Blogs

It certainly wasn’t good news: There was a serious fire in my son’s residence hall, which forced students to evacuate at 4:30 on a Sunday morning. But I can’t consider it bad news that the university emailed parents within hours to let us know what happened. Sending that email was not...

I heard some really good news not too long ago. I was at a presentation for top executives, and the topic was sustainability. One of the speakers started describing tax deductions for energy efficient upgrades in buildings. The takeaway, and I quote: “You can pretty much get a tax deduction for...

In case you forgot to make a New Year’s Resolution, here are some retroactive resolutions to consider: Get more exercise. Save more money for retirement. Expand your network across the organization. Good ideas, right? And what better way to start 2012 than by resolving to improve yourself. Still...

When it comes to facilities, there are plenty of opportunities to complain — it’s too hot, it’s too cold, this is leaking, that isn’t working. But if you ever start thinking that no one notices the good things about facilities, consider the following thought from a software engineer...

Facility managers get handed so many problems that it’s no wonder some adopt a sort of fullback mentality. Take the ball, put your head down and try to plow ahead. That works, up to a point, but you take a lot of pounding along the way — from occupants, other managers, even top executives...

We know how busy FMs are and how many deadlines you have to meet. That’s why we are extending the deadline for applications for the FMXcellence recognition program to October 28. Go to FMXcellence honors facility departments that demonstrate they are adding value to their organizations. Past honorees...

For the past two years, Building Operating Management has sponsored the FMXcellence recognition program for facility departments. FMXcellence aims to do two things. One is to honor FM departments that are adding value to their organizations. The other is to spread the word about successful programs,...

To fully protect a building from outside elements, it’s vital to consider the total building envelope consisting of the roof, walls, windows, doors and foundation. If not sealed properly, the envelope can be one of the largest drains of energy and biggest sources of sun and water damage for a building...

Helping a building that’s naturally hot to cool down in the summer can consume an incredible amount of energy. Fortunately, implementing one or more of these five energy-efficient solutions can reduce the energy consumption of a building’s air conditioning system while keeping occupants more...

The commercial real estate industry was recently reminded of several solid corporate resources that help reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and attract tenants. Because of their strong commitments to sustainability, the companies listed below are a sampling of those who were invited to exhibit...

Technology-based security measures, such as surveillance cameras, keypads and card-readers, are often enough to deter thieves. Yet such measures are no guarantee against violent behavior, nor can they prevent damage from severe storms. Fortunately, there are several physical enhancements that can be...

I'm interning at the University of Connecticut and we are currently in the preliminary stages of gathering pertinent information for a facilities/operations overhaul particularly regarding strategic sourcing, inventory and supply chain management processes. Have you or any others you know of recently...

I'm an intern in the purchasing department of The University of Connecticut. We are currently undergoing a comprehensive reform process that includes a facilities/operations overhaul particularly regarding strategic sourcing, inventory and supply chain management processes. I was wondering if anyone...

Please take our 1st Quarter 2011 Facilities Trends Survey. This survey looks at 17 current issues related to facilities design, construction, operations, and maintenance. Link to: http://conta.cc/hvUdLu . Also enter to win a $50 bank gift card for your participation.

There is no getting around it - your cleaning business needs high quality cleaning supplies and equipment so you and your employees can effectively do the job of taking care of your clients' buildings. There are several places you can buy the chemicals you need to clean. Over 50% of the respondents...

The Framework for Improving Building Operating Decisions is a research project being conducted at The University of Reading in partnership with Penn State. The goal of the research is to develop a concise and practical web-based decision support tool to help facility managers and facility management...

We have a great Holiday solution to combat against smash and grab and unwanted guests this holiday season. The people here at All Pro Window Tinting and All Pro Security Films have been working very hard for the last few years to test, retest, and test some more ways to keep your holiday spirits up and...