A close-up on an abstract design of a display, which is warning about a cyber attack. Multiple rows of hexadecimal code are interrupted by red glowing warning text. Part of the display is reflected on a shiny surface. The image can represent a variety of threats in the digital world: data theft, data leak, security breach, intrusion, etc...

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Viruses

November 22, 2017

In the videogame called Plague Inc., a player tries to destroy all of humanity by creating a super pathogen. The secret to winning (spoiler alert) is to make your plague hyper infectious but with no obvious symptoms. The minute people …

Categorized: Security

Snowy landscape with warning sign and copy space

How to winterize your facility

November 15, 2017

As the line goes, “winter is coming”. Here’s how to get your facility ready for the challenges that winter can bring, including cold temperatures, ice, snow and winter storms. A little preparation can help you get through winter with as …

Categorized: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedeness, Facilities Management, Maintenance

Ceiling With lights

Get your felt on

November 8, 2017

For fantastic acoustics, a vibrant look, and improved LEED scores, it’s hard to beat the feeling of felt.   Felt isn’t just the stuff of arts and crafts and Sunday school flannel boards. Whether it’s made from wool or polyester, …

Categorized: Energy Efficiency, Environmental, Sustainaibility

Online music play concept pointing finger

Security, Part 12: How Avril Lavigne can ruin your business

October 25, 2017

McAfee recently conducted their 11th annual Most Dangerous Celebrities study with Avril Lavigne topping the list, followed by that scoundrel, Bruno Mars. OK, so neither of these celebrities are actually dangerous, but searching for gossip about them can be dangerous …

Categorized: Security

Businessman with briefcase walking in minimalistic interior with blank wall. Mock up, 3D Rendering

Green Products, Part One: The Wool-Based “Smart Wall”

October 18, 2017

Walls have lagged behind in terms of efficiency and technology. According to Lucas Johnson, a Seattle-based consultant for 475 High Performance Building Supply:   Most walls are built with toxic materials and end up being vapor retarded or, in many …

Categorized: Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Environmental, Facilities Management, Maintenance, Sustainaibility

Creative business team discussing while having meal in office

Boosting Productivity, Part 4: The Break Room Bump

October 11, 2017

Looking for another way to boost productivity? Studies show that productivity increases when employees can step away from work and get a mental break. After all, people can only be productive for 90-120 minutes before they need to recharge their …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Smiling businesswoman on focus, with her coworkers at the background

Traits of a successful Facility Manager

October 4, 2017

Maybe you’re looking to become a facility manager (FM) and you’re wondering if you would be right for the job, or perhaps you are already an FM and you want to improve. Either way, the secret to being a great …

Categorized: Facilities Management

Saint-Hyacinthe, Сanada - October 24, 2016: SYNERGIA COMPLEX Built at the corner of Casavant Boulevard and East Johnson Street, Saint-Hyacinthe. The tower at prestigious offices will be built according to strict standards of sustainable development and seeks LEED certification. The building with modern architecture present an apparent wood structure as well as imposing fenestration, allowing access to natural light and great views.

Earn LEED credits with Cradle to Cradle certified products

September 27, 2017

In 2002, German chemist Michael Braungart and U.S. architect William McDonough wrote a book called Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things. The book was a manifesto, suggesting that we rethink the existing industrial “cradle to grave” strategy …

Categorized: Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Environmental, Sustainaibility

Close up of elderly person with walking zimmer

Better design means fewer falls

September 20, 2017

According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury or death among people 65 and older. According to the American Geriatric Society, most falls for this population occur in hospitals and nursing homes, …

Categorized: Buildings, Facilities Management, Health Care Facilities, Maintenance, Senior Services

Paper with words BCP Business Continuity Plan

Stay open for business even when disaster strikes

September 13, 2017

We have run several articles on how to prepare for various disasters, including hurricanes, active shooters, tornadoes and more. But one thing we haven’t covered in detail, which is key for properly recovering from the effects of any disaster, is …

Categorized: Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Preparedeness