Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
In the dynamic world of facilities management, where the challenge lies in maintaining peak operational conditions amidst budget constraints, the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” becomes more than just a saying—it’s a necessity. As organizations strive for efficiency with limited resources, embracing a robust preventive maintenance program emerges as […]
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey completed the installation of energy-efficient LED lights throughout One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. The project began in April 2022. Such lighting projects directly support BuildSmart 2025, a statewide energy efficiency program administered by NYPA […]
When you hear “facility maintenance,” it’s easy to envision technicians and machinery. Yet, in our efficiency-centric era, its scope has broadened. It’s no longer just about upkeep; it’s about enhancing productivity, curbing costs, and setting new performance standards. Advanced tools, smart systems, and data-driven approaches are becoming integral. In this article, we’ll delve into the […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. Buildings are responsible for around 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% stemming from operational emissions, which include energy needed to heat, cool, and power them. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and […]
In today’s fast-paced world, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)/Computer Aided Facility Management (CaFM) automation has become integral to facility operations. However, not all CMMS/CaFM automation is created equal. Many facilities find themselves stuck in what we call a “superficial automation pitfall” that results in siloed and broken operation processes. This pitfall is caused when facilities […]
Editor’s note: This article covers ways to vet third-party maintenance service providers. For tips on finding in-house maintenance workers, click here. For any facilities manager, finding a qualified maintenance partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your building systems, equipment, and overall operations depend on services that keep your facility running safely, […]
There’s a wide variety of possible scenarios that may require a service technician, facilities manager, or manufacturer’s rep to troubleshoot a commercial pump. Regardless of the circumstances, using a methodical approach is best when diagnosing a pumping problem. At Taco Comfort Solutions, we’ve found that 80% to 90% of the calls we receive about commercial “pump […]
“Join the FM world—it is far more than what you may think it is!” Those are the upbeat words of Liz Bishop, an assistant facilities manager for Austin-based tech company Bazaarvoice. And she makes an excellent point—there’s no denying that facilities management is a challenging but rewarding career. As the business world evolves, so does […]
Communities that are constructing new multi-sport facilities for major events could run the risk of ending up with expensive under-used complexes, but a new study suggests there are several factors that can keep them productive in the long run. Canadian researchers found that factors such as the location and design of the facility, the formal […]