Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Need inspiration for lighting upgrades at your facility? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently highlighted some prime examples. The DOE’s 2023 Integrated Lighting Campaign (ILC) recognized 11 organizations for exemplary commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in their buildings. The campaign also honored three other organizations for exhibiting exemplary support and advocacy for this […]
The first day of school is coming up soon for many students, teachers, and staff. To help custodial teams prepare for the new year, Cintas Corp. has shared a list of five recommendations to promote healthy practices this year. “Helping keep all school occupants healthy, especially students, is a top priority for all school custodial teams,” said […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $58 million in grant funding to help protect children from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across the country. Thanks to an expansion under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, projects that remove sources of lead in drinking water are now, for the first time, eligible […]
In late 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Renew America’s Schools federal grant program, enacted to set aside $500 million for energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, building insulation, and renewable energy sources for K-12 schools in need. The goal is for these major investments to lead to healthier learning environments and lower energy […]
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Efficient and Healthy Schools Campaign recently celebrated the achievements of 17 K-12 schools and districts that implemented exemplary projects to improve the energy and environmental performance of their facilities. Led by the DOE’s Building Technologies Office, the campaign is an interagency effort supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the first round of selectees for the Renew America’s Schools grant program, a competitive award that will support the implementation of energy improvements in public K-12 schools across the country. Following “unprecedented” demand for the funding, the DOE chose 24 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in 22 states to share […]
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) have released the K-12 Bystander Reporting Toolkit, a new resource to support K-12 schools in strengthening school safety reporting programs and encouraging bystander reporting among students and the broader school community. The toolkit offers simple strategies and guidance K-12 […]
Risk mitigation is the process of planning and developing options to reduce threats or risks to people. Resilience is the ability to learn, respond, reflect, and recover from emergencies. While risk mitigation activities are preventative, and resilience activities are reactive, both place serious responsibility on the shoulders of facilities management teams. What’s important in resilience […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy have announced the winners of the 2023 ENERGY STAR Awards. These 220 organizations, which represent the top ENERGY STAR partners, are making significant contributions in support of the clean energy transition. They come from 37 states and multiple economic sectors, including Fortune 500 companies, […]
The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is launching a program to fund single-points of entry on school campuses. The agency will direct $21 million through the upcoming Stronger Connections Grant program. “We intend to use one-time funds to harden the perimeters of our schools,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These funds will […]