Why urban areas are a challenge for casual chains

High rents, difficult buildouts and space limitations are among many reasons why casual full-service chains often avoid spaces in cities. But opportunities are out there, experts say.

Companies shift away from assigned desks, large private offices: CBRE

Employers also increasingly see the importance of quiet spaces for employees to meet and do work requiring sustained focus, according to the firm’s report.  

Organizations not irreparably harmed by grant freeze, EPA says

The groups, which help entities increase the sustainability of their operations, are still free to carry out their work, the agency says.  

Solo dining is on the rise, report finds

Younger diners like to eat alone, with 49% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z consumers preferring to do so, according to a TouchBistro report.

Fit outs set to increase as new construction slows

Companies interested in leasing high-quality offices will need to consider fit outs, despite rising commodity and labor costs expected across the U.S.

Why HVAC efficiency shouldn’t downplay outdoor air

Focusing on filtration alone is unnecessary and could compromise occupant well-being, IAQ specialists say.

Data center solutions tackle increasingly dense computing, Vertiv says

The company’s new systems will support increasingly complex, power-dense IT workloads, the company says.

Rising waters: How manufacturers should approach flood preparation

As climate change increases the threat of extreme weather, manufacturers must have the proper infrastructure and insurance policies to protect employees and facilities against the risk of flooding.

Johnson Controls, FM:Systems aim for faster asset alarm response

A new integration automates ticketing systems and consolidates key work order information across systems, helping operators improve maintenance resource utilization, the companies say.

New Mexico advances heat safety rule

If passed, the state would be the sixth to implement its own heat-related guidance, after a federal standard appears to have lost steam.

‘Edge AI’ product can reduce HVAC energy consumption by 15%: Schneider Electric

The company’s proprietary AI model integrates with its new smart HVAC room controller to optimize system performance and occupant comfort, it says.

Administrative tasks burden facility managers

Despite wanting to focus on the strategic part of their job, property managers are distracted by low-level tasks and bogged down by traditional metrics, VTS says. 

Partnerships aim to reduce water use at Google facilities

The projects build on Google’s target to replenish the volume of freshwater consumed across its offices and data centers, on average, by 120% by 2030.

Mission statements do a lot of work on facilities teams, managers say

Writing the statements can seem like a formality, but they can play a concrete role in technicians’ day-to-day work, facilities managers heard at NFMT 2025.

Schneider Electric to invest $700M in US manufacturing

The company aims to expand and renovate facilities across eight sites as it sees skyrocketing data center demand.

Digitizing emergency operations can ensure plans are accessible

Hard copies of procedures can be time-consuming to locate or use when it matters most, according to 911inform.

Daikin, Poppy partner to accelerate building ventilation rate testing

Adding Poppy’s real-time air-tracing and ventilation solutions to Daikin products and services can help buildings reduce energy costs and meet IAQ standards, the companies say. 

NFMT 2025: Plenty of tech talk but with a focus on people

The annual conference has drawn thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors as facilities managers meet to share best practices and learn of products and services to help their operations.

How phones shrink response times when facilities are at risk

Mobile devices give building operators a powerful emergency preparedness resource – if they’re used to track work before a crisis hits, a response specialist says.

Zaxbys adds AI cameras to drive-thru

The technology from Berry AI measures speed of service and line abandonment, which could help boost drive-thru times by identifying bottlenecks.

ACEEE scorecard shows nationwide improvement in state energy efficiency programs

Looking at emissions reduction goals far in advance can help align building capital planning budgets and deep energy retrofits, experts say.  

Schools earn a ‘D+’ for infrastructure

Many public school buildings are hitting their 50-year design life, requiring “comprehensive” upgrades and replacements to key facility systems.

Building performance standards set to proliferate, evolve in 2025

State and local governments continue to develop building standards that draw on existing frameworks and implement new metrics for measuring performance. 

$1.1B Southwest Florida airport expansion breaks ground

Suffolk’s Terminal E project in Fort Myers, Florida, includes chiller replacement and expansion and a new concourse with 14 gates.

Sensors help building operators detect vaping

The sensors can also monitor temperature, humidity and CO2 levels to make air quality easier to manage, the manufacturer says.