The Latest
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Trane makes data center reference kits available in Autodesk Revit, Forma platforms
The kits draw on Trane’s work to develop thermal management designs for large-scale AI data centers running the most powerful chips available.
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AI helps building stakeholders reach common understanding of systems, expert says
By connecting data from disparate systems into a unified layer, today’s systems can provide building managers with the information they need to make decisions, OP Ravi of Willow says.
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Supporters hopeful as DOE and EPA finalize Energy Star transition plan
The U.S. Department of Energy’s success with its Better Buildings Initiative shows the agency knows how to make a public-private partnership like Energy Star work, an industry supporter says.
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Microsoft inks long-term PPA for Washington solar project
The project is adding 104 megawatts direct current/80 MW alternating current of electricity generation to the region’s power system, of which Microsoft will be the long-term offtaker.
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Rapid data center buildout can create site risks, property service CEO says
The speed at which data centers are being constructed could leave some with gaps that cause problems later, says Kade Thomas of Cerv Property Solutions.
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How an AI-powered system optimizes Resorts World’s central utility plant
Johnson Controls says its Metasys and OpenBlue technology has saved the Las Vegas resort $110,000 in annual energy costs.
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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.
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AI-enabled building control pilot shows strong results for healthcare facilities: Carrier exec
The pilot moved the more than 2,100 participating clinics from a reactive to a proactive facilities management posture, says Ed Carney, Carrier Abound senior sales manager.
Updated Sept. 8, 2026 -
Data centers’ indirect water use is a bigger part of their water footprint than the water they use directly
While data centers’ massive direct water use for cooling has come under scrutiny, the electricity that powers them consumes even more of the resource, according to a report.
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Building system controls alternative touts its affordability
Startup FTL's cellular-enabled cloud solution aims to provide building systems control and monitoring without a big upfront infrastructure investment.
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Universities using offices and classrooms more: report
Higher education has made progress on utilization, but conference rooms still mostly sit empty, leaving room for improvements and savings, says occupancy intelligence firm Occuspace.
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The image by WhisperToMe is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Houston City College wants more funding to manage $80M maintenance backlog
The public institution’s to-do list includes HVAC upgrades, structural and elevator repairs, window and carpet replacement and new fire pumps and security alarms.
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Gen Z workers could help construction, facilities employers modernize their workforce
Gen Z’s comfort with technology could provide construction and facilities employers with an opportunity to improve processes while they replenish an aging skilled workforce, talent specialists say.
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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.
Updated Sept. 1, 2026 -
Noise lawsuit is latest in legal wave hitting data center operations
A low-level hum coming from a Microsoft data center that’s hard to measure is a nuisance that’s hurting property values, Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, residents allege.
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There are 3 skilled trade job openings for every qualified worker
Employers face a gap of 1.3 million electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and other skilled workers, according to a report from labor market company Lightcast.
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Stakeholders square off over proposed DOE appliance program changes
Manufacturers say the changes would create a more predictable process to set appliance standards but should not “apply retroactively to standards already finalized.” Efficiency advocates say potential energy savings will be lost.
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Landlords flex rental power as data center viability becomes ‘everybody’s problem’
Data center supply is being snapped up as quickly as it hits the market, and landlords are taking a more cautious approach to how they structure leases, a partner at Vinson & Elkins said.
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Employers offer loan repayment, ‘re-recruiting’ to attract skilled labor
The data center boom is forcing contractors and other employers to rethink how they attract and retain sought-after workers like electricians and plumbers.
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Workplace meal expectations are rising: DoorDash survey
Organizations are prioritizing employee satisfaction over cost, and doing so without breaking the budget, the company says.
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Kennedy Center faces demolition if renovations aren’t done, DOJ says
Recognizing President Trump on the building facade is key to generating the money for the work to get done, the agency says in a court filing, although the claim is disputed.
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US Army selects 5 companies to deploy microreactors at military installations
The $2.2 billion in federal funding is intended to boost resilience and the commercial viability of next-generation nuclear power.
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Microsoft taps solar company Qcells to power AI infrastructure
Under an expanded partnership, Qcells would build new capacity to deliver power to Microsoft or the utility serving the communities around new data centers.
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Accelsius two-phase data center cooling technology deployed at training center
EdgeConneX is deploying the IR150 unit at its global training center, signaling that data center operators are poised to transition to the technology, Accelsius CEO John Hewitt says.
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Facilities betting big on low-cost, 100-hour iron-air batteries
A $1 billion project with Google and Xcel would create the world’s largest battery, producing 30 gigawatt-hours of energy at roughly $33 to $50 per kilowatt-hour, according to estimates.