Tag: healthy buildings

Coalition Calls on EPA to Protect Safer Choice Program for Cleaning Products

As the new Trump administration plans to make big cuts across the federal government, a coalition of over 200 businesses, investors, and organizations has issued a letter expressing united support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program. This voluntary program, which labels cleaning products meeting stringent safety and environmental standards, is seen by […]

International WELL Building Institute Boosts Governance Council With New Members

As the call for healthier and more sustainable buildings continues, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has enlisted more experts to help advance adoption of its WELL healthy building standard. The organization appointed several new members to its Governance Council, a coalition of global thought leaders, doctors, public health professionals, and business executives who uphold the […]

Survey Reveals How Americans View Handwashing and Public Restrooms

Despite an increasing number of Americans making a point to wash their hands more during cold and flu season, a growing number of people—almost 8 out of 10—have witnessed others leave public washrooms without washing their hands, according to Bradley Company’s Healthy Handwashing Survey. The survey conducted in January 2025 shows that public concern regarding […]

DOE Offers $90M to Public Schools for Clean Energy Upgrades

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 […]

ASHRAE Releases Indoor Air Quality Guideline to Protect Against Wildfires

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 Earns Top LEED and WELL Certifications for Corporate Office

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 […]

Faces of Facilities: Jackie Riegel Kittek from CAI

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 […]

Kansas City Soccer Stadium Scores Green Building Certification

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 […]

The Rise of Office-to-Amenity Conversions in Commercial Real Estate

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 […]

EPA Celebrates $34M in Grants to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools

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 […]