Tag: facilities management

U.S. Green Building Council Launches Draft Version of New LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. Buildings are responsible for around 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% stemming from operational emissions, which include energy needed to heat, cool, and power them. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and […]

Making the Case for Paper Hand Towels in Public Restrooms

Even though it’s been over three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, expectations for safer and cleaner facilities persist, especially in restrooms. So much so that one TikTok user has garnered tens of millions of views on her videos testing the spread of bacteria from various air hand dryers in facility restrooms. With hygiene […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of September 2023

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. Messi Mania in Miami Want to attract global attention to your American soccer team and build a massive sports complex? Just get yourself one of the world’s best players! When Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF signed […]

‘Practice Like You Play’: Officials Conduct Cyberattack Exercise for Super Bowl LVIII

It’s never too early to think about public safety. Football season might’ve just begun, but federal authorities and other officials are already tackling emergency preparedness for Super Bowl LVIII. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Football League (NFL), Allegiant Stadium, and Super Bowl LVIII partners recently held a new tabletop exercise in Las […]

NFPA Survey: 80% of Skilled Trade Workers Rely on Digital Tools Daily

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released survey results collected from over 330 industry professionals at the NFPA 2023 Conference & Expo. The research findings reveal insights around trends and attitudes on digital transformation, training, and educational programs. Respondents represent the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields. […]

The State of Facility Maintenance Amid the Return-to-Office Surge

With the Labor Day holiday officially in the books, not only is back-to-school season in full swing, but the return-to-office (RTO) is underway, as well. Over the past few years, the late summer and early autumn have marked a rallying point for companies’ RTO efforts. While Zoom’s recently revamped RTO policies have been grabbing the […]

EPA Names Top Green Power Partners of 2023

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Green Power Leadership Award Winners for 2023, honoring five leading U.S. organizations in the agency’s Green Power Partnership program. This year’s awardees are Elevance Health, Hormel Foods, Palo Alto Networks, The Home Depot, and Truckee Meadows Community College. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “Use of clean, […]

Prevention Is Better than Reaction: 4 Smart Technologies to Secure Your Facility

Though recently published data indicates some physical crime rates such as burglary and aggravated assault may be declining across the U.S., other incidents including motor vehicle theft have been seen to increase by over 33%. In addition, violent crime rates remain elevated when compared to figures seen in recent years, placing unwanted stress on property […]

D.C. Convention Center Earns LEED Green Building Certification

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a 2.3 million square-foot facility in Washington, D.C., has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The convention center achieved LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in […]

Colgate-Palmolive Inks Solar Deal to Meet 100% of U.S. Power Needs

Colgate-Palmolive has signed a 20-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) for a solar energy project outside of Waco, Texas. With start-up anticipated in 2025, the 209-megawatt (MW) Markum Solar Farm is expected to produce the equivalent of 100% of the company’s U.S.-based operational electricity needs. This news follows the company’s announcement in 2022, when it shared that […]