Category: Building Controls

5 Benefits of Using Building Information Modeling in Facility Construction

Building information modeling (BIM), a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility, creates a shared knowledge resource for information, making it easier for facilities managers to make decisions, according to the Whole Building Design Guide (WBDG). The WBDG notes that while some might think of BIM as just 3D modeling and […]

Make Your Facility GFCI-Compliant for Safety’s Sake

Facilities professionals involved with the new construction and renovation of commercial, industrial, educational, and governmental properties should be familiar with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and their importance. Understanding and using GFCIs can help protect against electrocution and reduce the chances of fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.   What Are GFCIs? According to the […]

FMA Shorts: Should Facilities Managers Fear or Embrace the Rise of Technology?

On this latest episode of FMA Shorts, Camilla Yamada, director of special projects at UMC, discusses smart building technology with a focus on healthcare facilities. This clip was taken from a webinar titled “How Building Tech Is Improving the FM Industry.” The full session is available for FREE on-demand here.

Lessons in Sustainability: Three Universities Creating Green Campuses

Higher education plays a key role in how we address the challenges of climate change—not only in our scientific understanding of the cause and effect of carbon emissions, but also in how our built spaces can adapt. Because many college and university campuses feature historical (even outdated) infrastructure, many are taking opportunities to build new […]

Unlocking Efficiency: Navigating the Future with Facility Automation

The shift towards hybrid work has revolutionized workplace dynamics, prompting operational leaders to adapt swiftly. With this evolution, employees have presented diverse demands, compelling leaders to leverage workplace technology for precise metrics. This technological utilization is not solely for convenience; it has become integral for managing facilities and strategizing space allocation effectively. Interpreting these metrics […]

Back to Basics: 4 Types of Sprinklers to Consider for Your Facility

Back to Basics is an article series that highlights important, but possibly overlooked, information facilities management professionals should know. Whether facilities professionals are renovating an existing facility or doing new construction, installing the right type of sprinklers not only protects your facility from fires but also helps your organization adhere to federal, state, and local […]

12 Facilities Management Certifications to Consider for 2024

As we entered 2024, many facilities professionals made New Year’s resolutions to boost their careers. Some will be going back to school to get a college degree in facilities management or a specialty such as sustainability or operations management. Others will be taking classes, or simply studying on their own, so they can gain the […]

Report Examines the Rise of Building Digital Twins

A new report from Guidehouse Insights explores the global market for building digital twins. A digital twin is a digital replication of a real-world asset that offers a real-time reflection of the asset’s status. For buildings, this is a three-dimensional model of all building systems and architectural features. According to the report, the building digital twins market […]

6 Warning Signs Your Commercial Elevator Needs Maintenance

There are obvious warning signs indicating a commercial elevator needs maintenance and regular inspections. Failing to maintain an elevator is not just a safety issue but also a violation of the law, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which require specific elevators based on facility type and size and number of floors. Unless the […]

University of Connecticut’s Director of Major Projects Talks Campus Sustainability

While sports fans know that the University of Connecticut (UConn) is known as the “Basketball Capital of the World,” the university has recently been recognized on the national level for its ongoing commitment to sustainability by being ranked as one of the top 25 schools on The Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges list for […]