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CSB Finalizes Reports on Fatal Explosions at Two Facilities

On Dec. 6, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released its final report on the deadly explosions and fires at the Didion Milling Inc. dry corn milling facility in Cambria, Wis. The May 2017 explosion fatally injured five employees and seriously injured another 14. The incident destroyed the facility, resulting in over $15 million […]

AI Dominates Security Megatrends of 2024

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released its 2024 Security Megatrends report, which identifies the top 10 factors influencing both short- and long-term change in the global security industry. SIA’s 2024 Security Megatrends were selected based on fall 2023 survey data and focus group input received from hundreds of security business leaders, association leadership, key volunteers, and […]

A Fresh Look at Energy Efficiency in the Era of Hybrid Work

Although it’s been a full three years since the start of the pandemic, the question among employers and employees about how and where to work still very much exists. Despite initial concerns when the world shut down in early 2020, work persisted and productivity flourished with the help of new collaboration tools and processes, affirming […]

How to Create Smarter Workplaces with Shrinking Office Footprints in 2024

Gallup measures employee engagement by surveying samples of the working population on various workplace issues, like profitability, productivity, customer service, and retention, linked to business outcomes. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 32% of U.S. employees overall were engaged in 2022. With the influx of new generations of professionals with different working styles, smart […]

How Will Local Law 97 Impact NYC Facilities?

Groundbreaking legislation, called Local Law 97, which was enacted in 2019, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New York City by reducing the carbon impact of the city’s largest buildings is expected to encourage building owners to work more closely with facilities professionals for compliance. According to Urban Green Council, the law is […]

Facilities Management Trends Shaping the Market

Globally, commercial buildings are experiencing a number of dynamic challenges. Following the impact of the COVID pandemic, tenant needs and behaviors have drastically changed. The cost of property has grown as interest rates continue to escalate in an ongoing effort to curb inflation. At the same time, the energy crisis has raised operating costs and […]

NFPA Unveils 2024 Outlook for Skilled Trades Industry

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released its second annual Industry Trends Survey, which reveals skilled trade workers’ sentiment around the current state of labor, training, and technology on the jobsite. NFPA collected responses from 310 U.S.-based workers in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields. In […]

DOE and TVA Partner to Power Federal Facilities with 100% Clean Energy

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 […]

Floor Coatings: A Sustainable Alternative to the Strip-and-Wax Method

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 […]

Facilities Managers Cite Mental Health as Top Challenge in Survey

As a facilities manager in the U.S., are you facing the same major problems as your colleagues across the pond? A new survey of 750 European FM professionals reveals that mental health is the biggest challenge they face, with 39% pinpointing it as a critical issue. According to the Voice of the Facility Manager report from real estate […]