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2008 Articles


Leaner, Greener Restrooms

No matter the facility, the "3Rs" can serve as a universal guideline for conserving resources.

Record Year In 2007 For Energy Star Facilities

Among those joining the list was JCPenney, the first big box retailer to earn the designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Net-Zero-Energy Buildings

Can these types of facilities be market viable by 2030?

LEED Or Not To LEED? Well, It All Depends!

Crane shares this interactive session with a thought provoking reader.

A New Perspective On Green Design

Insights from the architect's side of the equation may help fms through green implementations—and implications.

Tricks of the Trade: Green Building Certification

There are several programs...

Landscape Architects Put Green Roof To Test

In May 2006, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) began to monitor the performance of a green roof installed on its Washington, DC headquarters building.

Chilling Out

When this manager was tasked with finding more efficient chillers for the Regina General Hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada, efficiency and low life cycle costs were his primary requirements.

Tricks of the Trade: Redundancies for mission critical facilities

Which of the following is not an example of redundancies for mission critical facilities?
a. A diesel generator;
b. Storage for potable water;
c. Storage for mechanical system make-up water; or
d. All of the above.

Reducing Waste, Coming And Going

Conscientious manufacturers are cutting back on shipping materials to trim waste for customers.

A Green Sweep

Transitioning to an environentally friendly cleaning program offers a myriad of benefits.

TFM Names Neal Angrisano Facility Executive of the Year

This natural born leader has just what it takes to advocate excellence, professionalism, and class.

Heating And Cooling Sourced From The Earth

Geothermal energy—heat derived from the earth—has the potential to provide heating and cooling in buildings. By drawing this heat from the ground for these purposes, a facility reduces the amount of energy it derives from fossil fuel sources.

That’s What I Like About LEED

The new year is revealing an optimistic side of Jeff Crane


2007 Articles


Best Ideas For Buildings

Millions of species can’t be wrong

Ultimately Green

Refurbishing furniture is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to shrink a facility’s footprint.

A Natural Progression

LaSalle Bank Midwest builds on existing operations to achieve LEED status.

On The Continuum: Life After LEED-NC

Two years after achieving LEED certification for its original construction, the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR pursues LEED for Existing Buildings.

The Color Of Energy

Before making purchases, facility managers need to define what “green” means for their facilities.

Existing Buildings In Cities Focus Of New Program

The Clinton Climate Initiative Is Working With Locations Around The World To Increase Energy Efficiency

In The Good Old Summertime

As temps climb, facility managers can ensure high performance and lower energy bills.

LEED-EB Changes On The Horizon

The USGBC’s rating system for existing buildings is getting a major overhaul.

Chemical Free Water Treatment

With conservation at the heart of the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL, Brad Popovich was searching for a way to eliminate waste and save on energy costs. The system he found accomplished both goals.

Financial Aid Available For Renewable Energy

Budget restrictions shouldn’t curtail consumption control projects.

Keeping Mold Away With Moisture Control

Measures taken during the construction and operations stages will help minimize this threat to healthy indoor air quality.

Selecting, Caring For, And Disposing Of Renewable Carpet

As piles of used carpet make their way into the waste stream, facility professionals search for more environmentally sensitive options.

Outdoor Lighting: Brighter Not Always Better

Regulations on the amount, quality, and type of exterior illumination for buildings are increasingly relevant for facility managers.

Disaster Cometh...Or Not!

It’s the end of the world as we know it, again!


2006 Articles


The New Face Of Waste- Trash Talk

What should facility professionals look for when hiring a waste management company?

Green Globes To Seek Certification As An ANSI Standard

Introduced to the U.S. market from Canada in 2004, this building rating system may be a good fit for some sustainable projects.

When Specifying Insulation, What Should You Know

While insulation is just one part of the building envelope package, knowing this performance characteristic can help in decision making.

The Road To Sustainability

Whatever your route to a green facility, having a plan will make the ride a smoother one.

Construction Conservation

Successfully executing a recycling plan for construction materials requires careful planning.

Green Around The Globe

At the upcoming TFM Show in April, Vuk Vujovic will present an educational session: “Functional Sustainability: Facility Planning for High Performance.” In this article, he writes about the state of sustainability around the world.

Green Buying Guidelines

Environmentally preferable purchasing puts long-term implications into perspective.

TFM Names Stu Carron Facility Executive Of The Year

Inspired by the challenge, this steady leader learns what he can from each milestone he achieves.

Flooring Choices Fit The Bill

In looking for flooring products to meet both IAQ and maintenance needs, Kaiser Permanente’s manager, strategic sourcing and technology oversaw pilot projects to help determine the best fit.

2005 Articles


(Don’t) Beware Of The Natives

With proper planning, outdoor landscapes featuring indigenous plants save time and money.

Green Wants You

New environmental solutions help transition buildings into sustainability.

Just Build It

Master planning and sustainable design are the secret weapons behind Nike’s successful operations.

Resourceful Reduction

Efforts to lessen the environmental impact of a facility can take on many forms.

A Second Chance For Carpet

Carpet reuse and recycling programs advance a company’s goal to prevent materials from going to a landfill.

Save Water While Quenching Cooling Towers

With proper infrastructure and treatment in place, reusing water can be a viable option for a facility.

Keeping E-Waste Out Of The Landfill

Facility managers can help the environment—and fulfill regulatory requirements—by recycling electronics.

The Invisible Menace

Nanoparticles in the airstream can contribute to bad IAQ and health problems in facilities.

The Facility Manager And The Environment

By incorporating life cycle assessment into buildings, facility managers can lower their environmental footprint.

The State Of Sustainability

Are facility managers ready to act? Or are they marching to the beat of a different drum?

Tragedy Results In Success For One Environmental Visionary

One facility professional had to experience disaster in order to take monumental steps towards environmental progress.

Like Building A Ship In A Bottle

Revising the footprint without altering its legacy, the National Archives evolved from the inside out.

Achiveving Sustainability

Several factors still sway facility decision makers who wish to buy products sensitive to sustainable goals.

2004 Articles


The Air We Breathe

IAQ and network capable controls dominate the HVAC discussion.

2003 Articles


Sustaining Carpet Is A Journey

Selecting green carpet is only part of the sustainable equation.

William McDonough -
Everything and anything is possible for this man whose actions speak louder than words.

William McDonough is the founding principal of William McDonough & Partners, a Charlottesville, VA-based design firm practicing ecologically, socially, and economically intelligent architecture and planning throughout the world.

2002 Articles


Going Green Gets BOMA International's Attention

What are the current trends in the contract furniture industry? Read on to find out how community, value, and personalization fit into the big picture.

Innovative Contracting Best Practices

Facility management expert David Cotts explains how to maximize outsourcing measures by increasing output of contractors.

Going From Gray To Green

Michael Arny, co-chair of the LEED for Existing Buildings Committee, explains how the new USGBC program will give existing buildings the green light for LEED certification.

From Swim Suits To Business Suits: The Gaylord Palms™ Resort And Convention Center

Jill Aronson-Korot shares her report on the brand new Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, FL.

Sick Buildings: Common Causes And Sensible Solutions

The quality of indoor environments is often tied to the availability of air from the outdoors, yet facility executives struggle with sealed or "unbalanced" buildings—thus resulting in frequent Sick Building Syndrome complaints. This expanded article from Jeffrey Entin explains some of the ins and outs of common indoor air quality problems.

Recyling 2002: A Primer For Fms

Only 20 years ago, fms began recycling in response to government mandates. At first, most generated an income stream from various recycled commodities. Then, hauling rates rose precipitously while the value of recycled commodities plummeted due to the spate of same. Landfill fees escalated, along with the administrative costs for staff hours spent on recycling and waste collection activities, accounting functions, and regulatory compliance.

Building Bench Strength

How do fms mentor and cultivate talent that can embrace leadership roles tomorrow? Cindy Liu, a consultant at an executive search firm, explains why it is important for fms to develop those who will succeed them.

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