Author: Ed Quinlan, Chem-Dry

With the Right Third-Party Vendors, Facilities Managers Can Thrive

Maintaining any kind of large-scale facility can feel like a balancing act. There are always countless tasks that require time and attention, from repairing damaged assets to ensuring cleanliness day-to-day. It’s impossible for facilities managers to keep all these balls in the air on their own—which is why cultivating good relationships with third-party vendors is […]

RTO Mandates and Rising Workplace Violence Call for More Integrated Security

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. Companies and government agencies have recently doubled down on return-to-office mandates. In September, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed that employees would have to return to the office five days a week—ending their hybrid policy—starting […]

Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners: Budget-Friendly Facilities Management

Running a facility is getting more expensive every year—utility bills climb, materials cost more, and service contracts keep getting pricier. The knee-jerk reaction might be to cut, cut, cut, but cutting corners actually isn’t the answer here. Instead, smart money-saving moves can make your facility run better while costing less. Whether it’s smarter energy use, […]

U.S. Green Building Council Finalizes New LEED v5 Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has officially launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification program. The USGBC released the first draft of the highly anticipated update in late 2023. In 2024, the group held two public comment periods, receiving more than 7,000 […]

Connecticut Powers Correctional Facilities with Solar Energy

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at six of the state’s correctional facilities in a suite of projects expected to generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the facilities. Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are […]

The Need to Create Engaging Wellness Centers Across Facility Types

Rising costs and concerns about inflation have turned tenants and guests into savvy, budget-conscious consumers. Whether managing multifamily properties, office buildings, or hotels, facilities management professionals face increasing pressure to justify every dollar spent on amenities. Every offering must deliver real, measurable value that convinces tenants their money is well spent, regardless of the property […]

Certified for Growth: How Skilled Trade Certifications Empower Workers and Build Confidence

In the skilled trades, confidence isn’t just about experience—it’s about staying sharp, adaptable, and prepared for evolving industry demands. Certifications have become a crucial tool for professional growth, particularly in trades like fire protection and electrical work. They provide workers with the structured learning needed to refine their expertise, enhance job performance, and build confidence […]

A CRE Readiness Plan as Companies Enforce Return-to-Office Policies

Office vacancy rates have climbed sharply in the wake of the pandemic as many firms downsized office space due to remote work. Nationally, the United States office vacancy rate hovered around the high teens by late 2023 (nearly 17%–20%, up from roughly 9% pre-pandemic)​. Major city centers have been hit especially hard. These elevated vacancies […]

Unlocking Long-Term Savings, Efficiency Through Smart Waste Practices

As sustainability becomes a vital component of facilities management, it’s essential to view waste management strategies not just as a responsibility but as a valuable pathway to achieving immediate cost savings and long-term operational efficiency. By transforming waste practices from reactive measures to proactive investments, facilities managers can significantly enhance their operational performance, create a […]

From Mandates to Meaning: How Facilities Managers Can Reshape Today’s Workplace

There’s no denying that improving the employee experience is complex and even challenging for many organizations—further complicated by the surge in return-to-office (RTO) mandates. As we’ve seen in various news reports, mandates don’t operate in a vacuum. While employers continue to push for in-office presence, team members across all geographies and industries have their own […]