Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
It is important for facilities professionals to learn not only how to manage energy but also how to incorporate conservation and sustainability into their facilities. James Myers, P.E., ProFM, principal of Myers Services, recently gave a webinar on the “5 Aspects of Energy Management,” sponsored by Avetta and ABM, for Facilities Management Advisor. He has […]
Long before the pandemic, researchers knew that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) made workers sick and decreased cognition and attendance. A Harvard study of more than 3,000 workers showed that sick leave doubled among employees in poorly ventilated areas. Poor air IAQ has also been shown to decrease office workers’ cognitive function and decision-making, as well […]
Editor’s note: October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so Facilities Management Advisor chose to repost this highly relevant article, originally published in April 2022. The threat of cybercrime impacts all businesses, no matter how big or small they are. The more advanced our operations become through modern software, the more open they are to outside attacks. […]
Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) in Wayne, N.J., is more than just a tech school. Of course the trades are offered, but it’s also a high school, open to students from grades seven through 12 with courses covering everything from criminal justice and finance to automotive technology and culinary arts. It even has an athletics and […]
In observance of the International Day of Clean Air on Sept. 7, Fellowes Brands announced results from a recent national survey that found only 36% of respondents describe the indoor air quality (IAQ) at their workplace as very clean. The survey of 1,120 American workers who work on-site and indoors for their employer also revealed that 91% of respondents agree clean […]
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is partnering with energy company Southern Co. to increase efficiency in 12 federal buildings across Georgia, reducing GSA’s carbon footprint and improving overall sustainability. The upgrades will focus on lighting, HVAC, water conservation, and more. Two Southern Co. subsidiaries—utility Atlanta Gas Light and distributed energy provider PowerSecure—are coordinating the improvements. […]
As a new academic year begins, the Biden administration has issued a back-to-school fact sheet highlighting guidance and resources available to help protect students and staff from COVID-19 spread and keep schools safely open all year long. The fact sheet calls for vaccination, testing, and improved indoor air quality. It also notes actions the administration […]
A nongovernmental task force recently recommended that building owners begin taking four steps to address SARS-CoV-2 infection risks in schools and workplaces: verifying building systems are performing as designed, increasing outdoor air ventilation, upgrading air filtration, and deploying portable air cleaners where needed. The Lancet COVID-19 Commission’s Task Force on Safe Work, Safe School, and […]
During heat waves, many homes, offices, and other buildings typically blast their air conditioning in order to stay cool. However, this increased energy demand can put added stress on the power grid and lead to brownouts or blackouts. In order to help provide relief to the grid (and save money), facilities managers should take steps […]
As temperatures and humidity increase in many sections of the United States, we are all looking for relief. Facilities managers should understand the importance of making their facilities into cooling centers and consider the best ways they can help keep the public safe. What Is a Cooling Center? According to the CDC, cooling centers are […]