and seamless […]