Tag: EPA

Back to Basics: 7 Interior Places to Tackle for Spring Cleaning

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, governmental, commercial, industrial, or recreational. While some organizations contract out their cleaning work, other organizations leave it up to […]

EPA Names Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants of 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector. Together, these facilities prevented more than 8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the emissions from […]

Advantages and Challenges of Green Roofs

Green roofs, also known as rooftop gardens, are planted over a waterproofing membrane and cover a facility’s roof with vegetation. Facilities managers should consider green roofs for stormwater management and energy savings, as well as to provide rooftop gardens, educational spaces, and urban food production. Facilities managers should also consider incorporating green roofs into new […]

EPA Announces $3 Billion to Help U.S. Ports Cut Emissions

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 […]

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Facility

Facilities professionals should choose the right type of paint for their commercial, industrial, educational, and governmental buildings, taking into consideration its appearance and durability. No matter what option you choose, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends reading all instructions, selecting products that don’t emit harmful vapors, and providing adequate ventilation through open windows and […]

Company Officials Sentenced to Federal Prison over Deadly Facility Explosion

A Wisconsin federal judge has sentenced six Didion Milling Inc. officials for their role in a fatal explosion at a facility operated by the corn milling company in 2017. “These defendants put Didion workers in grave danger, and five people tragically lost their lives, devastating their families and their community,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. […]

EPA Names First ENERGY STAR-Certified Auto Dealerships

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is recognizing eight vehicle dealerships for being the first to earn its ENERGY STAR certification for superior energy performance. Vehicle dealerships that earn the ENERGY STAR use significantly less energy—and contribute fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—than their peers. “Reducing energy use in commercial buildings is an essential part of […]

EPA Awards Nearly $11M to Help Community Buildings Combat Wildfire Smoke

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 […]

EPA Offers $32 Million to Help Schools Boost Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of up to $32 million to address indoor air pollution at K-12 schools in “overburdened communities.” The announcement comes just days after the EPA awarded nearly $1 billion for zero- and low-emission school buses. This new funding opportunity is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and […]

Radon and Health Impacts: New Initiatives to Stop a Silent Killer

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. January is National Radon Action Month. Each year, about 21,000 people in the U.S. die as a result of exposure to high levels of radon gas. While these deaths include victims of all ages […]