Tag: commercial buildings

USGBC: New Budget Law Undermines Green Building Policy

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. It wasn’t long ago that Republicans and Democrats in Congress overwhelmingly supported tax incentives and other economic carrots encouraging investment in homegrown energy industries to boost energy security and affordability. That bipartisan tradition ended […]

JLL Report: Workplace Strategies Shift as Hybrid Work Slows

In a dramatic swing that signals evolving corporate real estate (CRE) priorities, JLL’s 2025 Occupancy Planning Benchmark Report reveals portfolio optimization has surpassed cost-cutting as the primary focus for CRE leaders and office utilization has increased as organizations tighten policies on hybrid work. Improving space data accuracy and reporting; increasing employee presence on-site; and growing the use […]

Don’t Let Safety Take a Vacation: 5 Steps to Secure Your Facility This Summer

Summer is often a welcome change of pace, but unfortunately for facilities, it’s not all sunshine. While staff schedules thin out and activity slows across many commercial properties during the warmer months, opportunistic criminals often see this seasonal lull as a green light to steal and vandalize. For businesses, that means now is the time […]

Smarter Maintenance, Healthier Restrooms: Survey Insights Fuel New Approaches to Washroom Design

In an era when hygiene expectations are higher than ever, well-maintained commercial restrooms are no longer just a courtesy—they’re essential to public trust, operational efficiency, and brand image. According to Bradley’s 2025 Healthy Handwashing Survey, 71% of Americans say they are more likely to return and even spend more money at a business with a […]

Unlocking the Future of Commercial Facilities Through Occupancy Setbacks

Commercial office building owners are racing to make their properties smarter, more resilient, and more adaptive. The drive for greater energy efficiency and occupant comfort is intensifying, fueled by the need to deliver rapid returns on investment while navigating rising electricity and operational costs. Supporting Net-Zero Goals Occupancy setbacks have been identified as a powerful […]

The Not-So-Hidden Cyber Risks in Commercial Real Estate

Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. As commercial real estate undergoes rapid digital transformation, driven by the need for greater sustainability, improved energy efficiency, and the evolving demands of hybrid work, the cybersecurity of building management systems (BMS) is becoming […]

U.S. Green Building Council Finalizes New LEED v5 Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has officially launched LEED v5, the latest version of its flagship LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building certification program. The USGBC released the first draft of the highly anticipated update in late 2023. In 2024, the group held two public comment periods, receiving more than 7,000 […]

A CRE Readiness Plan as Companies Enforce Return-to-Office Policies

Office vacancy rates have climbed sharply in the wake of the pandemic as many firms downsized office space due to remote work. Nationally, the United States office vacancy rate hovered around the high teens by late 2023 (nearly 17%–20%, up from roughly 9% pre-pandemic)​. Major city centers have been hit especially hard. These elevated vacancies […]

The Business Case for Resilient Buildings in 2025

On the surface, 2025 has not shaped up to be an easy year for facilities managers. Economic uncertainty continues, and skilled labor shortages and budgetary restrictions are making it difficult to improve building performance. These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure. At the same time, external forces beyond […]

Sustainable Waste Solutions: Practical Strategies for Facilities Management

Facilities managers play a vital role in advancing sustainability and minimizing waste within commercial and industrial environments while managing tight budgets. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, managers must identify cost-effective waste management solutions that do not compromise financial stability. Innovative approaches can significantly enhance environmental stewardship while ensuring fiscal responsibility. According to the […]