Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
On April 12, the Biden administration finalized congressionally mandated energy efficiency standards for the most common residential and commercial lightbulbs. The standards will go into effect in July 2028 for newly produced bulbs. Over 30 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) projects the standards will save Americans more than $27 billion on their utility bills […]
In a move aimed at better protecting the health of custodial staff, federal employees, and the environment, the Biden administration is directing government contractors to purchase cleaning products for federal buildings that are free of toxic “forever chemicals.” This change is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Now that spring is here, most of us are looking forward to warmer weather. But first, it’s time for facility spring cleaning! Every facility has its own unique needs based on its type, whether it’s educational, […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched the $3 billion Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission equipment, infrastructure, and climate planning at U.S. ports. According to the EPA, the program is designed to help ports across the country transition to fully zero-emissions operations—serving as a catalyst for transformational change across the freight sector. The funding opportunities were […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected nine applicants throughout the West to receive nearly $11 million in funding through the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program. The new federal program aims to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and […]
Following “overwhelming demand,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected 67 applicants to receive about $965 million in grants through the Clean School Bus Program. That’s more than double the $400 million in grants initially planned when the EPA called for applications in April 2023. The funding is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a proposal to strengthen its Lead and Copper Rule that would require water systems across the country to replace lead service lines within 10 years. The agency is also proposing additional improvements to protect public health, such as lowering the lead action level and improving sampling protocols used by […]
It’s important for facilities to maintain quality drinking water and stormwater not only to protect public health, but also to follow local, state, and federal regulations. Brian Davis, director of enterprise accounts of water quality testing for AQUALIS, gave a presentation titled “Understanding Water Quality Testing for Drinking Water & Stormwater” during Facilities Management Advisor’s […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced 30 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 15 states and the District of Columbia, recognizing their achievements in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of cleaners, detergents, and other products with safer chemicals. The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers of facilities, such as […]
Held on Sept. 26-27, our FM NOW: Emergency Preparedness virtual summit featured information about how crucial it is to plan for various types of hazards, including natural disasters, fires, power outages, and even active shooters. If you missed any of the webinars, here’s a rundown with key takeaways and links to FREE on-demand recordings. Opening […]