Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most talked-about technologies in facilities management, but for many FM teams, the conversation hasn’t translated into day-to-day value. Rising operating costs, lean budgets, and expanding responsibilities mean facilities leaders can’t afford experimentation that doesn’t deliver results. As momentum builds around agentic AI that operates within smart workflows, […]
Four out of five commercial real estate (CRE), workplace, building management, and facilities professionals lack the data they need to make confident space-planning decisions, according to a new report. The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, interviewed 400 decision-makers in the U.S. for Butlr’s “Beyond Occupancy: The State of Office Space 2026” report. The results show […]
Amid rising costs and increased competition from e-commerce, many big-box retailers have chosen to close stores across the country, leaving behind large, vacant spaces. As pickleball’s growth accelerates nationwide, former big-box stores have emerged as some of the most attractive—and challenging—real estate opportunities for indoor pickleball facilities. While these buildings offer scale, parking, and accessibility, […]
Unplanned downtime is one of the most expensive problems a facility can face. According to ABB’s Value of Reliability report, two-thirds of companies deal with unplanned downtime at least once a month, at a median cost of $125,000 per hour. Electrical system failures are a leading contributor to that figure, yet the vast majority are […]
It’s here! It’s finally here! After brutal temps pummeled much of the country during winter, March 20th marks the first official day of spring. For facilities managers, the warmer weather provides opportunities to tackle tasks delayed during the cold and to give everything a nice refresh. However, the new season also poses some challenges like […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Water pumps are among the most critical (and most underestimated) assets in modern facilities. They quietly support HVAC systems, boiler feed operations, domestic water supply, wastewater handling, cooling towers, irrigation, fire protection, and sanitation. When pumps operate […]
Restaurant operators are navigating one of the most challenging business environments in recent memory, marked by rising food and labor costs, staffing shortages, and heightened customer expectations. But even in this climate, many are finding efficiency and resilience through technology and automation behind the scenes and strengthening performance where it’s greatly needed—in the kitchen and […]
As many companies face ongoing power disruptions and other energy needs, the traditional real estate mantra of “location, location, location” is increasingly giving way to “location, resilience, reliability,” according to JLL’s new “Where Energy Meets Property” report. Energy availability and security is fast becoming a defining factor in commercial real estate (CRE) decision-making, with critical […]
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) have announced the recipients of the 2026 Best of Green Schools Awards. The awards recognize 11 U.S. schools, districts, organizations, or individuals for advancing environmental stewardship, creating healthy learning environments, and promoting education for a sustainable future. “America’s students deserve […]
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love! In honor of the holiday, this infographic is being republished to highlight five things facilities managers love about their jobs. Whether you’re new to facilities management or a long-time industry vet, there’s a whole lot to appreciate about a rewarding career in FM.