Operations
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Sensors touted as way to stretch battery investments
A monitoring system does a better job of measuring battery life than maintenance checks, so facilities managers can leave batteries in place longer, Franklin Electric Grid Solutions says.
By Robert Freedman • July 25, 2025 -
Employees want informal social areas, food to boost collaboration
Most companies requiring in-office work are offering no perks to encourage attendance, leaving opportunities for collaboration on the table, a report by ezCater says.
By Joe Burns • July 23, 2025 -
Explore the Trendline➔
shironosov via Getty ImagesTrendlineTop 5 stories from Facilities Dive
Top 5 stories from Facilities Dive
By Facilities Dive staff -
Federal government works to better understand its building inventory
Granular information on space usage and facility condition is needed as the government downsizes its workforce and real estate portfolio, regardless of agency mission, service providers say.
By Joe Burns • July 18, 2025 -
Return-to-office orders drive attendance bump, but hybrid work tools remain crucial
Mandates are helping to increase attendance, but most office interactions still involve remote participants, meaning operators must remain diligent in implementing and measuring collaboration tools, experts say.
By Joe Burns • July 17, 2025 -
No need to build in HVAC capacity cushion, analysts say
Stick to ASHRAE or ACCA standards when estimating loads and don’t add extra capacity, a report by Steven Winter Associates recommends.
By Robert Freedman • July 16, 2025 -
Surging copper thefts heighten facility risks
Buildings and infrastructure are increasingly vulnerable as copper prices hit record highs.
By Robert Freedman • July 15, 2025 -
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.
By Joe Burns • July 14, 2025 -
Summer power bills are going up, federal government warns
Consumers will see a “slight increase” in power bills this summer, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said Monday. But that analysis is based on expectations for cooler weather.
By Robert Walton • June 24, 2025 -
Office downsizing has peaked: Cushman & Wakefield
Economic and geopolitical uncertainties are delaying some restructuring plans, but only temporarily, as pressure to reduce and control commercial real estate spending remains “as strong as ever,” the firm says.
By Joe Burns • June 23, 2025 -
Opinion
ICE preparedness is crucial for hoteliers in 2025
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns spread nationwide, hotels should prioritize tools and training to create a safe environment for workers and guests alike.
By Nikki Marín Baena • June 17, 2025 -
Microgrids keep the lights on for wildfire-prone California facilities
But federal tax changes under consideration in Congress could make microgrids more expensive for schools and localities that provide services during emergencies.
By Brian Martucci • June 16, 2025 -
50% tariff hike imposed on freezers, other appliances
The Trump administration is raising the price of foreign products to aid the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.
By Robert Freedman • June 13, 2025 -
Vendors streamline integrations as operators seek unified systems: Realcomm IBcon
Attendees at the real estate tech conference last week said they’re looking for concrete operational AI use cases that integrate smart building technology with other systems.
By Joe Burns • June 13, 2025 -
Honeywell launches Connected Solutions to link building systems
The AI-powered building management system provides facility managers with remote monitoring and diagnostics and predictive maintenance prompts. It can be installed in only a few hours, the company says.
By Joe Burns • June 10, 2025 -
Using energy-as-a-service to lower costs, add predictability
The model can work on a per-therm basis as much as a per-kilowatt-hour basis for companies that generate a lot of waste heat, says Charlie Lord of Renew Energy Partners.
By Robert Freedman • June 10, 2025 -
High-tech amenities can draw people to the office but management complexity increases, experts say
Golf simulators and AV conference rooms are good – until they need a specialist to fix, speakers at Realcomm IBCon said.
By Joe Burns • June 9, 2025 -
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.
By Joe Burns • June 5, 2025 -
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.
By Joe Burns • May 27, 2025 -
‘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.
By Joe Burns • May 22, 2025 -
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.
By Robert Freedman • May 22, 2025 -
California bill would expand school districts’ cost recovery options for facility rentals
AB 503 would restore an expanded definition of “direct costs” eligible for recovery through facility rental fees, which could help shore up district finances as public education budgets tighten.
By Brian Martucci • May 16, 2025 -
World FM Day puts renewed focus on talent
Finding skilled labor is a struggle for many facilities managers, but training workers on the newest tools can help to boost morale and meet operational goals, experts say.
By Joe Burns • May 14, 2025 -
Q&A
CBRE: Think of your smart building data as jet fuel
Artificial intelligence can be a game changer by making building operations a value-added part of an organization, but facilities managers must be unyielding in the quality of their data, says Tim Schipper, CBRE’s EVP of global operations.
By Robert Freedman • May 12, 2025 -
Retrieved from Ohio University on May 06, 2025
Composting program turns cafeteria scraps to brown gold
Ohio University processes more than five tons of food waste every day into soil amendments it uses on campus. But it’s had to rethink parts of the program, the school’s sustainability director says.
By Joe Burns • May 6, 2025 -
Proposed Trump budget cuts could have spillover effects on facilities
The administration seeks to eliminate community development block grants and programs for reducing diesel emissions and improving indoor air quality, potentially reducing money available for commercial properties.
By Robert Freedman • May 6, 2025