Category: Maintenance and Operations

Navigating California Building Codes: Best Practices for Facilities Managers

California has some of the most complex and stringent building codes in the United States, primarily within Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. These codes are designed to ensure public health, safety, and welfare, and they cover a wide range of building-related issues, including structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy efficiency, and accessibility. For […]

For Thermal Heating Upgrades, Don’t Wait Until Winter

For facilities managers, the systems used to generate and store heat tend to be all-important—at least amidst plunging temperatures and bleak winter elements. As soon as outside conditions turn warm, thermal heating systems are more easily placed out of sight and out of mind. The sunny days of spring and early summer are no time […]

ASHRAE Guideline 36 and Advanced Tech Propel Industrial HVAC Decarbonization

American industries are facing growing pressure to modernize production methods and improve energy efficiency without compromising the bottom line. Now more than ever, it is important to drive research, development, and pilot-scale demonstrations within industrial projects, with plans to bolster confidence in the buildings space for further adoption of net-zero practices. When combined with standards […]

How AI Can Help Facilities Combat Costly Water Leaks

Facilities managers know all too well the high cost of inefficiency—how anything from a lack of insulation to a poorly maintained HVAC system can lead to compounding utility costs. Inefficiency isn’t just about energy, though—it also encompasses water waste. And one of the most common sources of water waste is undetected, unaddressed leaking. Leaks can […]

Balancing Budget Constraints with Facility Needs in Schools

Across the United States, aging schools are in dire need of repair, and for many, patchwork maintenance is the only way to keep facilities operational as administrators and facilities managers balance limited budgets with pressing needs. School budgets are complex, and disparities in funding have become a topic of dispute in the state courts. The […]

Building Loyalty with Gen Z: The Engaged, Always-On Workforce

As scores of skilled trade workers age out of their careers and settle into retirement, the industry is taking a tumultuous turn. Even though the demand for construction and other skilled trade projects is steadily increasing, 41% of the current workforce is expected to retire in the next six years. These projections aren’t just trends, […]

Why Water Sustainability Is Important and How Facilities Managers Can Help

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. The world is increasingly focused on water sustainability, recognizing its urgent and vital role in protecting human well-being, ecosystems, and economic development. This increased focus must, as we will discuss below, also apply to […]

Carbon Data Management: Reducing Emissions for More Efficient Facilities

Carbon data management is an enterprise-wide effort, requiring the tracking of resources including energy, waste, and more. Facilities managers (FMs) play a crucial role in supporting an organization’s sustainability efforts. Working closely with carbon and sustainability teams within their organization and incorporating data-driven decarbonization strategies into day-to-day facility operations can simultaneously drive sustainability goals and operational […]

The Evolution of Workplace Experience: Balancing Tech, Flexibility, and Human Needs

As organizations navigate post-pandemic work arrangements, the conversation has evolved beyond simple location preferences to deeper questions about how workplace experiences shape productivity, collaboration, and talent retention. Modern workplace strategists are rethinking fundamental assumptions about space utilization, technology integration, and generational preferences. As a result, the modern workplace is undergoing a profound transformation, and facilities […]

Innovations in Campus Access Control: The Mobile-First Approach

Until recently, physical keys and plastic ID cards were the backbone of campus access control and services, often tied to disjointed systems. Today, students expect seamless integration of campus services, including building access, dining, vending, laundry, copy and print, transportation, and more—all accessible on their phones. Much like concert tickets, debit and credit cards, airline […]