Category: Sustainability/Business Continuity

Green Building Groups Unite Around Common Materials Framework

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 27, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 27, 2023

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

By Chester Avey, Contributing Writer Nov 22, 2023 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Apr 18, 2024

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 22, 2023 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Nov 22, 2023

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

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Nov 21, 2023 Human Resources

Updated: Dec 21, 2023

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?

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 21, 2023 Grounds Management

Updated: Nov 21, 2023

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

By Miles Oliver, Contributing Writer Nov 20, 2023 Green Building

Updated: Nov 20, 2023

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

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 17, 2023 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Nov 17, 2023

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 […]

State and City Leaders Highlight Sustainable Facilities

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Nov 16, 2023 Green Building

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

The October 12 CityAge: Unleashing Clean Energy Systems digital event featured discussions on facility energy efficiency, decarbonizing buildings, and deploying clean energy infrastructure. It also highlighted sustainability projects at major facilities in New York and New Jersey, as well as Kansas City, Missouri, and Phoenix, Arizona, which can serve as examples for facilities managers to […]

Creating a Better Workplace Amid a New Normal for Office Attendance

By Joe Bebon, Editor Nov 16, 2023 Design and Construction

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

Hybrid work continues to grow among global employers. As more companies announce new office attendance mandates, and most workers are back in the office globally, leaders must now consider how to meet new expectations around work and where it’s done. That’s according to a new report from JLL titled “Is hybrid really working? Creating a […]

4 Ways to Prepare Your Facilities for Winter

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Nov 15, 2023 Emergency Preparedness

Updated: Nov 17, 2023

With winter on its way, it’s time for facilities managers not only to prepare for snow and ice and winterize their irrigation systems, but also to examine the interior and exterior elements of their facilities. Whether you manage a large facility like a college or hospital campus or a small facility like a small office […]