LEED v5 draft from the US Green Building Council doubles down on decarbonization

The proposal for existing buildings would set new requirements to boost climate resilience, assess social impact and cut emissions from embodied carbon, refrigerants and transportation.

By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 2, 2023

Biden administration will define zero emissions for buildings

The definition will draw on energy-efficiency guidelines, 100% clean energy usage and a requirement for buildings to generate zero on-site emissions, White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi said.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 29, 2023

Canada Green Building Council introduces low-carbon training program for building operators, owners

The initiative seeks to meet a growing demand for skills in retrofits and construction as the country races to meet climate targets. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 28, 2023

Energy Department earmarks $400M for building energy codes

Codes that help buildings improve energy efficiency, save money, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency are the goal of the grant program, DOE says.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 22, 2023

Indoor air quality top of mind for operators, tenants

Recent CDC and ASHRAE ventilation guidance updates, alongside COVID-related public health concerns, have led to a greater focus on building air quality.   

By Joe Burns • Sept. 21, 2023

SEC Chair discusses delay in climate risk disclosure rule amid public concerns

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler declined to estimate when the SEC will adopt a final regulation, but noted that rule revisions can take between 12 and 24 months. 

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 18, 2023

NREL provides baseline data on building energy use, efficiency upgrade benefits

The federal research center’s new End-Use Load Profiles dataset outlines possible shifts in buildings’ energy consumption under various “what-if” energy efficiency and electrification upgrade scenarios.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 18, 2023

Building codes aren’t climate ready, but changes are coming

Climate change is outpacing building code updates, endangering lives and structures, according to National Institute of Building Sciences panelists who say building engineers and architects are relying on outdated guidance.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 15, 2023

Johnson Controls adds security device monitoring and management to OpenBlue

The new security service connects devices to a centralized monitoring system and can notify facilities operators about device faults and performance degradation, the company says. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 14, 2023

NYC emissions rule proposal offers leeway to building owners falling behind on net-zero compliance

To qualify for the relief, building owners must submit a long-term decarbonization plan, along with their annual compliance report, detailing what kinds of emissions they expect to slash and how that work will be funded.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 13, 2023

California must ban gas in new buildings, local officials tell governor

A letter 26 local government leaders sent to Gov. Newsom Friday pushes for the use of existing state authority to set "common-sense clean emission measures for buildings."

By Ysabelle Kempe • Sept. 12, 2023

SecurityOS from iLobby connects access control, visitor management

The software automates identity lifecycle management and permission provisioning for facility visitors, the company says.

By Joe Burns • Updated March 27, 2024

Overtime rule comment period opens; employers can weigh in through Nov. 7

The Labor Department proposed a salary threshold of about $55,000 per year but suggested in a footnote that the final level could be more than $60,000.

By Kate Tornone • Sept. 11, 2023

Navigating the uncertain path of the DOL’s overtime rule updates

“It would be a mistake to assume the rule is going to be held up in court and do nothing,” one attorney said.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 7, 2023

CDC, ASHRAE discuss airborne infection risk guidance updates

Experts from both organizations outlined methods to meet minimum ventilation requirements and maintain clean air in schools during a recent EPA webinar.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 5, 2023

ICC’s climate resilience initiative expected to aid facilities managers with decarbonization

The International Code Council said the capacity-building program aims to speed up emission reduction efforts by supporting the enforcement and implementation of building codes and energy codes.

By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 1, 2023

Two smart building firms raise millions to meet system control and automation demand

Clockworks Analytics and Andorix announced significant fundraising Aug. 22. Both plan to accelerate deployment amid growth in building automation systems and sensor technology.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 23, 2023

Colorado mandates new building energy performance standards despite criticism

The ruling unfairly burdens existing buildings, operators and owners say. The state Air Quality Commission touts the rules’ flexibility.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 22, 2023

Modine targets Midwest school facilities managers with TMS Johnson deal

The HVAC manufacturers’ partnership is expected to strengthen Modine’s Airedale indoor air quality solutions for K-12 schools amid code updates and federal funding programs. 

By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 18, 2023

Oklahoma City earns WELL health-safety rating for facility operations and management

The city is the third in the U.S. to be awarded the certification, as the rating organization pushes for portfolio-level upgrades.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 17, 2023

For stretch energy codes, Massachusetts gets nearly $4M DOE grant

The grant will provide field-based training to local building code officials and help communities share regional best practices.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 16, 2023

California becomes first state to mandate embodied carbon emission reductions

In a bid to tackle climate change and meet decarbonization objectives, the state has voted for two building code changes targeting commercial buildings and schools.

By Nish Amarnath • Aug. 16, 2023

Anviz rolls out SME cloud-based security management platform

The firm says the product does not use on-site hardware and reduces the cost of security measures for small- and medium-sized facilities.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 15, 2023

Johnson Controls enhances safety product to connect service across distant buildings

The company’s updated device aims to simplify safety operations for large commercial facilities, removing the need for additional infrastructure investments.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 14, 2023

Wint clinches $35M to meet water tracking, leak detection demand

Climate change and damage costs have led to a strong demand for water management solutions across the real estate, construction and insurance industries. 

By Joe Burns • Aug. 11, 2023