Tag: smart buildings

Under Construction: Top Facility Projects of February 2026

Facilities Management Advisor’s “Under Construction” series highlights some of the latest, most interesting facility project announcements every month. World Trade Center Office Tower Financial services giant American Express has revealed plans to build a new state-of-the-art global headquarters at 2 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan—marking the final office tower to be built at the World […]

Data-Driven Water Management: Bringing Visibility and Resilience to Building Operations

Water systems are among the most essential—and least visible—components of any facility. Pipes, valves, pumps, and recirculation loops work quietly behind walls and below floors, delivering water for sanitation, heating, cooling, and daily operations. Because these systems often function behind the scenes, they tend to receive less attention than HVAC or electrical systems—until a failure […]

Data Privacy Day: 5 Best Practices for Physical Security

Observed annually on Jan. 28, Data Privacy Day (also known as Data Protection Day) serves as a reminder that protecting personal data is a shared and ongoing responsibility. For physical security teams, adopting clear strategies, resilient technologies, and trusted partnerships can help ensure privacy and keep security objectives aligned as risks and regulations continue to […]

Connected Buildings, Connected Compliance: The Case for Digital Tools

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 […]

4 Physical Security Predictions for 2026

With the rise of smart buildings, cybersecurity is becoming an essential concern for facilities managers, but physical security remains a top priority. That said, what might be ahead for the physical security industry in 2026? Genetec, a provider of enterprise physical security software, offered the following predictions: 1. Choice and Flexibility Will Define the Next […]

cybersecurity

Why Facility Teams Should Consider a Cyberattack Incident Response Retainer

Facility teams today have many more responsibilities than the bricks and boilers of a building. Modern buildings are full of connected systems that include a building management system (BMS), access control, HVAC, energy meters, elevators, and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. These connected systems help facilities run efficiently; however, they are making the cyberattack surface […]

Rebuilding After Natural Disasters: Why All-Electric Solutions Are the Path Forward

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. Last year, wildfires tore through vast areas of Los Angeles, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to introduce a waiver to exempt rebuilt structures and residences from the city’s all-electric building provision, citing the need to […]

What if Buildings Could Repair Themselves?

Facilities managers juggle a lot of priorities every day as they balance reactive work orders with preventive maintenance, all while keeping downtime low and facilities running at peak efficiency. With constantly shifting priorities and rising stakeholder expectations, the pressure is on to keep buildings performing without burning out the facilities team. Smart buildings leverage integrated […]

How AI Is Creating New Roles for Facilities Managers

A facilities manager (FM) is expected to wear a lot of hats, from operations manager to strategic planner and technical expert to human resources leader. With so many spinning plates, it’s unsurprising that a recent study found that some FMs and staff have left or considered leaving their jobs. This isn’t just about hard work; […]

Why Smart Building Data Isn’t Smart, and How AI Can Help

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. Industrial organizations and building operators are rapidly adopting smart building technologies. From HVAC systems and lighting controls to advanced energy management solutions, facilities are evolving into connected ecosystems to boost efficiency, productivity, and operational […]