Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
Once on the Trump administration’s chopping block, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR program lives on after Congress recently approved $33 million to fund the program for fiscal year 2026. The bill, H.R. 6938, was signed into law on Jan. 23, following bipartisan approval from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The […]
New Year’s resolutions are a great opportunity to set professional goals. Are you looking to hone your facilities management skills, boost your career, or stand out in a competitive job market in 2026? Earning an industry certification can not only sharpen your FM expertise but also help you climb that company ladder or become a […]
What’s one major piece of advice that Marshall MacFarlane, an industry veteran and celebrated IFMA Fellow, would give to both new and established facilities managers? Make sure to network. According to him, building a support system could be “career-changing.” MacFarlane currently serves as a facilities senior project manager at Bell Bank, the largest family- and […]
If you like monotony—clocking in and out every day doing the same tasks at work—then facilities management probably isn’t for you. But if you enjoy a good challenge, expect the unexpected, and thrive in chaos, Gretchen Martin urges you to join in on the excitement that an FM career can offer. In fact, “constant mayhem” […]
On Sept. 17-19, thousands of industry professionals converged on Minneapolis for the International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) 2025 World Workplace Conference and Expo. Marking the organization’s 45th anniversary and the annual event’s 30th year, the show offered educational sessions, networking opportunities, and more. IFMA kicked off the event with a celebratory program reflecting on the association’s […]
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the world’s largest FM organization, has announced the 2025 Class of IFMA Fellows. Bestowed with the association’s highest honor, Laurie Gilmer, Benjamin Goudy, and Frank Ngoh join an elite group of leaders who serve as IFMA advisors and ambassadors, furthering the interests and influence of the association and the […]
Building drawings and facility information have long been undervalued, often relegated to storage rooms or legacy systems, considered a necessary cost rather than a strategic asset. However, this information is far more than a historical archive. It is the foundation for ongoing operations, informed decision making, and long-term resilience. As buildings age and evolve, the […]
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has announced the member-elected executive committee and appointees to the global board of directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Effective July 1, Christa Dodoo, CFM, FMP, CIWFM, CMQ-OE, begins her term as board chair. She is joined by First Vice Chair Luis R. Viña and Second Vice Chair Wayne […]
From combat engineer to custodial manager, Marcus LaPointe has worn many proverbial hats throughout his career. However, he encourages aspiring facility professionals to get their start in the trades—”any trade.” It’s timely advice, given that reports show a grave need for all types of skilled trade workers. As for LaPointe, he now works as an […]
Every sector, whether public or private, has facilities that need professional oversight. However, Katie Norton suggests municipal facilities management presents some unique benefits and challenges worth noting. Norton works for the City of Battle Creek, a municipal government in southwest Michigan with approximately 51,000 residents. After serving the city for more than 13 years, including […]