Tag: infrastructure

Faces of Facilities: Marcus LaPointe on the Value of Skilled Trades

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 […]

Building Codes and Compliance: Best Practices for Facilities Managers

In the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management, staying compliant with building codes is not just a legal obligation; it’s a cornerstone of operational integrity and public safety. For facilities managers, navigating the complexities of code compliance can be a daunting task, especially when juggling daily operations, maintenance schedules, and long-term capital planning. However, a solid […]

The ASCE Infrastructure Report Card Is Out: Three Takeaways for Facility Leaders

Editor’s note: This is a follow-up article to “The ASCE 2025 Report Card Is Coming: A Final Exam with No Quizzes,” published March 20. After four years of significant federal investments, most notably from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released its 2025 ASCE Report Card, revealing that America’s […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of March 2025

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. All-Electric Hospital Major healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente broke ground on an 18-acre, sustainable medical center located at the historic Railyards in downtown Sacramento, Calif. The new facility is expected to help boost the local economy and “bring […]

Smart Buildings: Can Wireless Mesh Networks Cut Costs, Complexity for Facilities Managers?

As smart buildings and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions continue to evolve, the need for a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective backbone becomes more critical. Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) may provide an ideal solution, offering resilient communication, real-time data processing, and low operational costs. This technology supports the continuous integration of new sensors, automation tools, and […]

The ASCE 2025 Report Card Is Coming: A Final Exam with No Quizzes

Since 2001, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has released the ASCE Report Card to assess the condition of the United States’ infrastructure, assigning a letter grade based on its condition and the investments needed for improvement. However, since its inception, grades have struggled to get out of the D range, although the 2021 […]

EaaS and Microgrids: A Game-Changer for Retailers Facing Rising Energy Costs

The average roof of a large retail store like Walmart spans a massive 180,000 square feet—roughly the size of three football fields. There are over 100,000 superstores in the U.S. with nearly 7.2 billion combined square feet of rooftop space, equivalent to the entire city of El Paso, Texas. According to an Environment America study, […]

AI Propels the Data Center Industry Forward

A new report reveals artificial intelligence (AI) is creating a “seismic shift” in the way data centers are designed, built, and operated. Released by AFCOM, the ninth annual State of the Data Center Industry report also highlights top security threats, sustainability, and other issues for these high-tech facilities. The role of data centers has never […]

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of December 2024

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. $10B Meta Data Center Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, is building a massive $10 billion artificial intelligence (AI) data center in northeast Louisiana. At 4 million square feet, the facility will be the largest of more […]

CISA Releases Security Guide for Venue Operators

Whether at concerts, sports games, fairs, or other events, large crowds of people are a top target for malicious actors, making venue security paramount. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a new “Venue Guide for Security Considerations” to help venue operators enhance safety, protect assets, and create secure environments through effective security measures and […]