Category: Design and Construction

The Business Case for Resilient Buildings in 2025

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 These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure.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: Asbestos Risks and Remediation for Facilities

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. […]

Are Graphics a Budget-Friendly Way to Boost Facility Aesthetics and Functionality?

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 […]

Smarter, Greener Systems Among HVAC Industry Trends

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 […]

Smart Buildings: Can Wireless Mesh Networks Cut Costs, Complexity for Facilities Managers?

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 […]

IFMA Co-founds Building Lifecycle Management Initiative

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has teamed up with software company Autodesk to launch the Building Lifecycle Management Initiative (BLMI). With a global focus spanning North America, EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and LATAM, the new initiative is a technology-agnostic, standards-aligned endeavor that aspires to unify commercial real estate stakeholders—from owners and facilities managers (FMs) to architecture, […]

Chico State Completes Net-Zero Energy Building

Chico State, part of the California State University system, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Behavioral and Social Sciences Building. According to project partner Turner Construction, the 94,000-square-foot facility sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction while fostering cutting-edge research, collaboration, and student success. Earning LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building […]

How Data Center FMs Can Create More Profitable and Sustainable Operations 

The data center industry is expected to reach $517 billion by 2030, fueling AI, the Internet of Things, Big Data, and everyday business transactions. As the industry expands, facilities managers will be among the most needed roles. These opportunities abound, but so do the complex infrastructure challenges that keep data center facilities running. To stay […]

Back to Basics: Ergonomic Hazards and Workplace Solutions

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important but possibly overlooked information facilities management professionals should know. Ergonomics is defined by OSHA as “fitting a job to a person,” and it can help lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity, and reduce the number and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs affect the muscles, nerves, […]

Power-Hungry Data Center Market Represents New ‘Gold Rush’

In a year when data centers faced their toughest power challenges yet, the industry didn’t just survive—it thrived. JLL’s new North America Data Center Year-End 2024 Report reveals a sector charging full speed ahead, with colocation vacancy plummeting to a record low of 2.6% and absorption levels doubling in just two years. But beneath the surface of […]