Tag: sustainability

DOE Launches Tax Deduction Tools for Energy-Efficient Commercial Building Upgrades

Thinking about making energy upgrades at your facility? Try cashing in on tax deductions! The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released the 179D Portal, which hosts two free tools to estimate potential federal tax deductions for installing eligible energy-efficient technologies in commercial buildings. Intended for commercial building owners, as well as designers of energy-efficient upgrades for […]

Is 3D Printing the Future of Facility Construction?

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 construction industry stands at a transformative juncture. After years of technological advancements in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and telecommunications, construction is finally getting the innovative lift it deserves. At the heart of […]

Leveraging Data for ESG Success: Critical Steps Toward Net-Zero Emissions

In 2022, the Biden administration announced the first Federal Building Performance Standard, a set of steps aimed at reducing energy consumption and electrifying equipment and appliances in federal buildings by 2030. While this plan represents significant strides toward sustainability, the path to carbon neutrality remains less defined. As climate change drives devastating global risks, including […]

Maryland School District Touts LEED Green Building Certification

Calvert County Public Schools in Maryland announced that its new Beach Elementary School building has been awarded LEED Silver status in recognition of the sustainable practices used during construction. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is among the most widely used green building […]

Georgia School District Launches All-Green Bus Fleet

Wilkes County Schools (WCS) has become the first school district in Georgia with an all-green school bus fleet, serving its 25 daily bus routes exclusively with zero- and ultra-low-emission buses. Blue Bird Corp. recently delivered five electric and 12 propane-powered school buses to the district. WCS said its new fleet will significantly improve air quality for students and […]

Cleveland Museum Earns Top Green Building Certification

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, in partnership with DLR Group, has achieved one of highest honors in sustainable building design, becoming the first museum in the United States to earn LEED v4 BD+C NC Platinum certification. A prestigious status designated by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED, or Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design, is […]

Facilities Managers Share Their New Year’s Resolutions – Part 2

Congratulations! You rocked 2024 by working hard and honing your skills. With a new year upon us, do you plan to become an even better facilities manager in 2025? In Part 1 of this series, a handful of past “Faces of Facilities” guests shared their New Year’s resolutions. If you haven’t yet picked a goal […]

GSA Signs Historic Energy Contract for Federal Facilities

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced a historic long-term purchase of electricity, including carbon-pollution-free electricity (CFE), from Constellation New Energy Inc. The deal marks the GSA’s first long-term, multi-agency purchase of electricity and aims to increase resilience and reliability for federal agencies while protecting against price increases. With a focus on new nuclear power, […]

Facilities Managers Share Their New Year’s Resolutions – Part 1

Covering everything from maintenance and security to technology and construction, 2025 predictions abound in the facilities management industry. But what do facilities managers, themselves, hope to accomplish in the new year? The start of every year represents an opportunity for new beginnings or ambitious goals. Given how demanding and all-encompassing facilities management can be, even […]

The Rise of Commercial Building Electrification

Demand for commercial building electrification has been growing over the past decade as organizations aim to reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient. By electrifying systems such as HVAC, water heating, and cooking, building owners and organizations have been able to achieve benefits such as increased energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and safer […]