Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Three nonprofits—the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, the National Center on School Infrastructure, and the New Buildings Institute—have formed the HVAC Change Lab, a new partnership to improve health, safety, and academic success by upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in schools. The groups are partnering with school […]
The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) have announced the recipients of the 2026 Best of Green Schools Awards. The awards recognize 11 U.S. schools, districts, organizations, or individuals for advancing environmental stewardship, creating healthy learning environments, and promoting education for a sustainable future. “America’s students deserve […]
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the organization behind the WELL healthy building certification standard, has revealed two new ratings designed to help real estate owners and operators deliver on investor and tenant demands for healthier buildings. Now open for enrollment, the WELL Real Estate Rating focuses on enhancing base building infrastructure while the WELL […]
As buildings seal up for colder months and occupants spend more time indoors, indoor air quality (IAQ) is becoming harder to ignore. What was once treated as a background mechanical function is now shaping comfort, complaints, and confidence in shared spaces. For facilities managers, this shift presents a growing challenge. People are making decisions about […]
Indoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is a critical but unevenly addressed public health issue. Poor IAQ negatively impacts asthma, absenteeism, and learning outcomes. However, state laws addressing school IAQ vary widely. To help move states toward comprehensive protections, the American Lung Association has released a new report, “A Win-Win for Lung Health: How Policies […]
Editor’s note: FM Perspectives are industry op-eds. The views expressed are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of Facilities Management Advisor. Facilities managers are sitting on an untapped treasure trove: cleaning. By rethinking their cleaning practices, they could access higher returns on multiple fronts. Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind, and the microscopic […]
Toronto, Canada, is one facility closer to meeting its ambitious sustainability goals. Officials have celebrated the launch of Toronto’s largest city-run child care center and first net-zero building. At 19,000 square feet, the Mount Dennis Early Learning and Child Care Center provides space for 98 children, including two infant rooms, three toddler rooms, and three […]
Vermont schools are working to create asthma-friendly learning environments by improving indoor air quality, reducing asthma triggers, and training staff to help students manage their symptoms. “Asthma can cause missed school days, make it difficult to concentrate, limit play and sports, and just make it harder for kids to learn and enjoy their time at […]
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, […]
Patient care is a priority for healthcare organizations, but budget constraints can keep many operating with outdated facilities management systems. These systems are not seen as directly impacting patient outcomes, so they can fall to the end of the list for investment. This is a missed opportunity because modern building management systems that monitor and […]