Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected five groups to receive $34 million in grants for projects helping address indoor air pollution in K-12 schools in low-income, disadvantaged, and Tribal communities across the country. This announcement comes after the agency revealed $26 million in funding to protect children from lead in drinking water at schools […]
According to a 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), industries account for 24% of global CO₂ emissions, highlighting the critical role operations and maintenance teams must play in reducing environmental impact. As global concerns about climate change grow, businesses are under increasing pressure from regulators, stakeholders, and consumers to show their commitment to […]
Facilities managers (FMs) should consider adding wellness rooms when renovating or constructing new facilities so that occupants, such as employees or students, can relax and calm down when they’re stressed out. You want to create a safe environment for the people who are using your building. Adding these rooms gives individuals the environment to take […]
Pennsylvania has opened applications for $155 million in school safety and security grants, including $90 million in new investments for mental health counselors and resources. “As a new father, I understand how much Pennsylvania parents care about keeping their kids safe at school and healthy in body and mind,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of […]
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 […]
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved 208 investments in school projects, totaling $175 million, under the new Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Launched earlier this year as part of the 2023-24 state budget, the new program provides grants of up to $5 million to public school districts and career […]
Kari’s Law and the Ray Baum’s Act are two pieces of federal legislation concerning Enhanced 911 (E911) services. These are advanced services for 911, the universal telephone number used in the United States for emergency services. Facilities management professionals should understand these laws to ensure that their facilities are compliant. These laws were discussed during […]
It is important that all work-related near misses, or incidents that could have caused harm had the circumstances been different, as well as workplace incidents that involve injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, be investigated by facilities professionals, security professionals, and other necessary personnel. The causes of those incidents in a facility and how to prevent them […]
One of the perennial challenges in facility maintenance is keeping floors clean, shiny, and presentable. For decades, the traditional strip-and-wax method has been the go-to solution for many. However, as environmental consciousness grows and technology advances, a new contender has emerged: floor coatings. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of both […]
The modern facility campus is packed with the most advanced technologies in the world, allowing facilities teams to see through walls and ceilings via virtual reality and augmented reality, curb energy usage while improving the workplace experience, and analyze data to predict outcomes via machine learning and artificial intelligence—so, why is it that so many […]