Category: Sustainability/Business Continuity

New York Announces $100 Million for Zero-Emission School Buses

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available for zero-emission school buses under the state’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) provides funding to make clean buses and the associated charging infrastructure more affordable for public […]

Chill Out the Germs: Facility Cleaning Tips for Cold and Flu Season

As we prepare for the holidays, we’re again in the middle of another season of the most unpleasant gifts: the common cold and, certainly much worse, what some call the “tripledemic” of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The “CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) continues to anticipate that the upcoming fall and […]

Why Smart Buildings Are a Smart Choice for Corporate Facilities Management

Smart buildings are modern structures engineered to automate various functions, rendering daily operations more efficient, safe, and cost-effective. This shift towards intelligent infrastructure is particularly noticeable in the corporate sector, offering a blend of architectural intelligence, energy conservation, and streamlined operational management. This article explores the various advantages that smart buildings bring to the corporate […]

Green Building Groups Unite Around Common Materials Framework

Leading organizations dedicated to sustainable building practices and impact reduction in the built environment have joined forces to align around the Common Materials Framework (CMF), which establishes a common language for holistic material sustainability in the building industry. The groups include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), […]

How to Choose the Right Renewable Energy System for Your Facility

With the growing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy, many industrial and commercial facilities managers are looking to add renewables to offset fossil fuel use, reduce energy costs, and meet sustainability goals. However, choosing the right renewable energy system requires careful evaluation of a facility’s unique energy needs, siting, costs, and […]

One World Trade Center Completes Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrade

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey completed the installation of energy-efficient LED lights throughout One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. The project began in April 2022. Such lighting projects directly support BuildSmart 2025, a statewide energy efficiency program administered by NYPA […]

How Facilities Managers Can Fight Rising Costs

With rising inflation, possibly confusing but smart technology solutions, and an increase in energy efficiency mandates, facilities managers are increasingly struggling with how to do more with less. At Facilities Management Advisor’s FM NOW: Smart Buildings virtual summit on November 1, Phil Zito, CEO of the Smart Buildings Academy, was the guest speaker for the […]

What’s Ahead for FM Costs in 2024?

Facilities management (FM) costs are slated to rise again in 2024 but moderately compared to a spike in 2022, according to a new report from CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business. The report expects FM costs to increase 2.5% in the U.S. in 2024, down from a forecast gain of 3.3% in 2023 and a […]

Obtaining Sustainable Waste Reduction in Facilities

In 2018, the United States generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), which is the trash created by homes, businesses, and institutions. While 32% was recycled or composted, Americans still have a long way to go in improving waste reduction and reducing our impact on the environment. As a facilities manager, you have […]

ENERGY STAR Lighting: A Decades-Long Success Story Ending on a Bright Note

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program is celebrating over 25 years of achievements in lighting efficiency. The celebration comes as the ENERGY STAR label for most lighting is poised to sunset after a long, successful run and the recently enacted federal sales ban on incandescent bulbs. Since the ENERGY STAR label for […]