Tag: facilities management

Study: Geothermal Heat Pumps Represent Major Opportunity for U.S. Building Decarbonization

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 29, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 29, 2024

A new analysis from Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that, coupled with building envelope improvements, installing geothermal heat pumps in around 70% of U.S. buildings could save as much as 593 terawatt-hours of electricity generation annually and avoid seven gigatons of carbon-equivalent emissions by 2050. “To put that in context, 593 terawatt-hours is about 15% […]

EPA Awards Nearly $11M to Help Community Buildings Combat Wildfire Smoke

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 26, 2024 Fire Safety

Updated: Jan 26, 2024

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected nine applicants throughout the West to receive nearly $11 million in funding through the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings grant program. The new federal program aims to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness by providing grants to states, federally recognized Tribes, public preschools, local educational agencies, and […]

How to Create Easy-to-Use Preventive Maintenance Checklists

By Kendall Kunz, Forms On Fire Jan 25, 2024 Maintenance and Operations

Updated: Jan 25, 2024

Preventive maintenance (PM) checklists are essential tools in the effective management of building maintenance and facility equipment. Their primary purpose is to methodically guide maintenance tasks, ensuring that all necessary steps are performed in a timely and consistent manner. Let’s dive straight into essential elements and best design practice to discover how to create clear […]

New York Offers $100 Million Under Clean Green Schools Initiative

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 25, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 25, 2024

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available through the Clean Green Schools Initiative. The funding will support under-resourced public schools with projects to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improve environmental sustainability, and decarbonize school buildings. “Creating a safe and healthy learning environment is critical to providing our children the best education […]

12 Facilities Management Certifications to Consider for 2024

By Corey Sipe, Associate Editor Jan 24, 2024 Building Controls

Updated: Jan 26, 2024

As we entered 2024, many facilities professionals made New Year’s resolutions to boost their careers. Some will be going back to school to get a college degree in facilities management or a specialty such as sustainability or operations management. Others will be taking classes, or simply studying on their own, so they can gain the […]

Top 10 States for LEED Buildings in 2023

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 24, 2024 Design and Construction

Updated: Jan 24, 2024

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released its annual list of U.S. states leading the way on green buildings, and New York topped the list for the first time during a record-breaking year in 2023. The USGBC ranking is based on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified gross square footage per capita over […]

Faces of Facilities: Linda Besetzny from R.J. O’Brien & Associates

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 23, 2024 Faces of Facilities

Updated: Jan 26, 2024

Linda Besetzny oversees facilities management on a global scale, which poses unique challenges but offers rewarding opportunities. And with over 25 years of industry experience, she has a long list of achievements and interesting stories to share. Besetzny is the director of global facilities at R.J. O’Brien & Associates (RJO), the oldest and largest independent […]

USPS Unveils First Charging Stations and EVs Under Plan for Nation’s Largest Electric Fleet

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jan 23, 2024 Green Building

Updated: Jan 23, 2024

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS), alongside White House officials, unveiled its first set of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at its South Atlanta Sorting and Delivery Center (S&DC). Charging stations like these will be installed at hundreds of new S&DCs across the country throughout the year and will power what will be the nation’s largest […]

Navigating the Permacrisis: How Facilities Managers Can Prepare for the Unexpected in 2024

By Dr. Mark Fischer, International SOS Jan 22, 2024 Emergency Preparedness

Updated: Jan 22, 2024

Risk management for facilities managers has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. What was once centered on physical concerns like injuries, security, and equipment failures now encompasses a broader range of challenges. The evolving landscape demands a more comprehensive and adaptive approach to risk management, encompassing digital, environmental, and public health considerations to mitigate […]

OSHA Launches Regional Tree and Landscaping Safety Enforcement Program

By Guy Burdick, Contributing Writer Jan 22, 2024 Grounds Management

Updated: Jan 22, 2024

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Region 2 office has launched a regional emphasis program (REP) to reduce worker fatalities and injuries in the tree and landscape services industries in New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the agency announced January 11. The new REP includes two elements: “We want to make […]