Maine becomes first state to enact EPR waste collection for vapes, with impact on retail facilities

As part of increased collection, recycling and disposal options for vape pens, retail facilities that sell vapes will need to partcipate as collection locations. 

By Megan Quinn • June 3, 2026

Kennedy Center closure for renovation was facilities chief’s idea, according to court testimony

In his Friday ruling requiring President Donald Trump to remove his name from the arts institution, Judge Christopher Cooper calls the board’s approval of the closure an “ill-informed and seemingly preordained decision.”

By Robert Freedman • June 1, 2026

Measurabl, USGBC California launch building performance dashboard

Facility managers can now track the energy, carbon and water-use performance of buildings across the state in one place, the organizations say. 

By Joe Burns • May 28, 2026

Grocery trade groups praise EPA’s slower refrigeration phase-out

The agency extended compliance deadlines for the use of hydrofluorocarbons, drawing approval from FMI and the National Grocers Association.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 28, 2026

EPA rule delaying refrigerant phase-outs will raise costs, critics say

In its effort to address “stranded inventory,” the Trump administration is creating demand for products that are no longer being produced, which is a recipe for higher prices, say industry groups.

By Robert Freedman • May 26, 2026

Boston’s BERDO emissions deadline has been extended — but prompt action is building operators’ best move

Missing the deadline could result in daily fines of up to $300 for each building and imperil the building’s ability to benefit from flexibility provisions. 

By Erin Camp • May 19, 2026

A2L refrigerant transition: Keep your legacy system running or prepare for time-consuming changes, expert says

The discontinuation of refrigerants with high global warming potential means high costs and long wait times for equipment retrofits or replacements, a Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US specialist says.

By Joe Burns • Updated May 27, 2026

Refrigerant leaks to cost Kroger $2.5M in fines, $100M for appliance upgrades

The grocery chain has two years to upgrade 600 refrigeration units under a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency.

By Robert Freedman • May 14, 2026

How AI is helping legacy HVAC systems meet New York City’s emissions standards

Sensors can help reduce emissions by 22% and uncover issues keeping facilities from meeting Local Law 97, a vice president of a New York City-based energy management firm says.

By Joe Burns • May 8, 2026

Billions in battery tax credits hinge on FEOC compliance

In the near term, complying with foreign entity of concern restrictions will slow energy storage decision-making, but over time it will reward organizations that can operationalize compliance.

By Ravi Manghani • April 30, 2026

JLL launches healthcare facility accreditation program

The program mirrors standards rolled out by the Joint Commission, which is the main accreditor of medical facilities, to help operators meet new continuous surveying requirements. 

By Joe Burns • April 24, 2026

Labor Department proposes new joint employer rule

The rule would create “a single nationwide standard” for the Fair Labor Standards Act and other laws, the U.S. Department of Labor said.

By Ginger Christ • April 23, 2026

OSHA extends heat emphasis program

The previous initiative lapsed on April 8, but two days later, the safety agency announced an updated outreach, resource and inspection program that will run through 2031.

By Zachary Phillips • April 17, 2026

NYC launches concierge-style service, enhanced web tools to aid Local Law 97 compliance

The Momentum service provides building operators with live support and tools to help them comply with LL97, plan retrofits, estimate penalties and determine emission reductions, the city says.

By Joe Burns • April 15, 2026

OSHA proposes removing 2036 deadline in walking-working Surfaces standard

The proposed rule would give employers more time to equip all fixed ladders with a personal fall arrest or safety system.

By Sara Samora • April 15, 2026

Wisconsin, Kentucky governors latest to approve battery EPR laws

As with other state EPR laws, facilities and consumers are directed to dispose of batteries at designated locations once the laws take effect.  

By Megan Quinn • April 14, 2026

Trump plan to use ‘magic’ paint will ruin Eisenhower building, restoration experts say

Mineral silicate-based masonry paint won’t strengthen the exterior granite or keep water out, as President Trump has claimed, 25 specialists say in a Q&A prepared by preservationists suing to stop the renovation project.

By Robert Freedman • April 14, 2026

Alcatraz AI secures $50M for facial authentication platform

The technology does not store photos or data, simplifying data privacy compliance for operators, the company says.

By Joe Burns • April 3, 2026

Iran conflict highlights cyberthreat exposure of U.S. facilities

The growing use of smart technology in buildings and older technologies that weren’t meant to be exposed to the internet are drawing attention from cyberattackers, researchers say.

By Joe Burns • March 31, 2026

HVAC manufacturers sued for conspiring to inflate prices

Bosch, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, Lennox, Rheem and AAON are named in a lawsuit, which is seeking class action status, for artificially increasing the price of commercial and residential equipment since 2020.

By Robert Freedman • March 30, 2026

As NYC energy code enforcement begins, operators face decision on pathway

Prescriptive and performance-based approaches give facilities managers a choice for how to proceed, a building energy specialist says.

By Joe Burns • March 19, 2026

NFMT East 2026: Counterfeit communication cables pose building threat

Facility managers must be vigilant about fraudulent cabling, which poses a flame and smoke risk when used, the Communications Cable & Connectivity Association says.

By Joe Burns • March 18, 2026

Safety-Kleen to pay $175K federal fine for maintenance, storage violations

The Linden, New Jersey, facility has since fixed leaking equipment and properly stored its waste, EPA says.

By Megan Quinn • March 18, 2026

Maintenance performance requires discipline in data management: Limble

Organizations with high-quality CMMS data are more likely to report strong cross-functional trust in equipment data, while those that ignore data management are at risk of making decisions on false information, the report says. 

By Joe Burns • Feb. 26, 2026

Facility managers should inspect retaining walls and foundations for leaning, cracks

Even a small amount of water can degrade retaining walls and foundations, so ensuring proper drainage is a must, one engineer says.

By Joe Burns • Feb. 6, 2026