How LeFrak used a rooftop solar array to reduce CO2

Community relations head Charles Burton explains how 450 solar panels at a property in Jersey City, New Jersey, offset the property’s common area emissions by 13%

Office demand remains resilient in Q1, despite economic uncertainty

Sublease availability and new construction deliveries continue to decline, creating the conditions for “cautious optimism” in the sector, Cushman & Wakefield says. 

ICE agents denied entry into LA elementary schools

The DHS maintains that the incidents, which rattled the education community, were "wellness checks on children who arrived unaccompanied at the border." 

Why microgrids are the key to grid resilience

Amid evolving domestic and geopolitical landscapes, microgrids offer a reliable, cost-effective energy solution — advancing the nation toward energy independence and security for years to come.

Organizations prioritize sustainability, but they’re slowed by manual data processes

A slowdown in federal sustainability mandates is pushing building operators to focus on reduction initiatives, Atrius says.

A2L transition, tariffs not yet slowing HVAC sales

Buyers appear to be okay with higher costs for A2L refrigerant, and so far the tariff impact is minimal, according to a first quarter equity report on select HVAC companies.

Tapping smart cleaning technology to improve building operations

With thermal sensors, facilities managers can adjust cleaning priorities based on occupancy patterns while protecting occupant privacy.

Construction materials costs rise for third month on tariff pressures

Contractors are receiving price hike notices on several key inputs, complicating efforts to plan and budget new projects.

Phoenix airport begins construction of $326M concourse

The concourse will ease capacity issues at Terminal 3, which serves 25% of the airport’s passenger traffic annually.

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. 

Liberty Energy to deploy modular gas-fired ‘power blocks’ at Pennsylvania industrial site

The rapidly deployable systems could support a scalable data center or other large-load industrial client using fuel sourced from the surrounding Marcellus Shale, the company said.

Despite semiconductor exemption, Trump tariffs could chill US data center investment: analysts

With significant reshoring likely years away, higher prices for imported servers, cooling equipment and power systems could raise development costs in the short term, industry experts say.

Sodexo sees wins, and delays, in healthcare sector in H1 FY25

As part of a new contract with AtlantiCare, Sodexo will use a centralized system to provide on-demand, hotel-style patient meal ordering, the company said.

Amid tariff war, Mexican factories work in HVAC makers’ favor, analyst says

The USMCA agreement protects almost half of the commercial products of the biggest HVAC manufacturers from tariffs, which could help keep prices down, a Morningstar analyst says.

Denver adds flexibility to building performance guidelines

Following public input, including some backlash from building owners, the new rules will push back compliance deadlines, remove electrification report requirements and reduce penalty rates, the city says. 

Micro sensors offer facilities managers room-level occupancy data

The technology can provide insights into how and when people are using conference rooms, flex spaces and other shared work areas, Occuspace says.

Updated April 8, 2025

Universities face ‘daunting’ facilities needs: report

Capital and operations spending are up, but not enough to close backlogs, construction data company Gordian says.

How to prepare for an ICE raid at your hotel (with lessons for other facility types)

Owners and managers should know their rights, obligations and best practices as immigration enforcement ramps up across the U.S., per Mandelbaum Barrett PC attorneys. 

Trump’s immigration enforcement against employers has been gradual. That may soon change.

Worksite visits and arrests at smaller worksites are already happening. Operations against bigger employers, coupled with the threat of penalties, are likely fast approaching.

Leveraging microlearning to stop expensive equipment downtime

In extreme cases, downtime can cost an organization $25,000 an hour. Training that prevents that can quickly pay for itself, an advocate says.

JLL taps ServiceNow to better personalize work environments

ServiceNow’s delivery product could help JLL optimize clients’ real estate portfolios through concierge services, visitor management and service delivery mapping, the companies say.

Facility managers appreciate flexibility in work, despite long hours

While budgets have increased, many facility teams struggle to juggle the rising costs of repairs. Despite this, many feel satisfied with their role and would recommend the career, a survey says.

Hotel staffing to remain ‘well below’ pre-pandemic levels

The American Hotel & Lodging Association expects the industry to add 14,000 employees this year, though challenges persist amid economic uncertainty.

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. 

Trump tariffs to hit HVAC, plumbing hard, analysts say

Products and materials important to facilities operations are expected to increase in cost if they haven’t already, according to analyses.