Tag: healthy buildings

Top 10 Earth Day Must-Reads for Facilities Managers

Unless Elon Musk stops messing around with Twitter and gets us to Mars, Earth is our only home for the foreseeable future. That means we’ve got to take good care of the planet and conserve its finite natural resources. It’s also why sustainability is a hot topic all year long and why facilities managers are […]

Webinar Watch: FM NOW Sessions on Healthy Buildings

On Wednesday, April 24, join your colleagues and expert panelists for our FM NOW: Healthy Buildings virtual summit! This FREE event will include two back-to-back webinars covering sustainable buildings and top contractor risk management megatrends. Can’t make it to the webinars? No worries! All registrants will also receive a link to on-demand recordings. Opening Keynote […]

U.S. Government Works to Ban ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Federal Buildings

In a move aimed at better protecting the health of custodial staff, federal employees, and the environment, the Biden administration is directing government contractors to purchase cleaning products for federal buildings that are free of toxic “forever chemicals.” This change is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the […]

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for its draft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 5 (LEED v5), the latest iteration of the globally recognized green building certification. Although the update initially focused on operations and maintenance of existing buildings, it has since been expanded to include […]

Experts Call for Mandating Indoor Air Quality in Public Buildings

In a new scientific paper, a global group of experts has called for mandating indoor air quality (IAQ) in public buildings and presented a blueprint for national standards. The group is headed by Professor Lidia Morawska, a distinguished professor at Australia’s Queensland University of Technology and vice chancellor fellow at the U.K.’s University of Surrey. […]

Designing Workplaces that Promote Mental Well-Being

Designing indoor spaces that promote mental well-being in the workplace is more than a trend; it is a crucial step toward cultivating a productive and content workforce. Here’s how thoughtful design can create visually appealing and emotionally supportive workspaces, enhancing overall employee well-being. Why Design for Well-Being Our surroundings play a pivotal role in our […]

DOE Offers Public Schools $180M for Clean Energy Upgrades

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will award $180 million for clean energy upgrades at public K-12 schools to lower costs and improve indoor air quality. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this new round of funding builds on $178 million in grants awarded […]

How Cleaning Supports a Positive and Productive Workplace Experience

Clean environments play a pivotal role in enhancing the performance and well-being of building occupants. The connection between cleanliness and human health and productivity has been extensively studied and validated. This article delves into the various ways in which clean environments positively influence the performance of employees in the workplace, encompassing both physical and psychological […]

A Foundation of Learning: The Impact of Facilities Management on Educational Excellence

In the world of education, getting facilities management right is a game-changer, yet it is clear that it is not top of the priority list within educational organizations. It’s not just about keeping the lights on and the floors clean; it’s about creating spaces that inspire learning and growth. This article dives deep into the […]

The Top Green School Champions of 2024

The U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools announced the winners of the 2024 Best of Green Schools Awards, an annual recognition in collaboration with the Green Schools National Network. The awards, announced at the 2024 Green Schools Conference in Santa Fe, N.M., honor and recognize schools, districts, individuals, lawmakers, and others active in advancing green schools nationwide. […]