Tag: commercial buildings

How California Can Slash Carbon from Building Materials

The carbon emissions associated with materials used in the built environment, referred to as “embodied carbon,” are estimated to contribute up to 11% of all global energy-related carbon emissions. According to a new report from sustainable development consultancy Arup, developed on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California is one of the first states in […]

Facilities Benefit from U.S. Department of Energy Grants

While facilities managers in many governmental entities, organizations, and companies want to make sustainability upgrades to their facilities, many lack the funding or education to do so, but help is available thanks to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant funds, a topic that was discussed during a recent CityAge Houston online event called “Decarbonizing America’s […]

Employee Behavior Has Changed: What Does It Mean for Facility Maintenance?

As the modern workplace has evolved to become more flexible in recent years, the building and facility teams behind these spaces have been pushed to adapt alongside them. With the day-to-day uncertainties of the COVID era largely in the rear view, most organizations have implemented policies to give direction to their workforce on the company’s […]

The Pros and Cons of AI in Facility Management

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 […]

Tile and Grout Cleaning Best Practices: Beyond Appearances

Maintaining clean and hygienic tile and grout surfaces in commercial facilities is essential not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for the overall health and safety of occupants. However, it is crucial to recognize the difference between cleaning for appearances and cleaning for true effectiveness. In this article, we will explore the best practices for […]

Energy Efficiency ‘More Critical Than Ever’ as Power Grid Decarbonizes

As power generation shifts to clean energy, using electricity more efficiently will be critical for reducing costs, averting blackouts, and cutting pollution, according to a new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The group evaluated five U.S. grid regions (California, Texas, the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, and the Midwest) and found that […]

2023 Commercial Building Trends Include AI, Sustainability, and Predictive Maintenance

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate and building management sectors have had the opportunity to adapt and capitalize on new opportunities. Among the various sectors comprising the industry, the U.S. engineering and construction segment has demonstrated impressive growth, with a notable 8% increase in construction spending during the beginning of […]

Back to Basics: Understanding Building Codes

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. As the International Code Council (ICC) celebrates Building Safety Month in May, facilities professionals should understand the importance of constructing and maintaining safe and sustainable structures that follow constantly updated applicable building codes.   These changes […]

energy efficiency

EPA Reveals 2023 Top Cities for ENERGY STAR-Certified Buildings

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its 2023 “Top Cities” list. The latest annual ranking spotlights the cities with the greatest number of ENERGY STAR-certified commercial and multifamily buildings by the end of 2022. Did your city make the list? Coming in at first place for the fourth year in a row, Los […]

The Surprising Connection Between Cholesterol and Electricity—and What It Means for Facilities

For many people, the term “cholesterol” is associated with serious health issues such as heart problems, clogging of the arteries, and stroke. But doctors will tell you that not all cholesterol is created equal. HDL, high-density lipoprotein, is considered by doctors today to be “good” cholesterol, while LDL, low-density lipoprotein, is “bad.” It took doctors […]