Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is a critical but unevenly addressed public health issue. Poor IAQ negatively impacts asthma, absenteeism, and learning outcomes. However, state laws addressing school IAQ vary widely. To help move states toward comprehensive protections, the American Lung Association has released a new report, “A Win-Win for Lung Health: How Policies […]
On this latest episode of FMA Shorts, Gary Williams, senior director of sustainability and energy solutions at ESFM, discusses the first steps toward making facilities green. This clip was taken from a webinar titled, “How Going Green Saves Green for Facilities.” The full session is available for FREE on-demand here.
When you think of a building, you probably think of a lifeless, static structure. And while that’s technically true, modern-day technology is transforming buildings into something more “alive.” Backed by Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and data integration, buildings are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating intelligent ecosystems where every system—down to the HVAC, security, and lighting—is […]
Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Have you ever walked into a building and felt immediately safe and organized? From clean hallways to working elevators, much of that confidence comes from compliance frameworks quietly working behind the scenes. A fire alarm that sounds […]
2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for facilities managers as building performance standards (BPS) advance across key jurisdictions, specifically in the states of Colorado, Maryland, and Washington. These leaders play a vital role in shaping compliance strategies and driving long-term carbon and energy performance, transforming regulatory requirements into strategic investments that enhance […]
In many organizations, “emergency preparedness” still looks like a binder, a floor plan, and a drill last held 18 months ago. Facilities managers know better. Hurricanes, wildfires, cyber incidents, equipment failures, and utility outages aren’t abstract risks—they’re recurring operational events that determine whether a building protects people or becomes another headline about downtime and loss. […]
New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to set professional goals. Are you looking to hone your facilities management skills, boost your career, or stand out in a competitive job market in 2026? Earning an industry certification can not only sharpen your FM expertise but also help you climb that company ladder or become a […]
The board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are urging homeowners and businesses to add an overlooked, but important New Year’s resolution to their list in 2026: pest prevention. The current cold conditions mean pests like rodents, cockroaches, and spiders are seeking shelter indoors. And though winter has only just officially begun, now is the time to prepare for […]
Facilities managers are used to wearing a dozen hats—problem-solver, safety officer, IT liaison, compliance expert. But today, that job’s gotten even tougher. Whether you’re running a school, hospital, office, or government building, your to-do list includes safety, air quality, compliance, and keeping everything running smoothly with fewer hands on deck. Video surveillance systems have long […]
In facilities management, peer-to-peer connections are among the strongest found in any industry. These relationships are sustained by a shared mission to “roll up our sleeves” and “get our hands dirty” while tackling the complex operational, technical, and organizational issues facing educational and commercial properties. While the unique challenges of this field promote strong bonds, […]