Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
For years, the phrases “skilled trades” and “manual labor” have been synonymous with one another, making electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians professions one would not associate with advanced technology or artificial intelligence (AI). However, this perception is evolving as more trade workers experience the tangible benefits of advanced technology. An August 2025 survey from […]
For years, sustainability in manufacturing lived in slide decks, pledges, and long-range targets. As the industry moves into 2026, that era is ending, and what lies ahead is far more concrete, technical, and operational. Sustainability is no longer something companies or facilities promise; it is something they must prove. The industry is moving away from […]
Disasters rarely arrive with warning, and their aftermath can escalate quickly without the right response. Tornadoes, for example, strike Texas more frequently than almost any other state, often with devastating results. In one recent year, these storms caused over $229 million in damage across the U.S., with many commercial properties hit especially hard. Businesses that […]
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) have announced the recipients of the 2026 Best of Green Schools Awards. The awards recognize 11 U.S. schools, districts, organizations, or individuals for advancing environmental stewardship, creating healthy learning environments, and promoting education for a sustainable future. “America’s students deserve […]
Although facilities management often gets pigeonholed, the all-encompassing job goes well beyond maintenance. As Keri Steers, a regional facilities manager at Dutch Bros Coffee, explains, “Facilities management isn’t just about fixing things; it’s about supporting people, protecting a brand, and driving efficiency.” Steers has worked in the FM industry for nearly a decade and joined […]
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love! In honor of the holiday, this infographic is being republished to highlight five things facilities managers love about their jobs. Whether you’re new to facilities management or a long-time industry vet, there’s a whole lot to appreciate about a rewarding career in FM.
School buildings—even the most modern—often utilize construction features that can allow radon gas to accumulate to dangerous levels. To make matters worse, the long hours spent at school and schoolchildren’s unique vulnerabilities to radioactive particles have the potential to make radon especially dangerous in schools. As those responsible for managing school facilities seek to protect […]
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 […]