Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
As the U.S. is in the midst of a tough flu season, Americans are growing significantly more concerned about getting sick. According to Bradley Co.’s 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey, 70% of Americans are very or somewhat concerned about contracting the flu compared to 59% who felt that way just three years ago. That rising concern […]
Water systems are among the most essential—and least visible—components of any facility. Pipes, valves, pumps, and recirculation loops work quietly behind walls and below floors, delivering water for sanitation, heating, cooling, and daily operations. Because these systems often function behind the scenes, they tend to receive less attention than HVAC or electrical systems—until a failure […]
Behind every high-performing building lies an unsung hero: the central plant. These mechanical nerve centers—clusters of chillers, boilers, pumps, and cooling towers—quietly provide heating and cooling to hospitals, airports, campuses, and other complex facilities. When everything hums along, hardly anyone gives them a second thought. But when a pump fails or a chiller trips, the […]
California has reported the country’s first positive hantavirus rodent detection of 2026, a stark reminder that this relatively rare but deadly disease remains an active threat. The disease gained renewed attention last year following the tragic death of Betsy Arakawa, wife of legendary actor Gene Hackman, from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). “Rodent-borne diseases didn’t disappear after last year’s tragedy,” said […]
The buildings landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and staying ahead means more than just keeping the lights on. It requires a proactive approach, including embracing new technologies, adapting to regulatory changes, and reimagining traditional building operations. With innovation accelerating across every aspect of the built environment, facilities managers are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful […]
The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education has awarded $244.4 million in capital facilities grant funding from two state-backed, revolving bond programs for higher education. A total of 92 projects across 23 colleges and universities have received funding to address deferred maintenance, enhance campus safety, and upgrade student facilities. Sheryl Stitt, executive […]
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. Ask facilities managers about their biggest operational challenges, and staffing consistently ranks near the top. Cleaning teams face unique pressures—and the consequences show up everywhere, from inconsistent cleanliness to rising costs to guest complaints. […]
University campuses generate data from countless sources—A/V and lighting systems, HVAC equipment, cameras, and various other sensors. Yet many of these technologies operate in silos, forcing employees to monitor them individually across multiple platforms. The result is slower response times, added complexity, and limited visibility into overall campus operations. When data is unified, employees gain […]
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will spend $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 to modernize, repair, and improve healthcare facilities as part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-Recurring Maintenance (NRM) program, which makes infrastructure improvements to healthcare facilities to ensure safe and effective patient care. This is the largest single-year NRM […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the global developer of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the independent body that administers LEED certifications, have announced their annual Top 10 Countries and Regions for LEED ranking outside the United States for 2025. While the U.S. remains the […]