Tag: Indoor Air Quality

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 11, 2024 Green Building

Updated: Nov 11, 2024

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 […]

Exploring the Long-Tail Cost Savings from Switching to Green Cleaning Products

By Joshua Schwartz, Viking Pure Solutions Nov 6, 2024 Green Building

Updated: Nov 6, 2024

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 […]

Back to Basics: Combatting Winter Respiratory Disease Season with Indoor Air Quality

By Guy Burdick, Contributing Writer Nov 1, 2024 Back to Basics

Updated: Nov 1, 2024

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Now that fall has arrived, are you ready for this year’s winter respiratory disease season? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections will lead to a […]

Pennsylvania Awards Schools $175M for Facility Improvements

By Joe Bebon, Editor Oct 24, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Oct 24, 2024

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 […]

Are Scents a True Indicator of Cleanliness?

By Joshua Schwartz, Viking Pure Solutions Oct 11, 2024 FM Perspectives

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

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 […]

Green Building Groups Issue Policy Recommendations for Next U.S. Administration

By Joe Bebon, Editor Sep 27, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Sep 27, 2024

Regardless of whether former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election in November, a coalition of green building advocates is calling on the next administration to help address several commercial real estate (CRE) challenges. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), New Buildings Institute (NBI), Institute for Market Transformation (IMT), and Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) partnered to release a […]

Smart Building Technologies for Healthier Indoor Environments

By Miles Oliver, Contributing Writer Sep 18, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Sep 18, 2024

Smart buildings today are far more than a token contribution to sustainability or a clever way to save energy—they positively impact health, safety, and comfort. This shift in how we design and operate buildings comes as research increasingly links indoor environmental quality (IEQ) to human well-being and productivity. Modern technologies offer powerful tools to meet […]

AI

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Asset Management in Facilities

By Emily Newton, Contributing Writer Sep 9, 2024 Emergency Preparedness

Updated: Sep 9, 2024

Facilities managers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most exciting of these, but organizations must learn how to use it before they can experience its full benefits. Recognizing where and how AI can enhance asset management can unlock unique workflow upgrades. Enabling Real-Time Adjustments One […]

EPA Funds $34M to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Schools

By Joe Bebon, Editor Aug 28, 2024 Green Building

Updated: Aug 28, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected five groups to receive $34 million in grants for projects helping address indoor air pollution in K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities across the country. This announcement comes after the agency revealed $26 million in funding to protect children from lead in drinking water at schools […]

DOE Funds $190M for Clean Energy Upgrades at Public Schools

By Joe Bebon, Editor Aug 7, 2024 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Aug 7, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced selections for the 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize and Grant, a three-phase, $190 million investment to help K-12 public schools make energy upgrades that will decrease energy use and costs, improve indoor air quality, and foster healthier learning environments for students and teachers. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, […]