Category: Sustainability/Business Continuity

Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps Represent Major Opportunity for U.S. Building Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 29, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050. “To put that in context, 593 terawatt-hours is about 15% […]

New York Offers $100 Million Under Clean Green Schools Initiative

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 25, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 25, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available through the Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funding will support under-resourced public schools with projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental sustainability, and decarbonize school buildings. “Creating a safe and healthy learning environment is critical to providing our children the best education […]

11 Facilities Management Certifications to Consider for 2024

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Jan 24, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Aug 14, 2024

As we entered 2024, many facilities professionals made New Year’s resolutions to boost their careers. Some will be going back to school to get a college degree in facilities management or a specialty such as sustainability or operations management. Others will be taking classes, or simply studying on their own, so they can gain the […]

Top 10 States for LEED Buildings in 2023

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 24, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 24, 2024

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual list of U.S. states leading the way on green buildings, and New York topped the list for the first time during a record-breaking year in 2023. The USGBC ranking is based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified gross square footage per capita over […]

USPS Unveils First Charging Stations and EVs Under Plan for Nation’s Largest Electric Fleet

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 23, 2024 Green Building

Updated: Jan 23, 2024

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS), alongside White House officials, unveiled its first set of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its South Atlanta Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). Charging stations like these will be installed at hundreds of new S&DCs across the country throughout the year and will power what will be the nation’s largest […]

Navigating the Permacrisis: How Facilities Managers Can Prepare for the Unexpected in 2024

By Dr. Mark Fischer, International SOS Jan 22, 2024 Emergency Preparedness

Updated: Jan 22, 2024

Risk management for facilities managers has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. What was once centered on physical concerns like injuries, security, and equipment failures now encompasses a broader range of challenges. The evolving landscape demands a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to risk management, encompassing digital, environmental, and public health considerations to mitigate […]

Federal Facilities Receive $104 Million for Clean Energy Projects

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 18, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 18, 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $104 million for energy conservation and clean energy projects at 31 federal facilities, with more funding on the way. The projects align with President Joe Biden’s goal for the federal government to “lead by example” on sustainability. This represents the first of three disbursements from $250 million […]

Updated ASHRAE Building Efficiency Standard Shifts Focus to Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 18, 2024 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Jan 18, 2024

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has released the latest version of its energy efficiency standard for existing buildings, with an expanded focus to incorporate building decarbonization. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 100-2024, Energy and Emissions Building Performance Standard for Existing Buildings is a code-ready building performance standard that provides processes and procedures for reducing energy consumption […]

Net-Zero Commercial Building Market Poised for Dramatic Growth: Report

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 17, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 17, 2024

The market for net-zero commercial buildings is expected to grow dramatically over the next decade, largely due to the implementation of net-zero building codes by national and state governments across Europe and North America. According to a new report from Guidehouse Insights, the number of net-zero commercial buildings around the world is estimated to be nearly 500 in […]

How a Visitor Management System Can Solve Facility Problems

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Jan 16, 2024 Access Control

Updated: Jan 16, 2024

Visitor management is an important part of making a great first impression on your visitors, as well as protecting their privacy and increasing safety. Facilities managers should therefore work with security leaders to implement a modern visitor management solution (VMS) that would adequately greet, process, and monitor those entering your facility. How Should It Be […]