Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
In honor of Earth Day, let’s explore one popular option to make your facilities greener, help the planet, and improve your bottom line—solar energy. To learn the ins and outs of adopting this renewable energy, we spoke with C.J. Colavito, general manager of integrated project teams at Standard Solar. Please watch the FMA Insights video […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the modern office. It is an ongoing journey to define today’s workplace, and many companies navigating this path have turned to hot desking, a practice where employees are […]
On the surface, 2025 has not shaped up to be an easy year for facilities managers. Economic uncertainty continues, and skilled labor shortages and budgetary restrictions are making it difficult to improve building performance. These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure. At the same time, external forces beyond […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Asbestos went from being a “magic material” in the 20th century for its ability to resist heat and corrosion—to being banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Approximately 30 million homes and buildings in the U.S. […]
Modern facilities serve as more than places to work, eat, or shop—they are reflections of an organization’s identity, culture, and commitment to the well-being of its occupants. For facilities managers on tight budgets, achieving a dynamic, aesthetically pleasing, and functional space might seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. By focusing on […]
The global HVAC industry is undergoing a transformational shift, driven by the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and sustainability initiatives. These trends are redefining how HVAC systems are designed, managed, and secured across residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Frost & Sullivan’s latest analysis of the HVAC sector highlights […]
As smart buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions continue to evolve, the need for a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective backbone becomes more critical. Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) may provide an ideal solution, offering resilient communication, real-time data processing, and low operational costs. This technology supports the continuous integration of new sensors, automation tools, and […]