How to protect employees from heat and other climate extremes

Basics like shade, water and rest can help, but HR should involve workers in the planning process, sources told HR Dive.

MaintainX hits $2.5B valuation, pointing to demand for AI-driven maintenance

The company last week closed a $150 million funding round that it says will help expand its AI capabilities and predictive maintenance solutions.

Bojangles to install EV charging stations

The QSR chain will begin installation during Q4 2025 and will have stations accessible at many of its locations next year.

Using aerial image analysis to stack-rank maintenance across a portfolio

An AI mapping overlay shows levels of wear and tear and a team of engineers suggests a work plan in a platform SITE Technologies offers facilities managers.

TikTokers promote skilled trades to young workers

Online influencers are reaching members of Gen Z via the popular social media site.

Tariffs keep managers, contractors guessing on material costs

Construction prices jumped 6% through May on an annualized basis, but the full impact of tariffs has yet to be felt.

New budget law includes property renovation incentives

Restoration of 100% bonus depreciation and two other provisions give building owners a reason to fund improvements now rather than wait until later, according to a tax attorney.

US to levy 50% copper tariffs Aug. 1

Electrical wiring and appliances could be impacted. President Donald Trump made the announcement days after indicating duties were coming soon for copper and pharmaceutical imports.

With acquisition, Limbach pushes into long-term facility services

By adding Pioneer Power to its operations, the specialized facility solutions company is furthering a shift to maintenance and other agreements with building owners.

Updated July 14, 2025

Oregon legislature passes first-in-nation microgrid framework

Gov. Tina Kotek, D, is expected to sign the bills that advocates say would protect buildings and other critical infrastructure against increasingly frequent power disruptions.

Using smart cameras as social media-fueled incidents heat up

Cultural facilities are increasingly at risk for security breaches. That puts a spotlight on building operators as they try to pinpoint risks before they escalate.

How to protect building occupants from allergens and asthma triggers

While air quality, humidity levels and cleanliness are key, irritants can come from indoor surfaces and even cleaning products, experts say.

Chicago-area school district deploys geothermal system that’s a US first

The dynamic closed-loop system uses groundwater to reject and absorb heat to provide year-round space conditioning for a 130-year-old elementary school, Trane Technologies says.

Detroit uses drones and AI to target building efficiency improvements

The city has partnered with startups and a tech incubator to test drone and AI technology that guides energy retrofits, saving time and money compared with traditional assessments.

The often-overlooked shelter from the storm: green buildings

In the 2008-09 economic downturn, green buildings were a bright spot. They could be again as remote work, tariffs and inflation hang over the economy.

Loss of 179D deduction could derail office conversions

Although the deduction is about making commercial buildings energy efficient, it’s been key to owners’ willingness to invest in obsolete and financially distressed properties, supporters say.

Cities can decarbonize buildings while cutting costs, new road map says

The guide from Climate Mayors and Veolia aims to help cities tackle one of their biggest greenhouse gas emissions challenges, even as federal support for energy efficiency and decarbonization shrinks.

Amazon reaches 85% waste diversion rate

Organics diversion programs and ongoing data collection investments are some drivers of that 2024 achievement, according to Justine Mahler, the company's waste and biodiversity director.

Texas law eases commercial building conversions to mixed-use, apartments

Senate Bill 840 requires local governments to approve any project that meets its qualifications.

Asbestos lapses in Philadelphia school district will get deferred criminal prosecution, monitoring

The case marks the first time federal prosecutors have used criminal charges against a public entity for failing to meet requirements for assessing and managing damaged asbestos, the Department of Justice says.

The Energy Star program has grown into an industry standard-setter

The program’s Portfolio Manager software is used to track the energy use of almost 25% of commercial buildings. Its end could put owners, cities and states in a bind — at least for the short term.

ASHRAE focusing on indoor environmental quality, sustainability

President Bill McQuade’s theme for 2025-26 is healthy buildings. That goal doesn’t have to come at the expense of energy efficiency, a standards committee member says.

Facilities management conferences to note in 2025

Here’s a look at the top events for building operators and their staffs happening in the second half of the year.

Updated June 27, 2025

Groups decry Senate’s elimination of building efficiency deduction

The Section 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Building Deduction has grown into a major incentive for owners to retrofit their properties, supporters say.  

Minnesota county faces challenge in decarbonizing well-maintained district energy system

Hennepin County “has done too good of a job” maintaining its 15-building steam and chilled water loops, leaving little room for incremental improvements, the project’s engineering consultant said at an industry conference.