Category: Sustainability/Business Continuity

USGBC Opens LEED v5 Project Certification, Releases New Tools

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), global developer of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, has officially opened certification to its new LEED v5 rating system and announced additional tools and resources for program users. “Since releasing the rating system and launching LEED v5 registration earlier this year, we have seen interest in using […]

Global Coalition Launches to Standardize Green Building Materials

Some of the world’s leading green building organizations have joined forces to harmonize how sustainable building products and materials are assessed. The Building Research Establishment (BRE), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), mindful MATERIALS, Living Future, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced a new international partnership to create […]

Is Overlooking ‘Seismic Red Flags’ Putting Billions in Property Value at Risk?

The statistics are undeniable: FEMA and the U.S. Geological Survey estimate an annual toll of over 6,000 injuries and 360 fatalities from earthquakes across the United States. California bears the brunt of this impact, shouldering over 60% of the nation’s earthquake-related injuries and fatalities. In addition, the state experiences $9.6 billion in economic losses every […]

Why the Smartest Supermarkets Are Rethinking Refrigeration First

Refrigeration is the lifeline of every supermarket, underpinning food safety, product shelf life, and regulatory compliance. However, it’s also one of the costliest line items, often causing the largest share of a store’s energy use. Behind every chilled aisle and frozen display case lies a constant, energy-intensive effort to keep perishable products safe, fresh, and […]

With Future of Sustainability Incentives Uncertain, EaaS Emerges as Potential Lifeline

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. National power consumption is projected to set new records in both 2025 and 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), surpassing an all-time high reached just last year. At the same time, […]

How Heat Pump RTU Upgrades Can Drive Smarter Energy Use in Commercial Facilities

Amid rising electricity costs and a volatile macroeconomic environment, facilities managers and commercial building owners across the United States are seeking reliable, energy-efficient solutions that consistently support both employees and customers. One increasingly popular strategy is the installation of high-efficiency heat pump rooftop units (RTUs) to reduce energy consumption and improve overall building performance. Heat […]

FMA Shorts: What Constitutes a Smart Building?

On this latest episode of FMA Shorts, Melissa Sokolowsky, a senior project manager at the Smart Buildings Center, discusses the elements that make up a smart building. This clip was taken from a webinar titled, “From Brick to Click: The Rise of Smart Building Tech in FM.” The full session is available for FREE on-demand […]

How Healthcare Institutions Are Rethinking Energy Infrastructure

Hospitals and healthcare systems are navigating unprecedented complexity. Facility executives are expected to deliver uninterrupted service, modernize aging infrastructure, and comply with mandates, all while managing constrained capital budgets. At the same time, rising energy prices, increased grid volatility, and the growing frequency of extreme weather are putting additional strain on critical systems. Nonprofit healthcare […]

Metropolitan Museum of Art Launches $25M Energy-Efficient Lighting Project

The beauty of smart building upgrades will be on full display at one of the world’s largest and most famous art museums. Officials from the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the New York Power Authority (NYPA), and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) announced a nearly $25 million energy efficiency […]

2025 Class of LEED Fellows Recognized for Advancing Green Buildings

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the independent body that administers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications on behalf of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has announced the 2025 Class of LEED Fellows. Twenty-three professionals from around the world are being recognized for their mastery of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building […]