Magazine

As an industry, health care is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with more than 4 percent of emissions attributed to the sector. One reason for such high GHG emissions is that hospitals are energy-intensive systems that require the use of specialized equipment and ventilations systems, 24/7 (lifesaving equipment such…

The University of Richmond’s Eco-Corridor, an 18-acre restoration, was an old road, previously ignored, a “place of possibility,” said Rob Andrejewski, the university’s director of sustainability. Opened in 2020, the project includes an extensive stream restoration, the planting of 25,000 grasses, shrubs, and trees, invasive species removal, new trails, plus picnic tables, a learning lab,…

During the opening keynote session of Facilities Management Advisor’s FM Now: Healthy Buildings virtual summit, “Connecting the Dots: Moving Toward an Integrated Approach to Healthy and Sustainable Reporting for Buildings,” the topic of healthy buildings was discussed, including the financial and employee benefits of healthy facilities, how healthy buildings can combat climate change, ways healthy…

New regulation in the U.S. and abroad has ushered in a wave of new roles around carbon reporting and disclosures. Originally, the driver was the much anticipated Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) climate disclosure rule. However, given the recent stay on the SEC rule, additional regulatory drivers remain such as the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability…

Everyone wants to know what amenities would bring people back to the office. As employees first started returning, many companies focused on spaces to bring people together, such as social spaces that spur casual interactions and create community. Food amenities ranging from break rooms to cafeterias are now table stakes, and are no longer differentiators….

Did you know buildings account for a whopping 37% of all carbon emissions in the world? In order to combat climate change, countries have set a global goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and in order to help save money and the planet, corporations and other organizations have set sustainability targets of their own….

The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools across the country and made health and safety top priority once they reopened. Although the pandemic is thankfully behind us, it remains essential to protect students and staff from all types of infectious diseases. As leaders plan for the new school year ahead, now is a good time to double…

Photos by Erik Rank, courtesy BDB Construction The adaptive reuse project features a church sanctuary, retail spaces and green roof A warehouse from 1925 is not a community anchor. However, that same facility re-imagined as a spiritual hub with a community center and retail opportunities is now a local gem. The 99-year-old, three-story former manufacturing…

In a tough labor market, it pays for managers in senior living communities to evaluate all their processes, including cleaning. Although the current labor environment has seen some signs of improvement recently, attracting and retaining cleaning staff is still challenging. This circumstance definitely applies to the senior living facilities market segment. Whether the senior living…

Contractor’s performance led to the deterioration of historic structures, resulting in injuries to a visitor and a staff member   May 20, 2024 U.S. national parks are among the country’s highest-profile facilities. Many also are among the most vulnerable, given their age, their building materials and the extreme weather conditions in their locations. Recent problems with…