Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the approval of 61 Smart Schools Investment Plans focused on reimagining education in an evolving age and boosting school security. The approved plans, totaling $31.4 million, are part of the $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act, a sweeping education technology program established in 2014. “Inefficient technology was a huge […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. This article was submitted in honor of Pride Month, which is observed every June. When I first entered the world of facilities management, I quickly realized it wasn’t just about buildings—it was about people. The spaces we design, maintain, and protect are ultimately for the people who use them, […]
That the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cannot inspect every U.S. workplace is of little consolation when the agency arrives at your facility for an inspection. We take you inside an OSHA inspection and provide tips to help your organization and/or tenants prepare for a successful outcome.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Green Power Leadership Award winners for 2024, honoring four top organizations in the agency’s Green Power Partnership program. This year’s winners are tech giant Microsoft Corp., MilliporeSigma, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Signature Aviation. The EPA’s Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that helps increase clean energy use among U.S. […]
In August of 1986, a postal employee threatened with losing his job walked into a post office with a mailbag full of guns and ammunition and opened fire. He did not say a word—he just started shooting and killing. Six postal workers were wounded, and 14 were killed. That was one of several shootings that took […]
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 […]
There’s a wide variety of possible scenarios that may require a service technician, facilities manager, or manufacturer’s rep to troubleshoot a commercial pump. Regardless of the circumstances, using a methodical approach is best when diagnosing a pumping problem. At Taco Comfort Solutions, we’ve found that 80% to 90% of the calls we receive about commercial “pump […]
A recent study by Clutch revealed that the majority of employees prefer private offices to open floor plans or cubicles. Businesses save a significant amount of money with open floor plans versus private offices, though, and many believe the open environment contributes to an atmosphere of community and collaboration. In this article, we explore how […]
Rutgers University has selected DSD Renewables to install 16 solar carport canopies, totaling 14.5 MW, in parking lots across the New Jersey university’s multiple campuses. This is the first major sustainability initiative to roll out since University President Jonathan Holloway announced Rutgers’ commitment to a Climate Action Plan in September 2021. The project, expected to […]
Across the United States, aging schools are in dire need of repair, and for many, patchwork maintenance is the only way to keep facilities operational as administrators and facilities managers balance limited budgets with pressing needs. School budgets are complex, and disparities in funding have become a topic of dispute in the state courts. The […]