Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become a central focus for commercial tenants, facilities managers, building owners, leasing agents, and property owners. One technology option for airstream and HVAC surface disinfection in this regard is ultraviolet energy in the C-band or germicidal wavelength (UV‑C). When incorporated into HVAC air handlers, UV‑C systems help inactivate airborne pathogens, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Thanks to recent innovation pairing mineral fiber ceiling panels with phase change material technology (PCM), architects, designers, facilities managers, and other key players in construction and renovation projects are rethinking the role ceilings play in supporting environmental objectives—especially energy savings. As a space warms—typically during the day when it is occupied or receives sunlight—the crystalized […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Wildfires may burn in specific regions, but their smoke is a global problem. It drifts across state lines, national borders, and even oceans—turning a localized crisis into a worldwide public health issue. Schools and hospitals, where vulnerable populations spend extended periods, are particularly susceptible to the long-lasting effects of wildfire smoke. The Hidden Danger of […]