Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates the construction of data centers, utilities are rapidly investing in energy infrastructure, including new power generation, transmission lines, and grid upgrades, to keep pace with the surge in energy […]
On Earth Day, nine of the world’s major built environment and sustainable finance organizations launched the Greening AI Data Centers Coalition (GADCC)—a new global initiative to set clear, credible standards for sustainable data center development as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven demand for computing power accelerates worldwide. According to the groups, the GADCC will develop transparent benchmarks […]
Hyperscale data center growth is running headlong into real-world constraints—interconnection queues, transformer lead times, water stress, community scrutiny, and tightening climate policy. At the same time, the thermal profile of the data center sector is shifting decisively from air to liquid cooling, concentrating heat into a form far more useful than a plume of hot […]
Modern facilities generate vast amounts of data through physical security systems. This includes video feeds, access control records, visitor logs, and license plate information, among others. For facilities managers, it’s an operational concern that affects risk management, compliance, and day-to-day decision-making. Responsibly protecting this data has become a core part of running safe, compliant, and […]
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most talked-about technologies in facilities management, but for many FM teams, the conversation hasn’t translated into day-to-day value. Rising operating costs, lean budgets, and expanding responsibilities mean facilities leaders can’t afford experimentation that doesn’t deliver results. As momentum builds around agentic AI that operates within smart workflows, […]
For decades, video surveillance in facilities management has been a passive, “looking back” technology. We used it to investigate what had already happened—a slip-and-fall, a security breach, or a workflow bottleneck. But just as large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT redefined our interaction with text, a new generation of video language models (VLMs) is fundamentally […]
Spring brings a fresh set of opportunities for K-12 facilities managers to strengthen campus performance. As schools transition from cooler months and prepare for increased outdoor use, maintenance teams can use advanced technologies to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and support safe learning environments. By integrating tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence […]
Stephen Odom, a senior facilities manager at Papa Johns, believes having a strong background in skilled trades can set you up for success in facilities management—especially when it comes to working under “extreme” pressure. Odom’s own background includes about 20 years in the commercial mechanical industry, with previous roles such as regional HVAC manager, national […]
The $3 trillion global facilities management (FM) industry supports employee and occupant experience, business continuity, enterprise resilience, and more. The field is also constantly evolving and adapting to economic shifts, digital transformation, and other factors. According to the recent JLL Global State of Facilities Management Report, three key trends for industry stakeholders to stay on […]
For years, the phrases “skilled trades” and “manual labor” have been synonymous with one another, making electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians professions one would not associate with advanced technology or artificial intelligence (AI). However, this perception is evolving as more trade workers experience the tangible benefits of advanced technology. An August 2025 survey from […]