Category: Maintenance and Operations

Tackling Humidity Challenges in Coastal Schools

Humidity poses significant challenges to communities situated along coastal regions where the influence of moisture-laden air from lakes and oceans is pronounced. Humidity levels are exacerbated in those regions once the warmer temperatures arrive in late spring and summer. For schools, these high humidity levels can pose significant challenges. The School of Public Health at […]

Revitalizing Campus Spaces: Sustainable Initiatives and Educational Oasis

The University of Richmond’s Eco-Corridor, an 18-acre restoration, was an old road, previously ignored, a “place of possibility,” said Rob Andrejewski, the university’s director of sustainability. Opened in 2020, the project includes an extensive stream restoration, the planting of 25,000 grasses, shrubs, and trees, invasive species removal, new trails, plus picnic tables, a learning lab, […]

Why Are Healthy Buildings Important?

During the opening keynote session of Facilities Management Advisor’s FM Now: Healthy Buildings virtual summit, “Connecting the Dots: Moving Toward an Integrated Approach to Healthy and Sustainable Reporting for Buildings,” the topic of healthy buildings was discussed, including the financial and employee benefits of healthy facilities, how healthy buildings can combat climate change, ways healthy […]

Expert Q&A: What Will It Take to Make Net-Zero Buildings a Reality?

Did you know buildings account for a whopping 37% of all carbon emissions in the world? In order to combat climate change, countries have set a global goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and in order to help save money and the planet, corporations and other organizations have set sustainability targets of their own. […]

CDC Releases Infection Prevention Guidance for K-12 Schools

The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools across the country and made health and safety top priority once they reopened. Although the pandemic is thankfully behind us, it remains essential to protect students and staff from all types of infectious diseases. As leaders plan for the new school year ahead, now is a good time to double […]

Preparing Your Business for Unpredictable Weather and Vulnerabilities

During spring, businesses often find themselves confronted with the unpredictable nature of changing weather patterns. Recent forecasts have indicated a “Polar Coaster Spring,” marked by fluctuating temperatures and potential severe weather events. As the seasons transition, here are a few steps to help better prepare and protect your business, mitigating risks and ensuring continuity in […]

Implementing Wellness Initiatives in the Workplace: Strategies for Facilities Managers

Creating a workplace atmosphere that promotes health and wellness is good for employees. It can also boost productivity and improve the staff’s mental health. As a facilities manager, you can implement changes that support wellness initiatives through ergonomic design choices and environmentally friendly changes. It also means caring for your own health while you develop […]

Designing Office Space with Acoustics in Mind

Facilities managers who are creating new office spaces or renovating existing ones should work with their employers to design acoustically friendly offices, which would benefit both employees and employers. Challenges While many offices embrace an open office plan to encourage collaboration, this presents three main acoustical challenges that affect employees and employers. 1. Productivity According […]

With Hybrid Work ‘Here to Stay,’ Can New Tech Boost Occupancy Planning?

Four years following the pandemic, a new survey from JLL finds that hybrid working is now the most common workstyle globally, with 87% of organizations operating with a hybrid program today. Hybrid work has proven to have a lasting impact and is “here to stay,” according to JLL’s new 2024 Global Occupancy Planning Benchmarking Report. The […]

AI Is Key to Hitting ESG Targets for Commercial Real Estate

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 climate risk grows, so does the urgency around sustainability. 2023 was a year of record-breaking climate events, from sustained warming above 1.5°C to billion-dollar climate loss events. It was also a year marked […]