Category: Building Controls

Exploring Tech Solutions to Enhance Smart Building Security

The threat landscape for Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart buildings is rapidly evolving, with cyberattacks showing a significant upward trend. Reports indicate cyberattacks targeting IoT devices more than doubled in 2024, surging by 124%. This surge underscores the growing focus of cybercriminals on exploiting vulnerabilities within interconnected building systems. Such attacks can compromise everything from […]

Preparing for Gen Z in Facilities Management

Many facilities management (FM) teams are aging, creating an urgent need to attract and retain Gen Z talent to sustain operations and drive future innovation. This generation brings fresh perspectives on digital tools and flexible workflows. Companies must adopt practical strategies beyond traditional hiring and retention methods to stay competitive. Bridging generational skill gaps and […]

ASHRAE Guideline 36 and Advanced Tech Propel Industrial HVAC Decarbonization

American industries are facing growing pressure to modernize production methods and improve energy efficiency without compromising the bottom line. Now more than ever, it is important to drive research, development, and pilot-scale demonstrations within industrial projects, with plans to bolster confidence in the buildings space for further adoption of net-zero practices. When combined with standards […]

Can Replacing Battery-Powered IoT with RF Technology Help Boost ESG Goals?

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 the U.S. smart building market reached $24.66 billion in 2024, the demand for Internet of Things (IoT)-driven automation continues to rise. From environmental sensors to access control systems, smart buildings rely heavily on […]

How Energy Management Helps Restaurants Serve Up Success

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 the vice president of operations for over 30 Wendy’s locations, my No. 1 goal is to take care of our customers. For many of them, this means delivering a flawless Baconator or a […]

Smart Building Tech: A Strategic Line of Defense Against Rising Insurance Costs

Just as commercial real estate (CRE) began to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the industry is now entering a new era of financial pressures. Driven by an uncertain economy, aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, and a more conservative insurance underwriting landscape, property insurance premiums are climbing at an alarming rate. In Q1 2024, commercial […]

Unlocking the Future of Commercial Facilities Through Occupancy Setbacks

Commercial office building owners are racing to make their properties smarter, more resilient, and more adaptive. The drive for greater energy efficiency and occupant comfort is intensifying, fueled by the need to deliver rapid returns on investment while navigating rising electricity and operational costs. Supporting Net-Zero Goals Occupancy setbacks have been identified as a powerful […]

The Not-So-Hidden Cyber Risks in Commercial Real Estate

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 commercial real estate undergoes rapid digital transformation, driven by the need for greater sustainability, improved energy efficiency, and the evolving demands of hybrid work, the cybersecurity of building management systems (BMS) is becoming […]

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 […]

How IoT Is Revolutionizing Facilities Management and Enhancing Experiences

As we commemorate IoT Day on April 9, the transformative power of the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to reshape industries, redefining efficiency and enhancing experiences across various facilities. IoT innovations are ushering in a new era of operational excellence and customer satisfaction, from sports arenas to manufacturing operations. Today, we explore two compelling examples—each […]