Category: Maintenance and Operations

How AI Can Transform Facilities from Major Energy Drains to Sustainable Buildings

Commercial buildings and infrastructure are responsible for a staggering 40% of global carbon emissions, a figure that puts facilities managers on the front lines of the climate challenge. While the buzz around artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, has captured headlines, the real transformative power for commercial facilities lies in another category of AI: predictive and […]

Top 10 Cities for Disease-Carrying Pests as U.S. Faces ‘Perfect Storm’ of Conditions

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) released its Public Health Pest Index, a bi-annual forecast identifying the U.S. cities most at risk for pest surges through the remainder of summer and into fall. This critical report comes as extreme weather patterns nationwide have created optimal conditions for disease-carrying pests, placing millions of Americans in greater […]

Why Smart Building Data Isn’t Smart, and How AI 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. Industrial organizations and building operators are rapidly adopting smart building technologies. From HVAC systems and lighting controls to advanced energy management solutions, facilities are evolving into connected ecosystems to boost efficiency, productivity, and operational […]

How Smarter Indoor Air Quality Is Redefining the Healthcare Environment

Patient care is a priority for healthcare organizations, but budget constraints can keep many operating with outdated facilities management systems. These systems are not seen as directly impacting patient outcomes, so they can fall to the end of the list for investment. This is a missed opportunity because modern building management systems that monitor and […]

NFPA Survey Reveals AI and Training Trends in Skilled Trades

An overwhelming majority (95%) of skilled trade professionals believe that artificial intelligence (AI) has a purpose in at least some day-to-day job functions, and 39% are hopeful that AI will spur industry growth and make the trades more appealing to the younger, tech-savvy workers. That’s according to the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) third annual industry […]

WVU Research on School Absences Links Dirty Air to Empty Desks

As the school year begins in many areas, new West Virginia University (WVU) research finds poor air quality may keep tens of thousands of students out of school for weeks each year, hitting young students and children of color the hardest. A study by Mustahsin Ul Aziz, a doctoral student in natural resource economics at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture […]

The Deferred Maintenance Crisis: How K-12 Districts Can Overcome a Growing Backlog

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. Recently, U.S. schools received a D+ grade on the 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Infrastructure Report Card. This was disappointing, but to anyone who keeps tabs on K-12 facilities management, it likely […]

What Facility Teams Should Know About Making Cleaning Robots Work

Robotics in cleaning have moved from a futuristic idea into everyday operations across industries. From warehouses and schools to retail and healthcare facilities, autonomous cleaning is gaining traction fast with over half-a-million robotic cleaning systems projected to be in use by 2030. Amid this rapid adoption, facility teams are finding that making robotics work for […]

U.S. Employers Tighten Grip on Office Attendance Goals, Finds CBRE Survey

U.S. companies made significant progress in the past year in achieving their office attendance goals and enforcing their attendance policies, moving closer to cementing long-term work guidelines than at any time since the pandemic upended traditional work routines in 2020. CBRE’s 2025 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey of office-using companies found that 72% of the […]

Making the Case for Robotic Mowers in Landscaping

From overseeing the maintenance, security, and overall functionality of a building and its grounds, the responsibilities of a facilities manager can quickly become overwhelming if you’re also dealing with external forces that impede operational efficiencies. Alongside overseeing technical staff and building maintenance teams, facilities managers are often responsible for keeping outdoor grounds in good shape. […]