Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
At the United Nations during Climate Week, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), alongside nearly 170 global leaders from public health, academia, civil society, building science, real estate, and industry—representing over 30 countries—announced the formation of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air. According to the commission, indoor air pollution represents a major public health crisis, […]
Traditionally, facilities management focused on operational efficiency—that is, keeping buildings running smoothly while controlling costs. Today, a new framework is reshaping this role: environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This shift places facilities managers at the center of corporate strategy by transforming the physical assets they’ve always controlled into critical components for achieving a company’s […]
Healthcare environments can significantly influence a child’s response to medical care. Pediatric patients are often more sensitive to noise, lighting, and unfamiliar surroundings, making them vulnerable to stress during visits or hospital stays. Thoughtful design of calming spaces is not just about aesthetics; it supports patient safety, promotes emotional regulation, and improves the overall care […]
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the organization behind the WELL healthy building certification standard, has released the second edition of its “Investing in Health Pays Back” report. According to the group, the new report offers a singular resource that brings together the largest collection of research to date that links investments in health and well-being in […]
Amid growing concern about Legionnaires’ disease, especially with recent outbreaks in New York City and parts of Ohio, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is offering guidance to help mitigate risks and support building safety. Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria, is most commonly associated with water systems […]
Chicago-based law firm Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) announce that its newly built-out office achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The firm relocated to The Bell, a renovated Chicago landmark at 225 W. Randolph St., in May 2025 and said its […]
Across the United States, aging schools are in dire need of repair, and for many, patchwork maintenance is the only way to keep facilities operational as administrators and facilities managers balance limited budgets with pressing needs. School budgets are complex, and disparities in funding have become a topic of dispute in the state courts. The […]
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 […]