Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
It might surprise some to learn that building management systems (BMS) are not a 21st-century invention. The initial rudimentary BMS originated nearly 150 years ago with the development of the first thermostats used to manage boiler room temperatures. Building management has evolved extensively over the decades, from compressed air apparatus to electric to the now […]
Smart building technologies have revolutionized how facilities managers approach efficiency, safety, and productivity. The increasing popularity of smart buildings has illustrated a pressing need to adapt to the changing needs of individuals and businesses in an ever-evolving industry. Among the many innovations that have gained traction in recent years, people counting systems have emerged as […]
The proliferation of technology is here to stay—and not just in the classroom. More and more K-12 schools around the country are embedding technology into their buildings, from smart HVAC systems that optimize energy usage to automated security protocols for student safety. This transition isn’t just about embracing the latest gadgets. It’s about fundamentally reshaping […]
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. […]
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 […]
Smart technology has been on the rise in recent years. Data collected by Google shows that 61% of people now own a smart device like a virtual assistant, smartwatch, or smart TV. The trend towards increased smart-tech adoption applies to businesses, too. Google data shows that industry leaders are 1.5 times as likely to utilize […]
Smart buildings are modern structures engineered to automate various functions, rendering daily operations more efficient, safe, and cost-effective. This shift towards intelligent infrastructure is particularly noticeable in the corporate sector, offering a blend of architectural intelligence, energy conservation, and streamlined operational management. This article explores the various advantages that smart buildings bring to the corporate […]
A new report from consultancy Guidehouse Insights assesses the competitive landscape in the intelligent building software market and ranks the top 10 vendors. Intelligent building solutions are a steadily growing market segment as commercial building owners and managers adopt new technologies for reducing energy use and carbon emissions, increasing building efficiency, and satisfying tenant demands for comfort, […]
Business leaders are itching to solve the labor shortage puzzle—and for good reason. In critical trades like plumbing, HVAC, construction, and manufacturing, there’s been a 70% decline in labor force participation since the end of 2019 due to the aging workforce. Today, the average facility worker is 51 years old. As older employees retire, there […]
In our daily lives, we all desire safety and comfort within the spaces we inhabit, be it at work, at home, or during leisure activities. However, the importance of building maintenance management often goes unnoticed until an issue arises. This article aims to shed light on the significance of building maintenance management by providing an […]