The Latest
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Return-to-office orders drive attendance bump, but hybrid work tools remain crucial
Mandates are helping to increase attendance, but most office interactions still involve remote participants, meaning operators must remain diligent in implementing and measuring collaboration tools, experts say.
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DOE to drop accessibility requirement for buildings receiving federal funds
The U.S. Energy Department calls a decades-old accessibility provision redundant in a rule rescission taking effect soon.
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No need to build in HVAC capacity cushion, analysts say
Stick to ASHRAE or ACCA standards when estimating loads and don’t add extra capacity, a report by Steven Winter Associates recommends.
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Grocery giant Vallarta to launch in-store retail media capabilities
For more than a year now, the Latino-owned grocer has been stepping up its digital reach.
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9% of younger workers, many in blue collar jobs, use alcohol or drugs at work: study
Substance use occurs more often in trade and service industry jobs. Comprehensive policies and supportive interventions can help, researchers said.
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Polymer coating boosts air quality sensors, study shows
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University say they’ve developed a coating that can boost the performance and extend the life of formaldehyde sensors.
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Surging copper thefts heighten facility risks
Buildings and infrastructure are increasingly vulnerable as copper prices hit record highs.
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Building operators rapidly adopt streamlined green, health building pathways
The payoff is substantial, especially when stakeholders align on building sustainability, health and operational goals, supporters say.
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Deep Dive
How to protect employees from heat and other climate extremes
Basics like shade, water and rest can help, but HR should involve workers in the planning process, sources told HR Dive.
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MaintainX hits $2.5B valuation, pointing to demand for AI-driven maintenance
The company last week closed a $150 million funding round that it says will help expand its AI capabilities and predictive maintenance solutions.
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Bojangles to install EV charging stations
The QSR chain will begin installation during Q4 2025 and will have stations accessible at many of its locations next year.
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Using aerial image analysis to stack-rank maintenance across a portfolio
An AI mapping overlay shows levels of wear and tear and a team of engineers suggests a work plan in a platform SITE Technologies offers facilities managers.
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TikTokers promote skilled trades to young workers
Online influencers are reaching members of Gen Z via the popular social media site.
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Tariffs keep managers, contractors guessing on material costs
Construction prices jumped 6% through May on an annualized basis, but the full impact of tariffs has yet to be felt.
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New budget law includes property renovation incentives
Restoration of 100% bonus depreciation and two other provisions give building owners a reason to fund improvements now rather than wait until later, according to a tax attorney.
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US to levy 50% copper tariffs Aug. 1
Electrical wiring and appliances could be impacted. President Donald Trump made the announcement days after indicating duties were coming soon for copper and pharmaceutical imports.
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With acquisition, Limbach pushes into long-term facility services
By adding Pioneer Power to its operations, the specialized facility solutions company is furthering a shift to maintenance and other agreements with building owners.
Updated July 14, 2025 -
Oregon legislature passes first-in-nation microgrid framework
Gov. Tina Kotek, D, is expected to sign the bills that advocates say would protect buildings and other critical infrastructure against increasingly frequent power disruptions.
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Using smart cameras as social media-fueled incidents heat up
Cultural facilities are increasingly at risk for security breaches. That puts a spotlight on building operators as they try to pinpoint risks before they escalate.
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How to protect building occupants from allergens and asthma triggers
While air quality, humidity levels and cleanliness are key, irritants can come from indoor surfaces and even cleaning products, experts say.
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Chicago-area school district deploys geothermal system that’s a US first
The dynamic closed-loop system uses groundwater to reject and absorb heat to provide year-round space conditioning for a 130-year-old elementary school, Trane Technologies says.
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Detroit uses drones and AI to target building efficiency improvements
The city has partnered with startups and a tech incubator to test drone and AI technology that guides energy retrofits, saving time and money compared with traditional assessments.
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Opinion
The often-overlooked shelter from the storm: green buildings
In the 2008-09 economic downturn, green buildings were a bright spot. They could be again as remote work, tariffs and inflation hang over the economy.
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Loss of 179D deduction could derail office conversions
Although the deduction is about making commercial buildings energy efficient, it’s been key to owners’ willingness to invest in obsolete and financially distressed properties, supporters say.
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Cities can decarbonize buildings while cutting costs, new road map says
The guide from Climate Mayors and Veolia aims to help cities tackle one of their biggest greenhouse gas emissions challenges, even as federal support for energy efficiency and decarbonization shrinks.