Tag: smart building

World Refrigeration Day Highlights Growing Role of Intelligent Cooling

By Joe Bebon, Editor Jun 26, 2026 Building Controls

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has joined organizations, governments, and industry partners around the globe in recognizing World Refrigeration Day (WRD 2026) on June 26. This year’s theme, “Cool Intelligence,” showcases the innovation, expertise, and advanced technologies that are transforming refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems to operate more efficiently, […]

Twenty-Four Percent of Unoccupied Office Space Will Be Air Conditioned this Summer

By Honghao Deng, Butlr Jun 25, 2026 Design and Construction

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

That’s right, 24% of under or unoccupied office space will be blasting air conditioning for nobody this summer. At the end of each day, these same vacant, cooled spaces and unused bathrooms will be cleaned by the maintenance crew. The obvious contributing factors are summer vacations, hybrid schedules, and team outings. The less obvious and […]

5 Questions Facilities Managers Should Ask Before Trusting AI with HVAC Optimization

By Chuan He, ClimaMind Jun 2, 2026 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

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.  Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up in more conversations about HVAC energy savings. That is not surprising. Heating and cooling are expensive, controls data is increasingly available, and many buildings still have room for […]

Back to Basics: How Smart Sensors and AI Work Together

By April Miller, Contributing Writer May 27, 2026 Back to Basics

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Smart buildings do much more than automate routine tasks. Today, facilities management teams can combine smart sensors with artificial intelligence (AI) to create workplaces that operate more efficiently, safely, and intelligently. This combination is known as the […]

Is Predictive Maintenance Reliable Enough to Be the Future of the FM Industry?

By Adam Atkins, Coat Facilities Group May 12, 2026 FM Perspectives

Updated: May 12, 2026

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 leaders have attempted to bridge the gap between preventative and reactive maintenance—now, the rapid onset of new technologies gives providers vastly improved methods of detecting when systems may be at […]

The $150 Billion Energy Waste Problem Buildings Are Ignoring

By Ari Shultz, Entech May 1, 2026 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: May 1, 2026

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.  The residential and commercial building sector is the leading energy consumer in the U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 40% of the nation’s entire energy consumption and 35% of U.S. carbon emissions. What’s worse? The […]

Earth Day Tips for Making Facilities More Sustainable

By Zac Amos, Contributing Writer Apr 22, 2026 Energy Management and Lighting

Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Earth Day is a good reminder that facilities managers play an important role in managing environmental impact. Daily operational decisions can shape how sustainable a building is. Managers can use this holiday to develop a clear and practical plan to improve energy efficiency and support long-term environmental goals. Conduct a Facility-Wide Energy Audit An energy […]

Space Management Isn’t a Floor Plan Problem. It’s Bigger.

By Paul Alley & Stacy Harder Apr 21, 2026 Design and Construction

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Facilities teams have invested heavily in booking platforms, occupancy sensors, and space-planning tools. Yet many organizations still face a common problem: empty desks reserved but never used, crowded collaboration areas midweek, and employees who bypass the system altogether. According to JLL’s Global State of Facilities Management Report, 38% of facilities leaders rank space utilization and […]

5 Tech Strategies to Enhance Springtime School Maintenance

By Zac Amos, Contributing Writer Mar 31, 2026 Grounds Management

Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Spring brings a fresh set of opportunities for K-12 facilities managers to strengthen campus performance. As schools transition from cooler months and prepare for increased outdoor use, maintenance teams can use advanced technologies to improve efficiency, optimize resources, and support safe learning environments. By integrating tools such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence […]

Restaurant Facilities Turn to Tech and Automation to Overcome Industry Challenges

By Joe Bebon, Editor Mar 13, 2026 Building Controls

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Restaurant operators are navigating one of the most challenging business environments in recent memory, marked by rising food and labor costs, staffing shortages, and heightened customer expectations. But even in this climate, many are finding efficiency and resilience through technology and automation behind the scenes and strengthening performance where it’s greatly needed—in the kitchen and […]