Poor facilities cited among reasons Connecticut shut down Paier College

The private art college withdrew its petition to reopen last month. It lost its accreditation and closed last fall because of mounting problems with its operations and academic programs.

By Robert Freedman • April 24, 2025

Will you be held liable for third-party violence on your property? ‘Foreseeability’ is key

You can get hit for negligent security by the victim’s estate if you don’t take appropriate steps based on what you know about the area, an attorney says.

By Robert Freedman • April 23, 2025

With AI leak detection, 20% lower insurance costs possible, says water management company

Symmons Industries is partnering with data company Caylent to help facilities managers spot water issues before they lead to costly damage. 

By Joe Burns • Updated April 22, 2025

MassBio, Veolia extend waste contract to include decarbonization, energy efficiency services

The new services will help consortium members in Boston and Cambridge, Mass., meet carbon reduction requirements, Veolia North America says.

By Joe Burns • April 21, 2025

Brockton, Mass., leverages energy savings contract to preserve, improve two historic buildings

New window, lighting and HVAC systems aim to reduce energy and improve air quality, including in one building that has been unusable in extreme weather. 

By Joe Burns • April 11, 2025

Ousted school facilities chief had lost the trust of parents over lead abatement

Community groups had been calling for the dismissal of Milwaukee Public Schools facilities director Sean Kane for what they said was a failure to act on risks and follow safe practices. 

By Robert Freedman • April 4, 2025

Why HVAC efficiency shouldn’t downplay outdoor air

Focusing on filtration alone is unnecessary and could compromise occupant well-being, IAQ specialists say.

By Robert Freedman • April 2, 2025

Digitizing emergency operations can ensure plans are accessible

Hard copies of procedures can be time-consuming to locate or use when it matters most, according to 911inform.

By Joe Burns • March 28, 2025

Daikin, Poppy partner to accelerate building ventilation rate testing

Adding Poppy’s real-time air-tracing and ventilation solutions to Daikin products and services can help buildings reduce energy costs and meet IAQ standards, the companies say. 

By Joe Burns • March 27, 2025

Sensors help building operators detect vaping

The sensors can also monitor temperature, humidity and CO2 levels to make air quality easier to manage, the manufacturer says.

By Robert Freedman • March 25, 2025

Routine HVAC cleaning can lower energy use and help meet ventilation standards, study says

Cleaning can be a cost-effective tool for increasing occupant comfort and health and building energy efficiency, researchers from two universities found.

By Joe Burns • March 20, 2025

Operational changes, education can help curb cleaning complaints, survey says

Implementing daytime cleaning schedules, staff training and occupancy technology can reduce the amount of “subjective or frivolous” complaints and help to optimize operations.

By Joe Burns • March 18, 2025

Occupancy-based controls found to cut energy use 22%

Implementing ceiling- and wall-mounted sensors connected to a building management system could pay for themselves in two years, a Schneider Electric paper says. 

By Joe Burns • March 12, 2025

HVAC improvements shown to improve student outcomes

Metrics on absenteeism, suspension rates and math scores did better as upgrades or replacements were made, a study finds.

By Robert Freedman • March 10, 2025

Improving IAQ means looking beyond ventilation strategies

With technology like germicidal UV and building management systems, it’s possible to improve indoor air quality without driving up HVAC costs, experts say.

By Joe Burns • March 6, 2025

Bobcat & Steiner mower deck attachments recalled

The decks can’t be secured when being worked on, posing a crush hazard, the U.S. CPSC says. 

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 18, 2025

Track small incidents to get insight into contractor risk, safety expert says

Relying solely on recordable incident data will leave you blind, according to Highwire safety chief Dave Tibbetts.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 13, 2025

Envoy launches mobile version of virtual front desk application

The mobile version of Virtual Front Desk provides access control and other services, even when operators are away from their desk, Envoy says.

By Joe Burns • Feb. 5, 2025

Beyond boundaries: 5 benefits of a unified vision for physical security

Revolutionize security with cloud-managed systems that are flexible, scalable and built for the future.

By Grant Shirk, Senior Director of Product Marketing • Jan. 27, 2025

6 facilities management trends set to define 2025

Facilities managers are leveraging data to optimize operations and meet changing occupier needs while anticipating federal policy shifts and growing data center demand.

By Joe Burns , Nish Amarnath • Jan. 14, 2025

ASHRAE releases guidance to mitigate smoke’s IAQ impacts, updates HVAC testing protocols

Facilities managers and building operators can use the new guidance along with existing procedures, like Guideline 36, to automate their systems and improve efficiency, experts say.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 18, 2024

Firms leverage AI to bolster camera capabilities

By integrating AI and machine learning with digital twins and heat sensor technology, firms are enhancing security, occupancy tracking and operational insights, while trying to ensure privacy protection.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 17, 2024

Siemens, SwiftConnect and Fortive advance their FM software systems

Access, facility and asset management products and the firms that offer them have been busy this fall. Here’s the latest. 

By Joe Burns • Nov. 22, 2024

Trump administration likely to abandon OSHA heat safety rule, experts say

The incoming administration will probably let the standard die, but some other form of guidance could emerge instead, according to attorneys.

By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 12, 2024

Higher ed campuses update health, wellness, accessibility amenities

Many colleges and universities are investing in facilities that promote overall well-being, including new fitness centers, mental health spaces and student support areas.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 5, 2024