Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced a new partnership with nonprofit organization Building Cyber Security (BCS) to offer IFMA members resources, training, and tools to mitigate cyber risk in facility operations. As buildings become smarter and more connected, the risk grows that a cyberattack to building systems can result in the shutdown of a facility, […]
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced $288 million in Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding to construct sustainable buildings at the DHS St. Elizabeths headquarters campus in southeast Washington, D.C. The announcement came a day after the one-year anniversary of the IRA, the largest climate investment in U.S. history. The […]
June 2023 kicked off what scientists are calling the hottest summer ever—then it got hotter. The temperatures in the first two weeks of July 2023 were the highest ever recorded. In the world of facilities management, this means HVAC systems in many parts of the U.S. have been working harder than ever. As such, the […]
Healthy building certification organization Fitwel has announced the latest cohort of companies to join its global community of Champions, Providers, and Partners. Originally created by the CDC and U.S. General Services Administration, the Fitwel certification is used by real estate stakeholders across the globe to ensure their assets are designed and operated to positively impact […]
More than half of today’s facilities management workforce is expected to retire within the next 5 to 15 years, leaving a major talent gap to fill. Carolyn McGary, the national director of FM Pipeline Team Inc. and self-proclaimed Wonder Woman of FM, to the rescue! Here’s her superhero origin story. With nearly 20 years of […]
The University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Texas-based developer Vesper Energy have cut the ribbon on the Gaucho Solar project. Built on 68 acres near Pittsburgh International Airport, the 20 megawatt project features about 55,000 panels and is one of the largest solar arrays in Western Pennsylvania. Through a power purchase agreement with Vesper Energy, the […]
Though technology offers many advantages to facilities managers and security professionals regarding safety, criminals can hack into a facility’s security cameras. This ability can put your operation in danger of robbery, damage, or ransomware. Here are four signs someone’s hacked you and four ways you can protect your surveillance system from potential threats. Can Security […]
A new report reveals how local laws and policies are speeding up protections for birds from deadly building collisions, one of the leading causes of bird mortality. A staggering number of birds are killed by window collisions each year in the United States, with estimates of up to 1 billion. The Law, Ethics, and Animals Program (LEAP) […]
In the ever-evolving world of facilities management, there is a bigger emphasis on promoting the health and well-being of building occupants. Healthy buildings go beyond energy efficiency and sustainability; they prioritize factors that directly impact the health, productivity, and comfort of those inside. From optimizing air quality to meeting industry standards, facilities managers should consider […]
Changing consumer attitudes are giving the concept of “sustainability” its day in the sun. Seventy-eight percent of Americans make a “sustainable lifestyle” a priority, while 60% factor it into their purchasing decisions. One-third are even willing to pay more for it. Unsurprisingly, businesses have taken notice. A majority of CEOs agree that sustainability is essential […]