Author: Joe Bebon, Editor

NFPA Unveils 2024 Outlook for Skilled Trades Industry

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its second annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled trade workers’ sentiment around the current state of labor, training, and technology on the jobsite. NFPA collected responses from 310 U.S.-based workers in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields. In […]

DOE and TVA Partner to Power Federal Facilities with 100% Clean Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation’s largest public power supplier, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to power at least two major federal facilities with 100% clean energy. The deal advances the Biden administration’s goal of powering all federal facilities with carbon-pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030. Under […]

Floor Coatings: A Sustainable Alternative to the Strip-and-Wax Method

One of the perennial challenges in facility maintenance is keeping floors clean, shiny, and presentable. For decades, the traditional strip-and-wax method has been the go-to solution for many. However, as environmental consciousness grows and technology advances, a new contender has emerged: floor coatings. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of both […]

Facilities Managers Cite Mental Health as Top Challenge in Survey

As a facilities manager in the U.S., are you facing the same major problems as your colleagues across the pond? A new survey of 750 European FM professionals reveals that mental health is the biggest challenge they face, with 39% pinpointing it as a critical issue. According to the Voice of the Facility Manager report from real estate […]

Navigating the Path to Commercial EV Charging Stations

Companies across various sectors, from retail locations to commercial businesses, are recognizing the shifting consumer attitudes toward electric vehicles (EVs). This growing awareness and changing sentiment are driving substantial investments in EV charging solutions, and there’s no sign this will let up, as EV sales are expected to leap 35% in 2023. As a result, […]

DHS Releases Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Organizations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released new resources to help houses of worship and other faith-based organizations enhance their physical security. The Physical Security Performance Goals—modeled after previous Cybersecurity Performance Goals—are in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and a heightened threat environment, in general. These new resources build on a longstanding partnership […]

How to Foster Continuous Improvement in Manufacturing Facilities

Continuous improvement in manufacturing refers to ongoing efforts to enhance products, services, or processes. The improvements can be incremental over time or achieved through breakthrough moments. However, the goal is to streamline operations, reduce waste, and increase efficiency and productivity in manufacturing facilities. Embedding a culture of continuous development and refinement in manufacturing facilities is […]

10 Safety Measures for Winter Workers

Winter brings to mind a picturesque landscape blanketed in snow, but for workers, it also poses unique challenges to safety. The cold temperatures, icy surfaces, and unpredictable weather conditions demand heightened vigilance to ensure the well-being of both workers and the projects they undertake. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the critical aspects of […]

UNC-Chapel Hill Students Evaluate Emergency Response to Campus Shooting

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has released a summary of findings from the campus feedback portal it created following a shooting incident that resulted in the death of a faculty member. On Aug. 28, the campus went into full lockdown after a graduate student opened fire at the school and shot and killed a […]

Navigating Facilities Management Challenges in Educational Institutions

When we think of educational institutions, we often think of the students, faculty, and staff who make up these communities. However, behind the scenes, there is a complex network of facilities that play a vital role in creating a positive learning environment. This is often done through facilities management, which maintains all physical assets such […]