Practical Facilities Tips, News & Advice.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation’s largest public power supplier, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to power at least two major federal facilities with 100% clean energy. The deal advances the Biden administration’s goal of powering all federal facilities with carbon-pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030. Under […]
One of the perennial challenges in facility maintenance is keeping floors clean, shiny, and presentable. For decades, the traditional strip-and-wax method has been the go-to solution for many. However, as environmental consciousness grows and technology advances, a new contender has emerged: floor coatings. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of both […]
The Morrison Center, constructed on the National Security Agency (NSA)/Central Security Service (CSS) Washington East Campus in Fort Mead, Md., has received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification—the first project on the campus to earn the designation. The 843,000 square-foot, seven-story facility opened in November 2022. As the […]
By 2030, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on American roads is projected to reach 26.4 million. Furthermore, President Joe Biden has set a goal of having 50% of all new vehicle sales be electric, again by 2030. In order to support this EV initiative, the president also announced his vision of building 500,000 new […]
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $100 million is now available for zero-emission school buses under the state’s $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The New York School Bus Incentive Program (NYSBIP) provides funding to make clean buses and the associated charging infrastructure more affordable for public […]
Smart buildings are modern structures engineered to automate various functions, rendering daily operations more efficient, safe, and cost-effective. This shift towards intelligent infrastructure is particularly noticeable in the corporate sector, offering a blend of architectural intelligence, energy conservation, and streamlined operational management. This article explores the various advantages that smart buildings bring to the corporate […]
Leading organizations dedicated to sustainable building practices and impact reduction in the built environment have joined forces to align around the Common Materials Framework (CMF), which establishes a common language for holistic material sustainability in the building industry. The groups include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), […]
With the growing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and bioenergy, many industrial and commercial facilities managers are looking to add renewables to offset fossil fuel use, reduce energy costs, and meet sustainability goals. However, choosing the right renewable energy system requires careful evaluation of a facility’s unique energy needs, siting, costs, and […]
In 2018, the United States generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), which is the trash created by homes, businesses, and institutions. While 32% was recycled or composted, Americans still have a long way to go in improving waste reduction and reducing our impact on the environment. As a facilities manager, you have […]
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that Newark Liberty International Airport’s new Terminal A has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The sustainability achievement aligns with the port authority’s agency-wide goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions. Following a $2.7 billion […]