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2023 Commercial Building Trends Include AI, Sustainability, and Predictive Maintenance

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate and building management sectors have had the opportunity to adapt and capitalize on new opportunities. Among the various sectors comprising the industry, the U.S. engineering and construction segment has demonstrated impressive growth, with a notable 8% increase in construction spending during the beginning of […]

NIBS Survey Examines Diversity in the Built Environment Workforce

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) has released its 2023 Social Equity in the Built Environment Workforce Survey. This latest survey, which was completed in partnership with Avenue M Group, takes the pulse on where things stand in the industry with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It covers more ground, including a […]

What’s Ahead for this Hurricane Season?

June marks the official start of hurricane season, which runs through Nov. 30. But how many of these potentially dangerous storms should we expect (and prepare for) this year? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its 2023 Atlanta Hurricane Season outlook, which forecasts a “near-normal” season. Specifically, the agency predicts a 40% chance of […]

Survey Finds Most People Want Touchless Fixtures in Public Restrooms

These days, the majority of Americans are so averse to coming into contact with germs in public restrooms that they go out of their way to avoid surfaces and touchpoints in these shared spaces. According to the Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corp., 62% of Americans use a paper towel as a barrier to avoid […]

EPA Offering $400M to Fund Green School Bus Fleets

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering more funding to help school districts across the country make the switch to alternative fuel bus fleets. In late April, the agency launched a $400 million round of grants under its Clean School Bus Program, with applications due by Aug. 22. The funding is made possible by […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of May 2023

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. Tesla in Texas There’s no denying Elon Musk is a brilliant businessman, but he’s also a talented showman. Nearly everything he does is flashy and intriguing, including space rockets, flamethrowers, Twitter takeovers, and a host of product […]

Hotel Hygiene Tips to Protect Guests and Staff This Summer

With summer fast approaching, Americans are starting to think about their much-needed vacations, and hotels are gearing up for what could be a very busy travel season. But more guests means greater interaction between people and surfaces, which can elevate the risk of germs spreading throughout a hotel. Research conducted by Reckitt’s Lysol Pro Solutions shows that […]

How Can Facilities Managers Respond to the Labor Shortage?

The Great Resignation and the high number of workers retiring over the last several years have led to labor shortages at many workplaces across the country. While some of those positions will be filled, it’s likely those replacements won’t have the same depth of knowledge as their predecessors. To help solve this problem, facilities managers […]

$45M Available to Help Nonprofit Buildings Boost Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $45 million in available funding under the Renew America’s Nonprofits grant program, which will support projects to reduce energy use in buildings owned and operated by 501(c)(3) nonprofits. There are approximately 1.5 million 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the United States, including diverse organizations such as libraries, worship facilities, community centers, […]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory Adds Facility, Preps Other Projects

The sprawling campus of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is dotted with buildings dedicated to the many sciences needed to power the country’s push toward clean energy. Researchers inside one building explore the dynamics of harnessing the sun for energy. Those in another are determining the best ways to convert […]