Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has published the “2023 Better Buildings Initiative Progress Report,” which summarizes the achievements of the DOE’s Better Buildings public- and private-sector partners since the initiative’s inception in 2011. The report shows that partnering entities, including more than 900 businesses, state and local governments, utilities, housing authorities, and other organizations, […]
A new report from consultancy Guidehouse Insights assesses the competitive landscape in the intelligent building software market and ranks the top 10 vendors. Intelligent building solutions are a steadily growing market segment as commercial building owners and managers adopt new technologies for reducing energy use and carbon emissions, increasing building efficiency, and satisfying tenant demands for comfort, […]
Climate Pledge Arena, home of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, has become the first arena in the world to achieve the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Zero Carbon Certification. “Our Zero Carbon Certification recognizes highly energy-efficient buildings that are designed and operated to fully account for their carbon emissions impacts,” explained ILFI CEO […]
Climate change is reshaping our world significantly, impacting various sectors, including facilities management. With more frequent extreme weather events and stricter environmental regulations, facilities managers must adapt. Here are five ways to help adapt facilities management to climate change and achieve success: 1. Embrace Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is no longer a choice but a […]
More than 2 million new jobs and up to 141 million additional job years can be created in Europe and the United States by adopting clean energy technologies in new and retrofitted buildings, according to a joint study from Schneider Electric and Boston University. The open-access paper, “Building a Green Future: Examining the Job Creation Potential of Electricity, Heating, […]
In today’s dynamic business environment, sustainability has transcended its status as a mere buzzword to become a crucial imperative. The mounting global environmental challenges call for a fundamental shift toward sustainable practices within the business sector. The consequences of overlooking sustainability are far-reaching, affecting not only ecological equilibrium but also the long-term viability and profitability […]
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) introduced a draft of its LEED v5 Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system for existing buildings. Buildings are responsible for around 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% stemming from operational emissions, which include energy needed to heat, cool, and power them. LEED v5 is the newest version of LEED (Leadership in Energy and […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released program guidance and opened applications for $400 million in formula funding to states and territories for adopting and implementing building energy codes that reduce utility bills, increase efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and make buildings more resilient to climate disasters. “A transition to a clean energy economy […]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the Green Power Leadership Award Winners for 2023, honoring five leading U.S. organizations in the agency’s Green Power Partnership program. This year’s awardees are Elevance Health, Hormel Foods, Palo Alto Networks, The Home Depot, and Truckee Meadows Community College. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “Use of clean, […]
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center, a 2.3 million square-foot facility in Washington, D.C., has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The convention center achieved LEED v4.1 Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings Gold certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in […]