Tag: decarbonization

Leveraging Data for ESG Success: Critical Steps Toward Net-Zero Emissions

In 2022, the Biden administration announced the first Federal Building Performance Standard, a set of steps aimed at reducing energy consumption and electrifying equipment and appliances in federal buildings by 2030. While this plan represents significant strides toward sustainability, the path to carbon neutrality remains less defined. As climate change drives devastating global risks, including […]

The Rise of Commercial Building Electrification

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 […]

EPA Awards Over $735M for Green School Buses, Other Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 70 applicants across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory have been tentatively selected to receive over $735 million to assist in the purchase of over 2,400 zero-emission vehicles through its first-ever Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program. The majority of the funding will go toward adopting […]

N.Y. Hospital Cuts Carbon and Costs with Energy Efficiency Upgrades

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced it installed a suite of energy efficiency upgrades at Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH), an academic medical center on Long Island, N.Y. Totaling nearly $20 million, the projects directly support BuildSmart 2025, a statewide energy efficiency program administered by NYPA aimed at reducing energy usage in state facilities […]

JLL Report: $1 Trillion Needed to Revitalize Office Space at Risk of Obsolescence

Of the 776 million square meters of existing office space across 66 markets globally, about half of that space, or 322-425 million square meters, is likely to require substantial investment to remain viable in the near term—an investment of approximately $933 billion-$1.2 trillion in spending. That’s according to JLL’s latest research, “Opportunity Through Obsolescence.” The […]

National September 11 Memorial & Museum Completes Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrade

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced the completed installation of energy-efficient LED lights throughout the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Located at the World Trade Center in New York City and opened in 2014, the museum tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, presenting […]

ASHRAE Program Certifies Inaugural Group of Decarbonization Professionals

In facilities management, industry certifications can be a great way to expand your expertise, advance your career, and stand out to current and future employers. Several organizations already offer a number of certifications to consider, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is adding another to the list. ASHRAE is proud […]

Biden Admin Finalizes National Definition for Zero-Emissions Buildings

After receiving public input, the Biden administration has revealed the highly anticipated, finalized version of its National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the standardized definition will help advance industry efforts to decarbonize the buildings sector, which is responsible for more than one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas […]

Expert Q&A: What Will It Take to Make Net-Zero Buildings a Reality?

Did you know buildings account for a whopping 37% of all carbon emissions in the world? In order to combat climate change, countries have set a global goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and in order to help save money and the planet, corporations and other organizations have set sustainability targets of their own. […]

AI Is Key to Hitting ESG Targets for Commercial Real Estate

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. As climate risk grows, so does the urgency around sustainability. 2023 was a year of record-breaking climate events, from sustained warming above 1.5°C to billion-dollar climate loss events. It was also a year marked […]