Targeted HVAC interventions can yield big savings, researcher says

By focusing on inefficient zones and rooms that generate a disproportionate share of fault signals to the building management system, operators can maximize their resources, a Stanford researcher says.

Facility teams must align with the businesses they serve, experts say

Getting the balance right between employers and employees is one of the big challenges, according to executives from integrated real estate management firms. 

Vast array of solar power equipment left exposed online

The most commonly exposed device has been discontinued and vulnerable for a decade, new research found.

Efficiency goals will drive 4% growth in HVAC insulation: report

But the report by Grand View Research leaves out the impact of the federal government disengaging from energy efficiency policies, as the Trump administration has proposed.

BofA: More branches, more space for conversations

Customers may or may not visit a branch, but the bank’s presence affirms its commitment to a community, and “there’s a brand value” in that, the executive said.

Realcomm IBcon: Don’t wait to implement AI in building operations

The annual real estate technology conference looks at the deployment of AI in operations to reduce energy use and improve occupant experience.

LiquidStack touts modular, scalable data center coolant distribution unit

The solution can scale to hundreds of megawatts of cooling power, supporting hyperscale data center plans. It’s also 25% less costly to build and can run at blistering ambient temperatures, the liquid cooling company says. 

Company settles with Pennsylvania AG over maintenance delays

The property manager’s artificial intelligence-based platform caused delays in responding to repair requests, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday.

Cisco, Environments partnership aims for better building data

The two companies are strengthening their relationship to advance smart building technologies, which can help improve environments for occupants and operational data for building managers, leaders say.

How small operational changes can add up to large energy savings

Facilities that can’t afford to deploy capital for building system upgrades can eke out savings in ways operators might not have thought about, an Accruent white paper says.

Higher ed invests in athletic facilities, recreation and retail

Colleges and universities are bolstering sports and other recreational facilities to attract students, with some also adding retail and student housing.

Fire risk keeps spotlight on lithium batteries as backup energy source

Facilities managers must make a risk-benefit calculation if they’re looking at the batteries for on-site energy storage, news developments show.

Using an automatic interconnection switch to manage energy costs

The device gives facilities managers the ability to move between the grid and an on-site source based on energy use rates, a renewable power specialist says.

NYC building owners still have time to file LL97 extensions

The city implemented a 60-day grace period for reporting annual energy and water use or for seeking an extension until August. Separately, a lawsuit against the regulation was dismissed.

NYC power bills going up this summer, ConEd warns

The increases come amid a national rise in electricity prices and rapidly growing demand. Consolidated Edison has spent about $2.35 billion on its distribution system since last summer.

42% of Gen Z workers say they’re turning to blue-collar roles for security

Regardless of education level, workers said they’re choosing blue-collar work for better long-term prospects, higher pay and a lower risk of being replaced by AI.

R-32 touted as A2L-compliant refrigerant while R-454B shortage persists

Daikin, Amana and Goodman are among the HVAC manufacturers whose systems are compatible with R-32 refrigerants. 

Indoor air quality even more important in early childhood: Harvard

IAQ has powerful effects on babies and young children. Research suggests operators of childcare facilities, schools and community centers should place more emphasis on improving indoor environments.

The new steam technology heating up hotel meals

Switzerland-based Kitchenless uses steam technology to quickly prepare meals from easily storable frozen packages. Following the successful implementation of its tech in Europe, the company launched in the U.S. this year. 

Smart building controls are key to addressing aging infrastructure, workforce: Trane

As the U.S. building stock ages and experienced technicians exit the workforce, facility managers must embrace building modernization, according to a report.

BP Pulse is bringing EV chargers to Waffle House

Chosen sites in the Southeast and the Sunbelt will get six electric vehicle charging bays, with the first locations coming online next year.

Building sector needs all hands on deck to meet Washington’s 2050 emissions goal: reports

To substantially decarbonize buildings by 2050, building owners must swap virtually all end-of-life fossil fuel appliances for zero-emissions alternatives after 2030, the Clean Energy Transition Institute and 2050 Institute said.

‘Everywhere is a workplace’: JLL leaders say office operators need to adapt

Commercial real estate operators should create dynamic environments to draw workers back to the office, the company says.

Energy service performance contracts aren’t just for public facilities

Private facilities can use them, too, if the property doesn’t have tenants or if the owner is responsible for energy use, says an advocate for energy service companies.

Denka cites emissions compliance costs for closing production facilities

The cost of keeping the LaPlace site emissions-compliant led to an “extraordinary loss” of 16.1 billion yen for the Japan-based manufacturer.