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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...

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...

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...

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...

In the 13 years since the US Green Building Council developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, the pursuit of LEED points has become an escalating priority for many facilities managers. Many in the field are already familiar...

“Free energy” (in the form of sunlight) is right outside the window of every commercial building. The question for building owners and facility managers, however, is whether utilizing that sunlight within the building creates a net gain or...

Here’s a reminder to writers of manufacturer’s product specification sheets: specs are more than a reference – they are a promise. They represent the manufacturer’s assurance that a product will perform as described. An architect...

From door locks to badge readers to security guards, facility managers take many precautions to protect occupants and assets of commercial buildings. Today’s successful manager understands that tenants and employees, as well as furnishings and floorings...

Facility managers are well-acquainted with the concept of intelligent building systems -- the network of sensors that efficiently adjust HVAC and lighting systems throughout the day in response to changing conditions. But with all the emphasis on making...

Architects and design professionals entrusted with historical properties face a unique challenge. Namely, to preserve the authentic appearance of both exteriors and interiors while still achieving modern-day standards of longevity, energy efficiency and...

More and more architects, facilities managers, and green interior designers are making carbon footprint reductions a priority. These professionals face a variety of energy-saving choices, ranging from minor items (green furniture and Energy Star rated...

Many facility managers feel like they’re getting mixed messages from building owners. On the one hand, they face pressure to control budgets—but at the same time may also be facing pressures to expand green building efforts. Fortunately, there...

Let’s face it: green building methods aren’t always pretty. For the interior designer, green buildings sometimes seem to impose rather rigid design constraints. Fortunately there are significant ways to improve the aesthetics of an interior...

Thomas Taylor is general manager of the sustainability consulting firm Vertegy, based in the LEED Platinum Alberici Constructors facility in St. Louis, Missouri . In this interview excerpt, he shares some thoughts about how creative sustainability measures...

Building managers are becoming more aware of the benefits of green buildings: increased property values, lower operating costs, financial incentives and reduced liability. But there’s another aspect of the topic that is sometimes overlooked. Green...

When it comes to making energy-efficient choices, facility managers and others in the field have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. Unfortunately, not all of the information that is readily available on the web is accurate. Here are 3 myths that...

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false As part of our ongoing study of green building design, my team has constructed a survey aimed to uncover energy saving trends among building, operations, planning and design professionals, and I would appreciate...

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Saving energy and reducing facility operating costs can seem like overwhelming tasks. However, dividing the project into smaller, more achievable steps can make the task less intimidating and easier to manage...

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false In the past few years, LEED has influenced major positive changes when it comes to our industry – it improves properties, helps potential tenants understand our smart decisions and enhances the public view...

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false Before electricity became widely available, people had to be inventive and smart when it came to lighting, heating and cooling buildings. As it turns out, much of what they did out of necessity fits within the...

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false With colder weather just around the corner, now is the time for facility managers and property owners to start implementing energy efficient programs for winter. With appropriate planning and effort, these building...

Attracting and keeping high-quality tenants is a challenge for any commercial property. When prospective tenants tour potential properties for their business, they do so with a mental checklist of the qualities they’re looking for in their new office...

A wide range of factors determines the productivity at most offices. Temperature, furniture type, office layout, lighting and noise level are some of the factors that can impact workers’ ability to perform. While some of these solutions might seem...

There are a variety of energy-efficient ways to lower the air conditioning costs for any building. From new technologies to time-tested solutions, this article explores six low-cost, eco-friendly ways to reduce the heat in naturally hot buildings while...