Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 […]
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 These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure.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 […]
There is a growing demand for businesses to adopt environmentally conscious practices. Consumers are increasingly mindful of sustainability initiatives, with 65% indicating they prefer to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. This shift in consumer values has made sustainability a preference and a necessity for businesses looking to remain competitive. With the demand for sustainability continuing […]
As 2025 kicked off, many facilities managers made New Year’s resolutions to earn industry certifications. That’s because certifications not only further develop your FM skills, but can also help you stand out as a top job candidate and play a critical role in career development. Are you looking to up your game and earn an […]
As the new Trump administration plans to make big cuts across the federal government, a coalition of over 200 businesses, investors, and organizations has issued a letter expressing united support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program. This voluntary program, which labels cleaning products meeting stringent safety and environmental standards, is seen by […]
As the call for healthier and more sustainable buildings continues, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has enlisted more experts to help advance adoption of its WELL healthy building standard. The organization appointed several new members to its Governance Council, a coalition of global thought leaders, doctors, public health professionals, and business executives who uphold the […]
Despite an increasing number of Americans making a point to wash their hands more during cold and flu season, a growing number of people—almost 8 out of 10—have witnessed others leave public washrooms without washing their hands, according to Bradley Company’s Healthy Handwashing Survey. The survey conducted in January 2025 shows that public concern regarding […]
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has opened applications for the 2025 Renew America’s Schools Prize, which will offer $90 million for facility upgrades that improve health, safety, and energy costs in K-12 public schools across America. Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this third round of funding builds on $178 million awarded in 2023 and […]
As wildfires and prescribed burns increasingly impact communities worldwide, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has published a new resource aimed at safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events. ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation, and […]
L’Oréal USA, the U.S. subsidiary of global beauty and cosmetics giant L’Oréal Groupe, announced its corporate office in El Segundo, Calif., has been awarded two LEED Platinum certifications and a WELL Platinum certification. This achievement marks the first time a L’Oréal building has received three platinum certifications (the highest level available) in sustainability and occupant […]