Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced 26 Safer Choice Partner of the Year award winners across 14 states and the District of Columbia, recognizing their achievements in the design, manufacture, selection, and use of products with safer chemicals. The Safer Choice program helps consumers and purchasers for facilities, such as schools and office […]
Facilities professionals know what a problem pests can be for the commercial properties they manage. To control pests, which could affect the cleanliness, appearance, and safety of facilities, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that professionals implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, an environmentally friendly and commonsense approach that could apply to any […]
On Aug. 16, President Joe Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), a comprehensive package that includes nearly $370 billion in historic climate and energy investments. “The Inflation Reduction Act invests $369 billion to take the most aggressive action ever—ever, ever, ever—in confronting the climate crisis,” said Biden. U.S. Environmental Protection […]
As a new academic year begins, the Biden administration has issued a back-to-school fact sheet highlighting guidance and resources available to help protect students and staff from COVID-19 spread and keep schools safely open all year long. The fact sheet calls for vaccination, testing, and improved indoor air quality. It also notes actions the administration […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its annual “Top Cities” list, spotlighting the cities with the greatest number of ENERGY STAR certified commercial and multifamily buildings in 2021. Los Angeles leads with nearly 650 ENERGY STAR certified buildings. Close behind is Washington, D.C., with nearly 500 buildings, followed by Atlanta in third place. […]
Based on inspections over the last several years, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found many chemical storage and distribution facilities “are not developing safety precautions; instituting maintenance, monitoring, and employee training measures; and preparing risk management plans to remain in compliance with Clean Air Act (CAA) and Emergency Planning and Community Right to […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have announced the winners of the 2022 ENERGY STAR Awards. These 210 organizations, which represent the top ENERGY STAR partners, are making important contributions in support of America’s clean energy transition. They come from 37 states and span nearly every sector of the economy, including Fortune 500 […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Facility professionals looking to have the most energy-efficient facilities should consider purchasing ENERGY STAR products and getting certified through the ENERGY STAR program. Sites eligible to participate in the program include manufacturing, industrial, commercial, and leased […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. It’s important to properly clean, disinfect, and sanitize to make buildings healthy. There is some confusion among the three terms, but it’s important to focus on cleaning and disinfecting unless your facility or local, state, or […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 93 U.S. manufacturing plants earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2021. ENERGY STAR-certified plants are verified to be among the most energy-efficient plants within their industries. Together, they prevented more than 5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the industrial sector, which is […]