Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
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 These challenges are especially prominent in older buildings with outdated systems and aging infrastructure.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 […]
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 […]