Tag: energy efficiency

Will the ENERGY STAR Program Survive?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin is reconsidering plans to end the ENERGY STAR program, the New York Times reports. Marked by its well-known bright blue trademark logo, the ENERGY STAR label signifies government endorsement of energy efficient appliances, electronics and homes. The program is a public-private partnership administrated by the EPA with assistance from the […]

A Metric that Matters: Modern Building Standards Start with Airtightness

A building can feature every visible marker of sustainability—efficient HVAC, LED lighting, smart appliances and controls, even solar panels—and still fall short. How is this possible? The answer is often hidden just out of sight: Lurking in cracks and gaps throughout a building’s envelope and HVAC system, uncontrolled air leakage is silently undermining nearly every […]

Toronto Child Care Facility Becomes City’s First Net-Zero Building

Toronto, Canada, is one facility closer to meeting its ambitious sustainability goals. Officials have celebrated the launch of Toronto’s largest city-run child care center and first net-zero building. At 19,000 square feet, the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Center provides space for 98 children, including two infant rooms, three toddler rooms, and three […]

The Green Building Paradox: Are Energy-Efficient Buildings Hurting Indoor Connectivity?

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. For facilities managers, sustainability is no longer optional. Modern buildings are engineered to meet stringent energy-efficiency standards, using advanced materials and construction techniques to minimize heat loss and reduce carbon emissions. From low-emissivity (low-E) […]

Global Facilities Management Market Faces Major Challenges and Opportunities

The facilities management (FM) industry continues to expand, with total global spend expected to exceed the $3 trillion mark in 2026—a figure comparable to the annual GDP of France, the world’s seventh-largest economy. However, the massive sector faces mounting pressure, according to a new report from JLL. The “Global State of Facilities Management Report 2025” […]

Strategic Energy Assessments: Turning Facilities into Profit and Power Assets

Today’s facilities managers are being asked to do more than maintain buildings—they’re being asked to manage energy like a balance sheet asset. Rising utility rates, aging infrastructure, and climate-driven disruptions have made it essential to look beyond efficiency toward operational resilience and financial performance. A strategic energy assessment is the gateway to achieving both. It […]

Is Overlooking ‘Seismic Red Flags’ Putting Billions in Property Value at Risk?

The statistics are undeniable: FEMA and the U.S. Geological Survey estimate an annual toll of over 6,000 injuries and 360 fatalities from earthquakes across the United States. California bears the brunt of this impact, shouldering over 60% of the nation’s earthquake-related injuries and fatalities. In addition, the state experiences $9.6 billion in economic losses every […]

Why the Smartest Supermarkets Are Rethinking Refrigeration First

Refrigeration is the lifeline of every supermarket, underpinning food safety, product shelf life, and regulatory compliance. However, it’s also one of the costliest line items, often causing the largest share of a store’s energy use. Behind every chilled aisle and frozen display case lies a constant, energy-intensive effort to keep perishable products safe, fresh, and […]

With Future of Sustainability Incentives Uncertain, EaaS Emerges as Potential Lifeline

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. National power consumption is projected to set new records in both 2025 and 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), surpassing an all-time high reached just last year. At the same time, […]

How Heat Pump RTU Upgrades Can Drive Smarter Energy Use in Commercial Facilities

Amid rising electricity costs and a volatile macroeconomic environment, facilities managers and commercial building owners across the United States are seeking reliable, energy-efficient solutions that consistently support both employees and customers. One increasingly popular strategy is the installation of high-efficiency heat pump rooftop units (RTUs) to reduce energy consumption and improve overall building performance. Heat […]