Category: Design and Construction

Designing Inclusive Restrooms: Strategies for Accessibility and Equity

Public restrooms are more than functional spaces; they are touchpoints that shape perceptions of inclusivity, accessibility, and overall user experience for occupants and visitors. Facilities managers and designers increasingly recognize that restroom design can either remove or reinforce barriers for people of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From layout considerations to product selection, inclusive strategies […]

USGBC Opens LEED v5 Project Certification, Releases New Tools

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), global developer of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, has officially opened certification to its new LEED v5 rating system and announced additional tools and resources for program users. “Since releasing the rating system and launching LEED v5 registration earlier this year, we have seen interest in using […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of October 2025

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. “The Shining” Hotel October represents spooky season with Halloween, so it’s only fitting that a scary destination tops the month’s list. The Stanley Hotel, a landmark in Colorado that famously inspired Stephen King’s best-selling novel “The Shining,” is […]

Global Coalition Launches to Standardize Green Building Materials

Some of the world’s leading green building organizations have joined forces to harmonize how sustainable building products and materials are assessed. The Building Research Establishment (BRE), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), mindful MATERIALS, Living Future, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a new international partnership to create […]

Is Overlooking ‘Seismic Red Flags’ Putting Billions in Property Value at Risk?

The statistics are undeniable: FEMA and the U.S. Geological Survey estimate an annual toll of over 6,000 injuries and 360 fatalities from earthquakes across the United States. California bears the brunt of this impact, shouldering over 60% of the nation’s earthquake-related injuries and fatalities. In addition, the state experiences $9.6 billion in economic losses every […]

How Heat Pump RTU Upgrades Can Drive Smarter Energy Use in Commercial Facilities

Amid rising electricity costs and a volatile macroeconomic environment, facilities managers and commercial building owners across the United States are seeking reliable, energy-efficient solutions that consistently support both employees and customers. One increasingly popular strategy is the installation of high-efficiency heat pump rooftop units (RTUs) to reduce energy consumption and improve overall building performance. Heat […]

Metropolitan Museum of Art Launches $25M Energy-Efficient Lighting Project

The beauty of smart building upgrades will be on full display at one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums. Officials from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) announced a nearly $25 million energy efficiency […]

2025 Class of LEED Fellows Recognized for Advancing Green Buildings

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the independent body that administers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications on behalf of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has announced the 2025 Class of LEED Fellows. Twenty-three professionals from around the world are being recognized for their mastery of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building […]

Global Handwashing Day Underscores Power of Soap and Restroom Maintenance

Each year, Global Handwashing Day shines a spotlight on one of the simplest and most effective public health practices: washing hands with soap and water. Celebrated annually on Oct. 15, this worldwide event reminds people that consistent hand hygiene is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting community health. For facilities managers, […]

Rebuilding After Natural Disasters: Why All-Electric Solutions Are the Path Forward

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. Last year, wildfires tore through vast areas of Los Angeles, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to introduce a waiver to exempt rebuilt structures and residences from the city’s all-electric building provision, citing the need to […]