Hacktivists launching attacks that could damage operational technology

Hackers are exploiting poorly secured remote connections to industrial equipment and other operational technology, particularly in the energy, food and agriculture and water sectors, an advisory says. 

By Eric Geller • Dec. 10, 2025

Keeping worker protection aligned with data center expansion

Lead-acid and lithium battery chemicals, refrigerants and some cleaning supplies are among data center hazards that require immediate treatment if on-site personnel come in contact with them.   

By James Hamilton • Dec. 9, 2025

Monochloramine better than chlorine at curbing Legionnaires’ disease, study suggests

Areas served by water treatment plants that use monochloramine have lower rates of the disease than those served by plants that use chlorine, a study to be released tomorrow finds.

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 9, 2025

Facility management company ISS could face Hong Kong fire scrutiny

An affiliate of the company manages the Wang Fuk Court complex where almost 160 people died after flames engulfed multiple buildings last week.

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 4, 2025

Renovation materials likely fueled deadly Hong Kong fire: reports

The use of flammable netting and boards while contractors renovated high-rise buildings was likely involved in the start and rapid spread of a fire that has killed more than 150 people, investigators said.

By Robert Freedman • Dec. 1, 2025

EPA moves to roll back Biden-era particulate limits, signaling a major shift in clean air policy

The agency asked the U.S. Court of Appeals to overturn the 2024 “soot standard,” citing incomplete scientific analysis and projected compliance costs.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Nov. 26, 2025

Fitwel integrates IAQ monitor data into healthy building certification

A partnership with Awair is intended to help building owners gain a competitive edge by responding to public demand for IAQ improvement, the certification provider says.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 24, 2025

‘Treat ICE like a vampire’ — and 5 more tips for dealing with law enforcement at work

Facility managers have a role to play to help their organization prepare for on-site visits by law enforcement.  

By Kate Tornone • Nov. 19, 2025

As storms intensify, smarter preparation is key to keeping insurance costs down, experts say

Nearly half of building operators in hurricane-prone areas spent $7,500 annually per property to prepare, a survey by Site Technologies found.   

By Joe Burns • Nov. 18, 2025

Mayo Clinic taps Siemens, Metalmark to improve hospital IAQ

The organizations will develop biosensors to monitor emergency room air for viruses, bacteria and allergens. Autonomous systems will respond when pathogens are found.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 17, 2025

Disinfectant wipes effective at removing contaminants, research confirms

Wipes work better on hard surfaces like glass than on soft, non-porous surfaces like vinyl, Clemson University researchers find.

By Robert Freedman • Nov. 12, 2025

Social media posts raise false alarms over shoplifting, store violence from food assistance pause

Claims about an uptick in incidents are misleading and not a reason to step up security, retail industry sources say.  

By Peyton Bigora • Nov. 12, 2025

California’s K-12 facility funding system unconstitutional, students, parents say in lawsuit

Plaintiffs want the state to stop relying on local bond issues to trigger the release of matching funds to pay for unmet needs, similar to complaints filed in other states.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 28, 2025

Albireo offers private, secure layer for FMs to protect building systems from cyber threats

The secure platform can protect building systems without the high cost or complexity of on-site servers, the independent building controls and energy services provider says. 

By Joe Burns • Oct. 28, 2025

As temperatures rise, math performance drops

The findings are significant because HVAC systems are inadequate in more than 40% of public schools in the United States.

By Naaz Modan • Oct. 23, 2025

Google’s New York City campus hit with bedbugs

Exterminators brought in a sniffer dog to confirm the outbreak. The company says the infestation was quickly remediated and asked employees to see if they took any bugs home with them.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 21, 2025

Employees value office time but struggle with noise, air quality: survey

Time in the office provides “social glue” and advancement opportunities, but building operators must use data to inform decision-making, XY Sense says. 

By Joe Burns • Oct. 20, 2025

Common building equipment used in Louvre heist

Thieves used a truck-mounted furniture elevator and angle grinders to access a second-floor gallery while visitors and museum employees watched them steal some of France’s crown jewels.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 20, 2025

Facilities add surveillance trailers to security mix

Low video streaming costs and the embedding of AI into cameras has made what was once limited to construction sites a cost-effective approach elsewhere, an industry executive says.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 16, 2025

The hidden costs of water leaks

Higher insurance premiums and difficulty getting coverage are two costs from water leaks that facilities managers might not be thinking about, but they can impact your organization’s bottom line.

By Nadav Schnall • Oct. 7, 2025

IAQ doesn’t need to increase energy costs: IWBI summit speakers

Technologies can help facility managers improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality at the same time, ASHRAE President Bill McQuade said.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 3, 2025

Once unthinkable, extreme security is becoming a best practice

With hundreds of mass shootings a year, gun detectors, second sets of doors and drones are on the shopping list at more properties.

By Robert Freedman • Oct. 3, 2025

Newer multifamily housing shows how fire safe buildings can be: Pew report

Self-closing doors and fire-resistant materials are among the reasons multifamily buildings are safer than other property types, including single-family homes.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 2, 2025

Healthy buildings mean strong ROI: IWBI Policy Summit

There’s an urgency to improve indoor environments, said facilities leaders, public health officials and lawmakers at the high-profile event.

By Joe Burns • Oct. 1, 2025

Healthy buildings offer bottom-line benefits to building owners, report finds

Improved ventilation, lighting and thermal comfort can provide more than $50 per square foot in productivity gains and support rent premiums, the International WELL Building Institute says. 

By Joe Burns • Sept. 23, 2025