Electric meters in a row measuring power use. Electricity consumption concept. 3d illustration

The benefits of electric submetering

September 19, 2018

More and more facility managers (FM) want to know how and where electricity is being used within their facility, and they are turning to electric submetering. Submetering can help facility professionals better understand their energy profiles, optimize performance, increase reliability, …

Categorized: Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Facilities Management, Maintenance

Mechanical Tomato shaped kitchen timer for cooking, studying and working.

Time Management, Part One: The Pomodoro Technique

September 12, 2018

This is part one in an ongoing series about time management.   We’ve all had days where we felt we didn’t accomplish as much as we should have. Here’s one proven method for getting more done. It’s called the Pomodoro …

Categorized: Facilities Management, Professionalism

Silhouette of happy business team making high hands in sunset sky background for business teamwork concept

Circadian lighting’s time has come

September 5, 2018

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the idea that proper light exposure can help keep our circadian rhythms (our internal 24-hour clock) in sync with the sun. Doing so can improve sleep, mood, and our metabolic function. Lighting …

Categorized: Buildings, Facilities Management

Businessmen playing table football with other coworkers in the background. Creative office space.

Looking to attract young talent? Here’s how.

August 29, 2018

By 2025, millennials will represent 75% of the global workforce according to a Deloitte study. By that same year Generation Z (the post-millennial generation) will be entering the workplace as well. All of this means that you need to start …

Categorized: Buildings

Office desks and computers in an empty modern open office space with carpet floor.

The pros and cons of open-office floor plans

August 22, 2018

In a recent article, we wrote about how the design of the office often impacts which company millennials want to work for. One of the things younger employees tend to like an open floor plan. However, a few new studies …

Categorized: Buildings

Close-up mouse sits near chewed wire in an apartment kitchen on the background of the wall and electrical outlet . Inside high-rise buildings. Fight with mice in the apartment. Extermination. Small DOF focus put only to wire.

Keeping your facility pest-free

August 8, 2018

One of a facility manager’s (FM) biggest responsibilities is maintaining a clean and safe workplace for your employees. Pests in the workplace can risk the health of your employees by spreading of disease or sickness. Pests like termites can cause …

Categorized: Buildings, Cleaning, Facilities Management, Maintenance

Portrait of young redhead woman working with computer laptop in office at summer during heatwave. The temperature is hot and the hair conditioner is broken. The girl sweats and feels exhausted

How to keep indoor workers safe from the heat

August 2, 2018

Right now most facilities managers are (rightfully) concerned about keeping their outdoor workers safe in the summer heat, but outdoor workers aren’t the only ones who need protection. Indoor workers can suffer from heat illnesses too, especially those working in …

Categorized: Facilities Management, Maintenance

"Hurricane evacuation route road sign on Sanibel Island, Florida.My Personal Collections:"

Emergency Preparedness, Part Two: Evacuation Plan

July 25, 2018

July is emergency month at Vanguard. As hurricane season approaches, our goal is to help you prepare your facility for any and all emergencies that may come your way. We recently covered how to develop an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), …

Categorized: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedeness

installing a 17 day whole house emergency generator for hurricane season. rr

How to prepare for an oncoming hurricane

July 20, 2018

Know your hurricanes Many of your pre-storm decisions will depend on the kind of hurricane that is approaching your facility. Therefore, it’s important to know the details of the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, which you can find on the National Oceanic …

Categorized: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedeness

Jacksonville, FL, USA - September 11, 2017; Flood waters engulf a parking garage in downtown Jacksonville, FL after Hurricane Irma took an unexpected turn and caused massive power outages and coastal flooding around the state.

How to quickly and safely recover from a hurricane

July 11, 2018

July is emergency month at Vanguard, and our goal is to help you prepare your facility for any and all emergencies that may come your way.   Hurricanes can be destructive, not only for what damage they can do during …

Categorized: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedeness