Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual Top 10 list of U.S. states LEED-ing the way on green buildings, with Massachusetts taking the top spot in 2024. The USGBC ranking is based on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified gross square footage per capita over the past year. The LEED rating system […]
It’s always difficult to foresee what will happen with any new administration, but experts had a little more certainty than normal when President Donald Trump returned to the White House this month. Following Trump’s re-election, there were mixed reactions regarding whether his new administration’s policies will benefit the facilities management industry as a whole. The […]
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 […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications are rapidly expanding across industries, and the global data center industry plays a critical role in AI adoption and advancement. To meet the exponential data center demand, the sector is expected to grow at a “phenomenal pace” in 2025. That’s according to JLL’s 2025 Global Data Center Outlook, which explores how AI is […]
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 […]
Calvert County Public Schools in Maryland announced that its new Beach Elementary School building has been awarded LEED Silver status in recognition of the sustainable practices used during construction. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is among the most widely used green building […]
The power demands of artificial intelligence (AI) are growing exponentially, with no signs of slowing down. The International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that by 2026, power consumption related to AI, cryptocurrency, and the data centers necessary to power our increasingly automated world could double. AI-driven demand is only one cause of rising energy prices. Power […]
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, in partnership with DLR Group, has achieved one of highest honors in sustainable building design, becoming the first museum in the United States to earn LEED v4 BD+C NC Platinum certification. A prestigious status designated by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED, or Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design, is […]
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 U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will offer $90 million for facility upgrades that improve health, safety, and energy costs in K-12 public schools across America. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this third round of funding builds on $178 million awarded in 2023 and […]