Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
In remembrance of the attack on the World Trade Center 25 years ago, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Research Library and Archives has released “NFPA and the World Trade Center: 25 Years Later,” a collection of materials from the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The compilation provides a multi-faceted overview of the events that unfolded, focusing […]
As the new school year begins, thousands of college students nationwide are moving into dormitories and off-campus housing, which can lead to a major rise in campus fire hazards. That means facilities managers should remain vigilant about fire safety and help provide resources to key stakeholders. Through their annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign every September, the National Fire […]
The National Fire Protection Associations (NFPA) has released its fourth annual industry survey report. The survey found that skilled trade workers are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools, while recognizing continued investment in training, professional development, and industry collaboration will be critical to meeting heightened work demands amid ongoing workforce shortages. Conducted at the 2026 NFPA […]
Editor’s note: Originally published in 2024, this article is being reposted in honor of the upcoming holiday. In facilities management, workplace safety is key. But, hey, you aren’t always working—at least hopefully not! If you’re one of the millions of Americans set to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, you should make sure to prioritize […]
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. For decades, facilities management has remained relatively static: protect the building envelope, manage HVAC, and ensure critical safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, are maintained. However, the landscape is shifting. As infrastructure becomes more […]
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. In 2026, the skilled trades are facing a reality check that is impossible to ignore: A significant rift has opened between the priorities of organizational leaders and the priorities of their employees, especially as […]
For years, the phrases “skilled trades” and “manual labor” have been synonymous with one another, making electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians professions one would not associate with advanced technology or artificial intelligence (AI). However, this perception is evolving as more trade workers experience the tangible benefits of advanced technology. An August 2025 survey from […]
When you think of a building, you probably think of a lifeless, static structure. And while that’s technically true, modern-day technology is transforming buildings into something more “alive.” Backed by Internet of Things (IoT), automation, and data integration, buildings are becoming increasingly interconnected, creating intelligent ecosystems where every system—down to the HVAC, security, and lighting—is […]
The rapid pace of technological advancement is transforming industries and reshaping the future of work, and the current state of the skilled trades is no different. As more skilled workers move toward retirement, attracting and retaining a new generation of tradespeople requires a commitment to embracing technological change. In turn, facilities managers must pay close […]
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has kicked off its annual Fire Prevention Week, which is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. The 2025 campaign will run Oct. 5-11. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” aims to educate everyone about using […]