Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Although the summer might seem like an odd time to be thinking about heating, it could be the perfect opportunity to get ahead of issues before they arise in the fall and winter months. Choosing heating solutions for warehouses can be a tricky business. These expansive spaces present unique challenges, such as frequent drafts and […]
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced plans to invest $80 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into smart building technologies that will help reduce emissions, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance comfort across an estimated 560 federal buildings. The GSA said the investments, impacting 49 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, […]
Humidity poses significant challenges to communities situated along coastal regions where the influence of moisture-laden air from lakes and oceans is pronounced. Humidity levels are exacerbated in those regions once the warmer temperatures arrive in late spring and summer. For schools, these high humidity levels can pose significant challenges. The School of Public Health at […]
As life outside gets greener, spring is also a good reminder of the importance of green practices in facilities. HVAC systems use 40-50% of a commercial building’s energy, translating to high energy usage and significant greenhouse gas emissions. However, this also presents ample opportunity to find efficiencies. Balancing occupant comfort with sustainability is not always […]
As more companies return to the office, either on a part- or full-time basis, facilities managers should work with employers to modify the workplace so neurodivergent employees are given equal opportunities to succeed. What Does Being ‘Neurodivergent’ Mean? According to the Cleveland Clinic, “neurodivergent” is a nonmedical term describing people whose “brains develop or work […]
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. Spring has arrived in much of the United States: flowers are budding, and frosty mornings are giving way to longer, sunnier days. With these changes comes another, less-welcome seasonal threat: wildfires, which produce excessive […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 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. […]