Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will offer $90 million for facility upgrades that improve health, safety, and energy costs in K-12 public schools across America. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this third round of funding builds on $178 million awarded in 2023 and […]
As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has published a new resource aimed at safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events. ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation, and […]
L’Oréal USA, the U.S. subsidiary of global beauty and cosmetics giant L’Oréal Groupe, announced its corporate office in El Segundo, Calif., has been awarded two LEED Platinum certifications and a WELL Platinum certification. This achievement marks the first time a L’Oréal building has received three platinum certifications (the highest level available) in sustainability and occupant […]
Jackie Riegel Kittek, a facilities manager at global services firm CAI, is passionate about women’s empowerment in the industry. According to her, “When we celebrate women role models, we inspire the next generation to pursue a career in this field.” It’s an important goal, given that women account for only 25% of the FM workforce […]
CPKC Stadium, home of the Kansas City Current professional women’s soccer team in Missouri, has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED certification is among the most widely used green building rating systems in the world. “We are thrilled to earn LEED Gold certification […]
Offices are increasingly vacant. According to Moody’s Q2 2024 CRE trend report, office vacancy rates have exceeded 20% this year as businesses reduce their space or leave the office entirely, driven by the continued demand for hybrid work. In response, building owners and facility leaders are under increased pressure to offer enhanced amenities, to help […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrated $34 million in Inflation Reduction Act grants awarded to five organizations to help school districts across the country improve indoor air quality (IAQ). EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz recently joined the grantees at Horatio B. Hackett School in Philadelphia to congratulate them on their awards, underscore the importance of IAQ, and highlight previous school efforts. “EPA is proud to […]
In recent years, facilities managers have been increasingly tasked with making their operations not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. One area that has garnered attention is the adoption of green cleaning products. Across multiple industries, there is a growing recognition of the benefits that come with this strategy—including a healthier workforce, cleaner […]
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved 208 investments in school projects, totaling $175 million, under the new Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Launched earlier this year as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the new program provides grants of up to $5 million to public school districts and career […]
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. For many of us, the smell of lemon, pine, or even bleach is synonymous with cleanliness. We’ve been conditioned to believe that these scents are proof of a clean environment. However, the truth is […]