Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
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Courtesy of Hydrosense
The next generation of Legionella detection
Rapid testing kits can help facilities managers reduce outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in commercial buildings.
Greg Rankin • March 24, 2026 -
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Why data centers will need a ‘bring your own power’ strategy
If the AI boom is not handled correctly, we will put grid stability and public trust at odds with tech-led growth, writes Ameresco CEO George Sakellaris.
George Sakellaris • March 23, 2026 -
Courtesy of ABB
How variable speed HVAC motors can accelerate facility decarbonization
By adjusting motor speed to demand, HVAC systems use only the necessary amount of energy, reducing consumption by as much as 50%, ABB data show.
Yann Bottoli • March 17, 2026 -
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How smart building systems became the weakest link in property security
In many facilities, passwords are tracked in spreadsheets, shared across teams or passed along informally when responsibilities shift, exposing organizations to unauthorized access to their networks.
Chris Skipworth • March 5, 2026 -
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How adding safeguards to system diagrams can reduce breakdowns
LOOP-BAR, a process designed to prevent problems in ammonia refrigeration systems, has applicability to other systems that pose dangers in the event of an incident.
Kushal Aurangabadkar • Feb. 25, 2026 -
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Hidden assets: Why data centers don’t have to be the villain
Scheduling intensive computing tasks for off-peak hours and implementing on-site generation assets are two ways data center operators can work with their utility to ease energy loads while generating revenue, a software company executive says.
Scott Engstrom • Feb. 18, 2026 -
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Time for facilities to leverage solar incentives is winding down
Whether you're considering leasing your rooftop to a solar developer, purchasing a system or entering into a power purchase agreement, there’s still time to improve project ROI with federal tax credits — but not much time.
Gabe Phillips • Feb. 6, 2026 -
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How heat pumps are transforming high-performance facilities
The transition to heat pumps is underway across energy-intensive facilities like hospitals and airports, demonstrating that this technology is operationally feasible and economically sound.
Ned Greene • Dec. 22, 2025 -
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Solving the communication gap behind refrigeration problems
Many system breakdowns begin long before there’s equipment failure. The key to heading these off is early escalation of process safety management anomalies.
Kushal Aurangabadkar • Dec. 17, 2025 -
Courtesy of Hughes Safety Showers
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.
James Hamilton • Dec. 9, 2025 -
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Sensor data is key to generating ROI from AI investments
Insight into how people use a space can enable building operators to optimize what they have rather than spend money to add more, says Honghao Deng, CEO of AI platform company Butlr.
Honghao Deng • Dec. 3, 2025 -
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What a tech-centric workplace approach looks like
The boundaries between digital and physical workplace environments will blur further as AI and IoT technologies mature, creating a new wave of data-driven operations.
Bob Cicero • Nov. 14, 2025 -
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Treating project design support as an operational activity
Changing space needs is a feature of today’s business environment. Here’s how retaining a design team can give facility managers a nimbleness that saves them money and lets them leverage fast-moving opportunities.
Ryan Elder • Oct. 28, 2025 -
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How FMs can improve data center performance-per-watt
Generating money-saving PPW gains begins with an understanding of the right liquid cooling approach for your operations.
Angela Taylor • Oct. 10, 2025 -
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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.
Nadav Schnall • Oct. 7, 2025 -
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How FMs can more accurately report ESG-friendly furniture decommissions
EPA’s waste reduction model understates emissions reductions from furniture reuse. To show a more meaningful value, facility managers should request lifecycle assessments from suppliers.
Dale Ewing • Sept. 18, 2025 -
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Energy prices are soaring. Better buildings can help.
Cutting off clean energy sources while demand for AI skyrockets will spike energy prices. Energy efficiency is a solution for reducing grid loads while reducing the need for expensive infrastructure investment.
Alex Dews • Sept. 12, 2025 -
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NYC’s Safe Hotels Act, with its staffing mandates, signals a shift for operators
Whether the law delivers meaningful improvements in safety and labor standards remains to be seen, but its early effects on staffing and costs have created challenges for hotels.
Yariv Ben-Ari • Aug. 8, 2025 -
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How California’s CEQA reforms will speed up commercial projects
The state’s effort to overhaul its tough environmental law is aimed at easing its housing shortage, but manufacturing, health clinics, childcare centers and other facility types stand to benefit.
William Sloan • July 23, 2025 -
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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.
Mahesh Ramanujam • July 8, 2025 -
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ICE preparedness is crucial for hoteliers in 2025
As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns spread nationwide, hotels should prioritize tools and training to create a safe environment for workers and guests alike.
Nikki Marín Baena • June 17, 2025 -
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New ASCE codes aim to provide vital flood protection
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ updated standards mark a major shift in approach for design and construction in flood hazard areas, according to a floodplain manager.
Tom Little • June 13, 2025 -
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What should performance benchmarking look like post-Energy Star?
The proposed elimination of one of the federal government’s most successful sustainability programs raises questions about how to measure building efficiency.
Matt Ellis • June 6, 2025 -
Courtesy of IES
To save money, building owners should treat energy standards as a floor, not a ceiling
Projects to make their facilities more efficient are an opportunity for owners to use sustainability goals to drive long-term business value.
Christy Martell • May 9, 2025 -
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Your parking spaces are losing money. AI can fix that
By increasing engagement and goodwill, owners can create a value-added relationship with the people who visit their facilities.
Chris Donus • April 18, 2025
