Man and woman with documents in an office, smiling, close up

Human-centric lighting delivers improved productivity

June 20, 2018

In 2001, scientists identified a third photoreceptor—in addition to rods and cones—in the human eye. These photoreceptors are linked to our 24-hour body clocks (i.e., circadian rhythms, which affect our daily mental, physical, and biological changes). Thanks to their discovery, …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Modern LED strip lamp mounted on ceiling

Tubular LEDs: Are they worth it?

June 13, 2018

Designed to replace fluorescent lamps, tubular LEDs, or TLEDs, are becoming a popular choice for facility managers around the country. But are they a better solution than fluorescent light bulbs?   Today’s fluorescent lighting technology is very efficient. If you …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Young woman with dog in office

Addressing service animal requests

June 8, 2018

Employers are getting more and more requests from employees who want to use service animals in the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows for the use of service animals in public places like stores, hotels, and restaurants under …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Recycle Can

How to go zero waste

May 23, 2018

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the U.S. generates more than 250 million tons of municipal solid waste each year. Much of this waste ends up polluting our land, water, and air, so many organizations, cities, and even countries, …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Corporate business team and manager in a meeting, close up

On management: Be the last one to speak

May 9, 2018

A facility manager’s job is about more than just managing a facility—it’s also about managing your employees as a leader. Author Simon Sinek recently gave an inspiring talk about how to solicit the best ideas, and the concept is simple: …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Green wall, eco friendly vertical garden

Thinking of getting a green wall? Think moss.

May 2, 2018

Living walls—aka green walls or vertical gardens—have become a popular item for many facilities around the world. These walls are made of living plants growing into a support structure that includes the necessary growing elements like soil, irrigation, and drainage. …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Recording closed Radiator Heater with Infrared Thermal Camera

Find trouble before it finds you with thermal imaging cameras

April 25, 2018

Thermal imaging cameras have been around since the Korean War. But in recent years, thanks to technological breakthroughs and cost savings, facility managers have found ways to use this technology to detect early signs of building deficiencies, troubleshoot electrical and …

Categorized: Facilities Management

A caution sign warning of a lead hazard. Lead is a heavy metal and potentially hazardous to human health.

Keeping your home safe from workplace lead exposure

April 11, 2018

Since the 1970s, the government has spearheaded and implemented many protocols that have resulted in a significant reduction of lead exposure throughout our country. However, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, Scott Pruitt, “Lead exposure poses a significant …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Broken elevator with caution tape

How to prioritize maintenance work orders

April 6, 2018

Sometimes it seems like every work order demands to be “top priority.” This can be frustrating and overwhelming for a busy facilities manager, but in the words of Douglas Adams, “don’t panic.” Here is a quick guideline to help you …

Categorized: Facilities Management

caution wet floor warning sign with blurred worker mopping floor.

Cleaning routine for restroom facilities

March 28, 2018

Maintaining clean and fresh restrooms is essential to any facility. They can often make a bad impression on guests and employees if not routinely cleaned.   Many facility managers (FM) buy products specifically designed to reduce odors in restrooms, like …

Categorized: Facilities Management