Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Not being compliant isn’t some clever cost-saving strategy. Regulators are not only watching; they’re charging more than ever. For example, new penalties announced at the beginning of 2025 for International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) violations are now capable of reaching more than $1 million per incident, and that’s before you even think about legal […]
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the organization behind the WELL healthy building certification standard, has revealed two new ratings designed to help real estate owners and operators deliver on investor and tenant demands for healthier buildings. Now open for enrollment, the WELL Real Estate Rating focuses on enhancing base building infrastructure while the WELL […]
As buildings seal up for colder months and occupants spend more time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming harder to ignore. What was once treated as a background mechanical function is now shaping comfort, complaints, and confidence in shared spaces. For facilities managers, this shift presents a growing challenge. People are making decisions about […]
It’s amazing what some people try to sneak past security at facilities, especially airports! To highlight some of the bold, dangerous, and just plain old weird items travelers bring through airport checkpoints across the country, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) releases a Top 10 Best Catches list and related video annually. Earning the No. 1 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. Economic conditions don’t just change balance sheets—they change behaviors, operating rhythms, and the amount of “slack” organizations have to absorb disruption. That’s why I believe 2026 will be a year when facility security becomes […]
As we enter 2026, it’s never been more important to empower and protect the healthcare workforce. Healthcare organizations continue to face persistent staffing shortages and high turnover while combating increasing levels of violence. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare and social service workers are five times more likely to suffer a workplace violence injury […]
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 […]
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. […]