Community engagement is key to on-site battery energy storage, experts say

Building operators are turning to batteries to combat rising energy prices and add resiliency, but safety concerns means these projects require thoughtful planning, Greenbuild panelists say.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 9, 2026

European authorities probe attacks targeting grocery refrigerators

Thousands of refrigerator controllers are exposed to the internet and are at risk of hacking, according to researchers.

By David Jones , Eric Geller • Nov. 4, 2026

European grocery stores hit with second refrigeration system hack

Systems made by Danfoss, Copeland and Dixell appear to be targeted, according to news reports.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 3, 2026

Building systems as cyberattack targets. ‘We’re sitting on a time bomb,’ security expert says.

The recent European refrigeration cyberattack caused tens of millions of dollars in damages. Read Facilities Dive’s recent coverage of this and other cybersecurity concerns in building controls. 

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 20, 2026

6 signs that rodents could be in your facility: NPMA

Experts at the National Pest Management Association and Orkin warn that rodent populations are rising, and that without control measures, organizations risk permanent reputational damage.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 19, 2026

Climate change isn’t just taught in schools. It’s disrupting them.

With wildfires and extreme weather becoming more frequent, school systems should appoint an IAQ manager and make building systems a part of planning and capital budgets.

By Tony Abate • Oct. 16, 2026

Thousands of refrigerator devices remain exposed following French cyberattack

The investigation points to a much wider risk for industrial systems across the globe.

By David Jones • Oct. 16, 2026

CO exposure risk increases as weather cools: worker comp specialist

Combustion equipment becomes dangerous when doors and windows are closed, so monitoring equipment needs to function properly, says Claire Muselman of WorkersCompensation.com. 

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 6, 2026

A storm response plan starts before the forecast

A practical framework for protecting people, documenting roof damage and restoring operations.

Oct. 5, 2026

4.5-foot-thick walls needed to absorb data center noise: researcher

Ultra-thick walls aren’t practical, so setbacks should be at least 1,500 feet, says Kasey Fowler-Finn of Saint Louis University.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 1, 2026

Federal anti-swatting guidance calls for better preparation by schools

The Education and Justice departments pointed to trauma and lost instructional time caused by false threats to campuses.

By Kara Arundel • Sept. 30, 2026

Many operators don’t know who’s in their building: Envoy

Disparate systems make it harder to establish real-time visibility, better visitor verification and a single identity record across sites, the workplace management technology company says.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 25, 2026

Data center backup power contributes to health risks: report

Federal regulatory actions are allowing data center on-site power plants and other power plants to release dangerous emissions with fewer checks, according to the Environmental Protection Network.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 22, 2026

Brown University adds 700 cameras in wake of deadly shooting

The school also added or enhanced the use of blue light phone stations, card-swipe readers and panic buttons, it says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 21, 2026

Facility problems led to 3.5M lost school days: GAO

Water intrusion, extreme temperatures, indoor air quality and structural problems forced schools to close the most in the 2024-25 school year, the U.S. Government Accountability Office found. 

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 18, 2026

Heading off gas risk from damaged chimneys

Wear can cause poisonous carbon monoxide and mold-causing water to enter buildings, chimney specialists say.

By Joe Burns • Sept. 16, 2026

Emergency Kennedy Center closing tests court order

Renovation work won’t proceed without his name on the wall, President Trump says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 16, 2026

On-site power, storage raise data center fire risk tenfold, insurer says

Batteries can raise safety issues, particularly if they’re lithium-ion and don’t have an adequate perimeter around them, insurers say.  

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 14, 2026

The ‘next 9/11’ may not look like 9/11, former FDNY fire chief says

Prepare for a new generation of threats, including climate disasters, says Joseph Pfeifer, who went on to found FDNY's Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Sept. 11, 2026

NYC biometric bill could harm building security, critics say

“Ban the Scan” could expose companies to lawsuits for their access control and workplace management efforts, a security association executive says.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 3, 2026

Use daily communications to test emergency alert capabilities: K-12 tech experts

Treat communications as safety infrastructure and work with IT departments to ensure systems work as needed, these experts say.

By Joe Burns • Updated Sept. 1, 2026

The accountability gap in facility management

Facility managers are increasingly accountable for security outcomes across multiple sites even when the systems responsible for delivering those outcomes remain largely outside their control.

By Tim Garrett • Aug. 25, 2026

What we know about the hacking campaign against US water systems

Threat groups with suspected links to Iran have targeted vulnerable programmable logic controllers, the devices used to monitor and control industrial systems, including those of water utilities. 

By David Jones • Aug. 25, 2026

Frisco, Texas, uses mapping, digital twins to boost emergency services, building management

The city created an indoor mapping system to help responders during school emergencies, but the system has since expanded to help asset management and more, an IT expert says.

By Joe Burns • Aug. 24, 2026

The IRS has made its facilities more secure, but a watchdog won’t disclose how

The agency launched a security review in late 2022 after Congress increased IRS funding by $80 billion to step up tax enforcement, sparking concerns over employee safety.

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 21, 2026