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Click on the links below to access past articles as
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Today's Facility Manager magazine
2007 | 2006 | 2005
| 2004 | 2003 | 2002
September 2008
• 20 Years of Facility Management
How much has changed since 1988?
• Two Decades Of Today's Facility Manager Milestones
Since 1988, Today's Facility Manager has been dedicated to reporting on the news and new products that make the most significant impact on the facility management profession. This timeline illustrates how the magazine has evolved during that timeframe.
• David Brady Of IFMA Looks Back On 20 Years Of TFM
David J. Brady, president and CEO of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) shares his thoughts on two decades of facility management (FM) achievement.
• An interview with Zeftron Nylon Business Leader Timothy Blount
This special feature salutes the 20 year relationship between Zeftron®, fms, and TFM.
• A Change in Direction
Office machines once considered essential have been pushed aside by newer products.
• Flight Plan
The assistant director of aviation for facilities and the director of aviation at McCarran International Airport discuss the new wing in Vegas.
• Playing It Safe
A HAZCOM program is essential for facilities that house chemicals.
• Power Supply
There is high demand for backup power solutions, and there are many requirements that should be addressed before purchasing decisions are made.
• Maintaining Order When The Power Goes Out: A Look At Healthcare Facilities
It's a startling statistic: lack of regular maintenance is the single greatest cause of failure of emergency power engine generators.
• 20 Years: Looking Ahead
In honor of TFM's 20th anniversary, Crane makes some daring predictions for the next two decades.
• Five Steps To A Successful Renovation
Smart planning today creates fewer headaches tomorrow.
• We've Come A Long Way…
In many areas, FM technologies today look very different from those of 20 years ago.
• Modular Building Hitting Green Stride
Historically viewed as temporary shelter, the role of these structures may be changing.
August 2008
• Threats In The Dark
New security technology helps facility managers monitor dangers in the workplace.
• Making Construction Management Work For You
What an fm knows about construction can make the process run smoother.
• A Garden Grows Above
Green roofs are an emerging trend for facilities seeking a way to help the environment.
• A Flavorful Production
Barilla America, Inc., the U.S. division of the Italy-based food maker, has a new facility in Avon, NY.
• Conserving Dollars: The Original "Green" Objective
As the need to do more with less increases, Crane offers some clever cuts in essential services.
• Making For A Brighter Future
Proper lighting maintenance can help save energy and money.
• Measure What You Manage
Springer wonders if it really make sense to measure facility (and employee) performance based on cost per square foot instead of output in terms of results.
• Tricks of the Trade: Where could I update my skills in the area of data center design/build?
These recommendations should help you brush up on your skills.
July 2008
• Richly Restored
As a hospitality venue in Virginia springs into the 21st century, it keeps a steadfast focus on its history.
• Escaping The Ring of Fire
During a fire, facility managers need to evacuate employees and protect the building's future.
• Powering Through The Data Center
Focusing on four major areas can contribute to successful power design in mission critical facilities.
• Commissioning For Existing Facilities
Performing a check up on a building can provide valuable knowledge about its inner workings.
• Reducing Life Cycle Costs
This "apples to apples" approach is gaining clout with facility professionals in charge of project management and product procurement.
• Toward An Energy Management Plan
Tackling the escalating issue of energy consumption and costs may take resolve.
• Getting The Message
When an emergency event occurs, mass notification capabilities can help keep people safe.
• The Sales Rep's Guide To Facility Managers
Crane gives away the secret to getting the attention of this powerful purchasing audience.
• Office Clutter? Don't Agonize, Organize
A little bit of desk tidying goes a long way towards being clutter free.
• Tricks of the Trade: Reducing Our Energy Consumption
In order to reduce our energy consumption, I have proposed installing
passive infrared occupancy sensors (PIR) in places such as restrooms,
conference rooms, and some offices. I calculated the return on investment
(ROI) to be less than one year. The response to my proposal was
instead to place labels at light switches asking everyone to turn
off the lights when leaving the room. Is there any evidence that
I can use to show that this suggested method will not work effectively?
Can I depend on employees turning off lights simply by being asked?
More important, is there any study to support the use of PIR sensors?
June 2008
• Decoding The Acronym Puzzle
Web based facility management offerings are becoming easier to decipher.
• Essential Elements In Outsourcing
A new approach to outsourcing is making it a more attractive management option.
• Curtain Walls and Façades
Before making repairs it is important to know the conditions behind the scenes.
• Cleaning The Systems
A consistent, effectively designed program will keep HVAC equipment in top condition
• How Does Your Garden Grow?
Springer uses a landscaping analogy to define the backbone to a successful workplace.
• Energy Ran High As The Industry Met In Chicago
The 2008 TFM Show this past April provided a plethora of information for facility management professionals.
• Tread Lightly
With additional space needed for academic life, this college maintained a tidy footprint.
• Porous Paving Provides "An Out" For Stormwater
Stormwater management is an essential part of resource conservation.
• Asking Tough Questions; Seeking Honest Answers
This month's FM Frequency drifts into the realm of the radical.
• Consolidation Of Vendor Bases
Is consolidation putting corporations' revenues at risk?
• Tricks of the Trade: Smart Cards: More Than Just Access Control
Is there is any way to put a Ňstored valueÓ or a balance that, with every swipe, it could decrement the card. Is there a way for the card to communicate with other open source systems or any accounting application?
May 2008
• Parking Goes High-Tech
Innovations for this area of the facility can save space, time, and money.
• Suspended Ceiling Or An Open Plenum?
Recent studies illustrate the impact of both on life cycle costs, fire safety, and acoustics.
• Natural Habitat
An outdoor retailer builds on its experience to move its stores to the next level.
• Building Exteriors That Clean Themselves?
Titanium Dioxide Being Used To Reduce Maintenance Needs
• Singing The 1040 Blues…Or Was That A Hymn?
Tax preparation is an unexpected religious experience for Crane.
• Developing A Health And Safety Program
The success of a program is tied to its ability to blend in with an organization’s culture.
• Job Order Contracting: Putting Business Goals Within Reach
When procurement needs to be spread around the community, budgets can benefit over time.
• Horse Before Cart
Rather than forcing users to adapt, furniture is finally presenting practical, yet creative, solutions.
• Tricks of the Trade: Quality Audit Training(QAT) - housekeeping
The creation of different procedural documents
• Tricks of the Trade: Capital equipment replacement program
Since your equipment is still functioning, it appears that you will need to prioritize your plant equipment replacement program.
April 2008
• Reinventing Light
New economic and environmental realities are pushing lighting technology into the next generation.
• 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.
• Storage Central
In seeking cost reductions, the City of Chicago captures the opportunity to revive an aging facility.
• Leaner, Greener Restrooms
No matter the facility, the "3Rs" can serve as a universal guideline for conserving resources.
• Facility Management: The Oldest Profession?
This amusing overview defines great moments in FM history.
• Net-Zero-Energy Buildings
Can these types of facilities be market viable by 2030?
• Messy Desk=Messy Mind? Not So Fast!
The study of cognitive ergonomics can—and should—be applied to real world workplace behaviors.
• A New Perspective On Green Design
Insights from the architect's side of the equation may help fms through green implementations—and implications.
• LEED Or Not To LEED? Well, It All Depends!
Crane shares this interactive session with a thought provoking reader.
• Tricks of the Trade: Structural Construction Documents
CASE Document 962 D
• Tricks of the Trade: How would you handle your first week here?
If the position has little direct supervision, your first week would be spent on...
• Tricks of the Trade: Green Building Certification
There are several programs...
• Tricks of the Trade: soft walls for data center cold aisle enclosures
The strip doors can be bought in various kit sizes...
March 2008
• Firm Evolution
An Atlanta-based law firm moves into the 21st century without forsaking its roots.
• 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.
• Do You Have A Security Blueprint?
Following a specific process can go a long way towards getting security measures in place.
• Accessibility For All
From plumbing to public computers, there are more ways than ever for facilities to provide accessibility.
• It’s All About The Network
This often overlooked component can be the key to success when implementing facility systems.
• From The Outside Looking In
A peek inside the fictitious life of temporary facility manager, Ms. Y (courtesy of "Dear Diary").
• Illegal Immigration Is A Facility Management Issue
With reform a hot political topic, changes could significantly redefine the workforce.
• Sustainable Carpet
The new NSF 140-2007 Standard will help facility managers ensure the best product for their needs.
• 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.
• Tricks of the Trade: Operational costs per square foot
The Facilities Management Division for the City of Columbus, OH, is seeking data on operational costs per square foot in office buildings. How would we determine operational costs that incorporate custodial, trades, energy, etc.?
February 2008
Campus Enhanced By Founder's Vision
Nearly a century ago, John Brown opened a university in Siloam, AR with a vision of building aesthetics that never came to fruition in his lifetime. Everett Easley helped make this dream a reality.
For The Love Of Buildings…Or Not
Confessions under the knife: anesthesia exposes the trippy side of Crane's facility sensibilities.
Just The Right Fit
Flexible options for display monitors can help to improve user comfort and productivity.
Facility Management Is...
Tim Springer challenges fms to define what they do in terminology that's tangible to everyone.
The Brain Drain
Effective asset management programs can help overcome the exodus of maintenance talent.
Maximizing The Data Center
Migration to a holistic, preventive maintenance approach can improve performance and reduce costs.
Put To The Test
An elementary school in southern California faced its fair share of challenges before opening day.
Reducing Waste, Coming And Going
Conscientious manufacturers are cutting back on shipping materials to trim waste for customers.
Predictive Maintenance
This condition based approach to servicing HVAC equipment can help to anticipate problems.
Beyond The Call Of Duty
With new energy efficient strategies, it is time roofing contributed more than protection from the elements.
Tricks of the Trade: organizational tools
In my position, I oversee 40 restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic. I have yet to find an organizational tool that helps me keep their gazillion problems in an organized manner yet reminds me to follow up.
Tricks of the Trade: when the roof leaks through the ceiling
What would you recommend when the roof leaks through the ceiling and into the fluorescent light fixture in an office?
January 2008
HVAC On Demand
A new ventilation strategy may help managers reduce the impact of HVAC on their facilities.
Sustainable Energy Production
Consider these D-I-Y energy generation options.
Emergency Measures In A Post 9/11 World
Survival during disasters is not a matter of luck if appropriate planning measures are in place.
Video Analytics
Facility managers can use this technology to meet more than just their security needs.
A Green Sweep
Transitioning to an environmentally friendly cleaning program offers a myriad of benefits
Swift Recovery
Planned upgrades were put on the fast track after thousands took shelter at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
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
By drawing heat from the ground a facility reduces the amount of energy it derives from fossil fuel sources.
Tricks of the Trade
I have a question about aluminum vs. copper electrical wiring particularly when connected to large, main electrical switch gears.
Reading Light
When the senior property manager of The New York Public Library needed to find new lighting components, he searched for a way to remain true to the city’s original vision of the establishment.
That's What I Like About LEED
The new year is revealing an optimistic side of Jeff Crane
2007 Article Archive
Top of Page ^
December 2007
2007 Year In Review
TFM takes a look back at the most influential trends of 2007
Readers’ Choice Awards 2007
TFM Readers cast their votes for the product and service providers they preferred most in 2007.
A Few Of My Favorite (Web) Things
They may not be raindrops on roses, but there are some things that make Jeff Crane happy.
Hello Columbus!
Tim discovers the best of American urban planning during a recent trip to Columbus.
November 2007
PSIM: The “Other” Intelligent System
An emerging security technology links all functions in the realm.
Work Order System Thwarts Campus Tryst!
With new work order management software, this director of operations brought efficiency to a university’s maintenance practices—and may have helped a father come between young love.
Rolling With The Facilities Budget
There are alternatives to the traditional method of budget preparation.
Deconstructing IAQ
Facilities can benefit from a holistic approach to improving the indoor environment.
Design-Build
This project delivery method benefits from the power of one and the expertise of many.
The Roofing Crew
These tips can help facility managers recruit the right team to keep their buildings in ship shape condition.
Streamlined Health
A new building dedicated to neuroscience at St. Joseph’s in Phoenix, AZ elevates the level of care for patients.
Best Ideas For Buildings
Millions of species can’t be wrong?
Worry Free Wireless
Can facility managers trust wireless networks when hackers strive to violate them?
October 2007
Relief From Green Fatigue
Crane humorously dissects his latest energy saving project—re-lamping for fun and profit!
No One Of Us Is As Smart As All Of Us
There are distinct qualities that separate true leaders from mere managers.
Auditing Contingency Plans
What the fm does with the plan is as important as the plan itself.
Ultimately Green
Refurbishing furniture is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to shrink a facility’s footprint.
Energy Savings
Conservation can be considered a story in two part harmony.
Safe Passage
Miami International Airport is experiencing a major expansion. With airport security an increasingly important issue, this facility professional needed to find an inventive way to test new security products and systems.
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.
Creating The Ideal Workforce
An educational outreach program transforms potential dropouts into successful, skilled graduates.
The Color Of Energy
Before making purchases, facility managers need to define what “green” means for their facilities.
September 2007
The Wireless Facility… Inside And Out
Unfettered communication technologies can offer more.
The BIG Picture
They do everything BIG at Hyatt Regency Chicago. In a feat of engineering ingenuity, the hotel’s staff and a mounting solutions provider installed some of the world’s largest plasma displays.
Remembering 9/11 Six Years Later…
New tragedies at the former Deutsche Bank building rekindle public emotion at Ground Zero
Fuel Trends In Standby Power Generation
Gaseous and bi-fuel gensets offer alternatives to diesel.
Mid-Project Intervention
It is possible to experience early avoidance and resolution of construction disputes.
Waste Management And Ralph Waldo Emerson
What does this 19th century writer have to do with recycling?
One For The Team
The new Busch Stadium ushers in the next era for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Home Away From Home
Results from TFM’s annual survey reveal a cash crop of new and renovation projects.
Water: Put It Aside For A Non-Rainy Day
As demand for this natural resource continues to increase, facilities might consider rainwater harvesting to ensure supply.
Face Time
The future has arrived with new high tech options for conference rooms and beyond.
August 2007
Summer School
Electricity and reliability are hot topics during the imaginary “recess” of summer.
The Right Overhead
Facility managers can conserve energy and protect the environment with intelligent roofing decisions.
Your Building Will Tell You What Kind Of Roof You Need
This bonus article explains how sustainable design concepts have been incorporated into the latest roofing product options.
Take Me To Your Leader
There are distinct qualities that separate true leaders from mere managers.
Facility Management Made Easier
A universally accepted tool can simplify a facility manager’s need to coordinate all contractors.
Why Recycle Used Bulbs?
Careful lamp disposal methods can help keep harmful mercury out of the air.
Ready To Respond
The design of this mission critical facility in New York City centers on reliability and flexibility.
Existing Buildings In Cities Focus Of New Program
The Clinton Climate Initiative Is Working With Locations Around The World To Increase Energy Efficiency
Keeping Watch
New technologies open the door to the future of security: ubiquitous and powerful surveillance.
Healthy Change
The on call rooms at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA needed to be updated to maximize space. Hotel locks provided the inspiration for a renovation.
July 2007
21st Century Security
From pocket video to security robots, emerging technologies are changing the facility landscape.
A Clean Sweep
It is this man’s job to ensure that the city of Green Bay, WI can enjoy a football game without worrying about sewage issues. With a system to monitor activities remotely, the stadium’s management scores a touchdown for efficiency.
Who Needs An “Expert Consultant?”
There may be times when getting a second opinion makes you look that much better!
Power Up
How are facility managers meeting mission critical power demands?
Expert Panel Addresses TOP Facility Challenges
How do the top names in the profession answer the question, “What keeps you up at night?”
Employee Retention
If a new hire leaves abruptly, will the employer know what went wrong?
Integrated Security
Some organizations can benefit from combining security functions with other building systems, since this often streamlines management and increases capabilities.
Back In Business
The Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, MS re-opens one year after sustaining damage from Hurricane Katrina.
The Necessary Spark
Facility managers can have a difficult time motivating occupants to evacuate buildings during a fire.
June 2007
The Facilities Machine: Master Or Myth?
Urban Legends may (or may not) exist in facilities too!
In The Good Old Summertime
As temps climb, facility managers can ensure high performance and lower energy bills.
Site Maintenance
Landscape management is essential for operational efficiencies and positive results.
What The Web Has To Offer
CAFM’s latest upgrades will give users universal access.
Help Wanted
More facility managers are turning to outsourcing and offshoring to increase time and cost efficiency.
A Picture Paints A Thousand Words
The 10 year celebration at the TFM Show is a smash hit with everyone involved!
History Lessons
At Michigan State University, a team does its homework to rehabilitate a faculty building to its original splendor.
A Safe Place For Guests
When high profile guests gathered at the Davenport Hotel in Spokane, WA, the director of security teamed up with the U.S. Marshals Service to install an innovative system. Now, the hotel can respond quickly to any emergency.
LEED-EB Changes On The Horizon
The USGBC’s rating system for existing buildings is getting a major overhaul.
KISS My Asset!
Springer gets feisty when discussing facility management’s unnecessary complexities.
Tricks of the Trade - Jim Elledge, resident FM Expert
Jim Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.
May 2007
Preparing For An OSHA Inspection
Company representatives should tell inspectors what they want to hear—nothing more and nothing less.
Curtailing "Office Creepers"
Mobile workplace habits make it extremely easy for company information to “disappear.”
Did He Say “Pedal Power?!”
There are hidden energy savings in every facility...sometimes you just have to look for them.
Ceiling Tile Selection: Pay Now Or Pay Later
Several criteria influence decisions with regard to ceiling purchase and disposal practices.
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.
Enterprise Asset Management
The next generation of facility management software is coming...get ready for features galore!
A Winning Strategy
Old National Bank in Indiana seizes the opportunity to bring employees together.
Financial Aid Available For Renewable Energy
Budget restrictions shouldn’t curtail consumption control projects.
The New World
Yesterday’s immobile furniture doesn’t mesh with today’s flexible work styles.
Tricks of the Trade - Jim Elledge, resident FM Expert
Jim Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.
April 2007
Brighter Days Ahead
Lighting upgrades can help facility managers address occupant needs and reduce energy costs.
Hygienic Restroom Maintenance
Facility managers planning new or renovated rest rooms have many more choices than they have in years past.
Seeing It Through
At this high-rise in Chicago, it has been hands-on management from the start.
Best Face Forward
What’s on the wall can help or hinder the image of an organization.
For The Birds
When flocks of starlings began infiltrating the Kansas City Convention and Entertainment Centers in Kansas City, MO, manager Dean Barrett searched for a humane solution to an unsanitary problem.
Where’s The Sense Of Place In Workplaces?
In this expanded version of Springer’s April installment, find out why bland can be bad for business.
Service Level Agreements And Critical Facilities
Treat outsourced personnel like part of the in-house team to generate inspired results.
Saving Energy With Window Film
Those products with solar control properties can help to keep out unwanted heat.
Green Payback
Facility professionals around the country are making the business case for green design and operations.
Questioning Boston’s “LEED-ership”
Will facility managers in Beantown throw Code 37 requirements into the harbor?
Tricks of the Trade - Jim Elledge, resident FM Expert
Jim Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.
March
2007
Recipe For Success
Think you have what it takes to be a facility manager in today’s demanding times?
Heading Up A Move
Churn is a fact of life. Managers can use technology to keep the process under control.
Staying Connected
Web sites with a focus on facilities can be a useful tool in effective management.
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.
The New Face Of The ADA
Facility managers must prepare to be in compliance with new guidelines before they become law.
The Emergence Of The Electronic Security Age
With more technologically advanced security systems being developed, facility managers are partnering with IT departments for implementation purposes.
Out On The Town
A retail development in Kent, WA has created a central gathering spot for the surrounding community.
A Modern Solution For An Old-Fashioned School
In the small community of Shungnak, AK, this Northwest Arctic Borough School District needed to find a way to reconfigure classroom spaces to accommodate the changing needs of students. The solution it discovered was pure genius.
Keeping Mold Away With Moisture Control
Measures taken during the construction and operations stages will help minimize this threat to healthy indoor air quality.
Tricks of the Trade - Jim Elledge, resident FM Expert
Jim Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM’s Editorial Advisory Board.
February
2007
Shelter From The Storm
Rethinking installation and maintenance practices can help safeguard roofs against increasingly severe weather.
Disaster Cometh...Or Not!
It’s the end of the world as we know it, again!
Office Design, Ergonomics, And The New Normal
The aging process and hidden disabilities challenge facility professionals on the quest for comfort.
Use The Philosophies Of Delegation To Create Success
Recognizing personal weaknesses and tapping the skills of others can yield big benefits.
Infrared Technology Can Help Improve Safety And Operations
Hidden problems can escalate if left unnoticed and neglected.
Are You Invisible?
Springer explains why facility professionals need to be their own best cheerleading section.
Learning To Share
A Dallas, TX school district maximizes its budget to provide two new schools on one property.
Outdoor Lighting: Brighter Not Always Better
Regulations on the amount, quality, and type of exterior illumination for buildings are increasingly relevant for facility managers.
JANUARY
2007
TFM Names William Coleman Facility Executive Of The Year
The core values of facility management excellence are exemplified by a man who achieves a perfect balance.
Preparing For The Inevitable
Planning for disasters can help facility professionals get their facilities up and running with minimal business interruption.
Lean Or Green?
Do facility managers really have to make a choice when trying to reconcile budgets with sustainability goals?
The Business Case For Green Cleaning
The journey to an environmental approach is a three part process.
Wireless: Tomorrow's HVAC
Managers can reduce damage to the environment and protect occupants with new HVAC technologies.
A Fresh Start
In Racine, WI, an aging nursing home is transformed into a vibrant assisted living facility.
Tackling Systems Performance
Facilities can reduce costs and increase efficiencies through recommissioning.
Riding (And Surviving) The Wave
Advances in computing for building systems present benefits and challenges for facility managers.
Buying Renewable Energy Certificates
While one size does not fit all facilities, this energy purchase strategy can be beneficial for many.
HVAC Changes Allow Museum to Grow
This month, TFM is pleased to introduce “Better Practices,” a new column dedicated to the heart and soul of the magazine—facility managers. Every building has a story, and this page will give facility managers a chance to share some of them. It will feature projects that have resulted in better practices and solutions.
2006 Article Archive
Top of Page ^
DECEMBER
2006
Looking Back… 2006 Trends Recap
With the year coming to a close, TFM reflects on the significant trends that developed over the past 12 months.
Readers’ Choice Awards
TFM Readers cast their votes for the product and service providers they preferred most in 2006.
View Jim's responses to our readers questions
Find out answers to all your facility management needs and concerns by asking our resident expert, Jim Elledge.
Bridging The Gap
Closing the divide between the design process and long-term operations and maintenance.
FM And Purchasing: You Get What You Pay For
Before The Sale, How Much Is Too Much To Expect From Vendors?
NOVEMBER
2006
Wireless: Generation Next
As wireless sensor networks evolve, the potential benefits for facility management operations are increasing.
Lessons In Roof Maintenance
To manage a facility properly, it is essential to evaluate the roof’s condition and develop a servicing plan.
Tax Breaks For Energy Efficiency
Time is running out to qualify for tax deductions.
Lighting Upgrade Maximizes Energy Use
Seeking out the best lighting options to serve the needs of one of its manufacturing buildings has resulted in lower energy costs for Baxter Healthcare Corporation.
Flip This Hotel
The Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland is transformed from ugly duckling into swan.
Green Risk Management
Sustainable design has distinct insurance issues.
View Jim's responses to our readers questions
Find out answers to all your facility management needs and concerns by asking our resident expert, Jim Elledge.
Giving Thanks!
Want an excuse to deny wacky requests? Just thank your insurance and liability teams!
Building Information Modeling
This approach to project documentation has the potential to synthesize the entire life cycle of a facility.
Reducing Cooling Loads With External Shading
With the proper approach, the use of shading devices on the exterior of a new or existing building can save on energy use.
OCTOBER
2006
Grounded In Green
Building on its past, Hearst Corporation earns LEED Gold for its new headquarters building in New York City.
Life Safety In The Workplace
Preventive safety measures are key to managing facilities during catastrophic health situations.
No Stone Unturned
A comprehensive building assessment makes for an effective life safety plan.
Furniture Lessons From The Auto Industry
Why can’t facility managers have it all?
A Time Of Bold Opportunity
With green issues coming to the forefront, it is time for facility managers to make changes in existing buildings and carefully plan new construction.
5S Manufacturing: What Is It?
A journey of continuous operational improvement can lead to excellence in manufacturing.
View Jim's responses to our readers questions
Find out answers to all your facility management needs and concerns by asking our resident expert, Jim Elledge.
Real People, Real Stories
If you think you’ve heard it all when it comes to interviewing antics, keep reading!
FM And The Language Of Business
Springer debates the logistics of going from the boiler room to the board room.
Make A Splash: Green Your Rest Rooms
Specifying more environmentally friendly paper products is one step toward sustainable practices.
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Greening Rest Rooms: The Role Of Dispensing Strategies
Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, a green cleaning consulting firm located in Bloomington, IN, offers tips on minimizing paper waste in rest rooms.
SEPTEMBER 2006
On The Horizon
The latest TFM survey results show facility professionals will not only be juggling numerous projects, but they’ll be managing large budgets well.
Power To The Core
Interruption of utility service can force FMs to recognize the importance of data preservation.
Trash Talk
What should facility professionals look for when hiring a waste management company?
The New Face Of Waste
So how do facility managers handle the waste disposal needs of their companies, keep costs to a minimum, and also address potential environmental and liability issues?
Room To Grow
For an updated conference room, it is necessary to integrate new technologies with supporting furniture.
A Sense Of Place
Following a major renovation and expansion, Duke Energy Center enhances the Cincinnati skyline.
Solving The Mysteries Of The RFP
It is possible to resolve confusion over architectural and engineering expectations.
View Jim's responses to our readers questions
Find out answers to all your facility management needs and concerns by asking our resident expert, Jim Elledge.
The Myth Of Interoperability
When will systems really start speaking the same language?
The Heart Of The Matter
The trend toward integration in facilities is resulting in a unified management and command center for many organizations.
When The Heat Was On This Summer, Demand Response Programs Delivered
This month, guest columnist Michael Gordon writes about how energy consumers in New York City were able to curtail their electric usage this past summer during periods of record demand. As participants in the city’s Emergency Demand Response Program, these organizations helped to keep the grid up and running.
AUGUST
2006
One Step Ahead
Working with information technologists to integrate physical and electronic security measures can help protect a facility.
Green Extremes
It is possible for green roofs to thrive in harsh climates.
Light Bright
There’s now an intelligent approach to lamp maintenance, disposal, and performance.
All That Glitters Is Green
Conservation measures become an integral part of cool metal roofing options.
Best Practices And Lessons Learned
What is the general feeling in the industry 11 months after Katrina and Wilma?
Don’t Overlook Leaking Door Closers
More than maintenance is at stake when standard hardware gets messy.
Energy Savings Across The Board
Since 2000, a comprehensive conservation approach has resulted in millions of dollars in savings for Trizec Properties.
Traveling In Style
The Whitehall Ferry Terminal in New York City gets a new look and upgrades services for travelers.
Who’s In Charge Here?
With technological integration on the rise, operations becomes a game of diplomacy.
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Great Suppliers Can be Excellent Business Partners
It’s possible to gain significant advantages from outsourcing relationships.
Office Ergonomics: Top 10 Myths
One size fits all is a big problem in offices, where everyone has different needs and responsibilities.
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.
JULY
2006
You Can Take It To The Bank
TFM survey examines financial demographics of the profession.
Danger In The Air
Harmful VOCs may be endangering the health of building occupants. Find out the latest VOC that has experts concerned and the best ways to lessen its impact.
Comply Or Die
Fire code violations can be expensive and threaten the safety of everyone in the facility. Prepare for a visit from the fire marshal.
Dispelling The Myths
Access control in a stand-alone mode is not necessarily good security.
Solar Power Installation Steps Up Energy Strategy
A warehousing operation in California’s Napa Valley is finding success using energy from the sun.
Collaborative Care
The new Weston Regional Medical Center brings shared services to central Wisconsin.
Aren’t All Structural Engineers The Same?
This Q&A in team building basics goes from the bottom to the top.
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Business Continuity
The magic formula? Planning + Practice + “Live Fire” Exercises = The Right Approach
Become A “Super FM” With CMMS
Facility managers can unleash previously undiscovered powers by making the most of their maintenance management software.
Setting A Timetable: The 2030 Challenge
A new initiative to reduce the use of fossil fuel energy has been adopted by mayors across the U.S.—with municipal assets first on the list.
JUNE
2006
Slam Dunk In Chicago
The 2006 TFM Show™ takes it to the next level.
Planning for Integrated Building Services
Intelligent buildings pave the way to interoperable systems and improved efficiencies.
The Road To Sustainability
Whatever your route to a green facility, having a plan will make the ride a smoother one.
Have You Checked Your PMP Lately?
Pavement Management Programs can make it easier for professionals to handle problematic parking issues.
Effective Data Center Design
The right enclosure can make all the difference in critical facilities.
The Big Picture
A new multipurpose facility fuels the campus master plan at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, GA.
Purchasing Behaviors Associated With The Unplanned
A new twist on the old joke, “how many people does it take to buy a light bulb?”
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My Own Private Firestorm
In this expanded version of FM Frequency, Crane wakes up in a cold sweat to the realization that truth can be stranger than fiction.
Doing Less Bad Is Not Doing Good
Sustainability crisis? Or just an opportunity to be better and finally get the deserved recognition?
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.
MAY
2006
Sizing Up 2006 Furniture Trends
Are furniture companies really giving facility managers what they need to solve shrinking space problems?
Choosing An Efficient Lighting System
Employee productivity, improved energy consumption, and overall safety are just a few of the factors to benefit from carefully planned lighting.
Ceiling Selections
Code changes, acoustical characteristics, and installation options combine with material choices to expand ceiling options for facility professionals.
Combined Heat And Power Helps Fuel Convention Center
Convention center uses on-site power generation to produce clean energy that also reduces utility bills.
Part Of The Neighborhood
Avon Products rediscovers its roots at its new R&D facility in New York State.
Reducing Liability Through Strategic Risk Management Practices
During downtimes, a quick overview of insurance policies can help thwart trouble.
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Data Center Planning
Facility management participation in this task can prove valuable for critical facilities.
VoIP Capabilities Continue To Develop
Is this communications technology right for your facility?
Refrigerant Phase Outs: What Do They Mean To Facilities?
What options will facility professionals have as CFC and HCFC production declines?
APRIL
2006
The Safe Room
As security threats continue to evolve, safety measures try to keep pace. What do facility managers need to know about the “Next Big Thing?” And how can they keep their people and assets secure?
Can’t Touch This
Facility managers planning new or renovated rest rooms have many more choices than they have in years past.
Asbestos In The Building
Facility managers can protect occupant health by requiring proper management of this material.
Holding Down The Fort
Disaster planning requires a straightforward approach to the threats a building faces.
Wind Energy Helps One Business Stay True To Its Mission
Tom’s of Maine is up and running with this renewable power source.
Branching Out
Ambitious expansion plan prompts PFF Bank & Trust to accelerate and unify its approach to branch design.
Reduce Change Orders To Increase Project Resources
Quality Management Plans can help facility managers minimize expensive changes.
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AH-CHOO! Indoor Air Quality Revisited
Spring is in the air, but from Columnist Crane, it isn’t such a pleasant time for facilities that suffer from poor ventilation.
Workplace Research
In the words of Jack Nicholson, “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!”
Energy Efficient LEDs Show Promise For Niche Facility Applications
This lighting source is making inroads in practical building installations.
MARCH
2006
The TFM Show Preview
The most prestigious and comprehensive facility management event returns to Chicago…now a free conference.
From Currents To Currency
Facility managers can combat energy prices—and even generate revenue—through demand response programs.
Fifteen Years And Counting
Facility professionals gain a fresh perspective on possible changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Carpet 101
New approaches clear the air for procurement, maintenance, and disposal.
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.
Hybrid Chiller Plant Meets The Needs Of An Evolving Building
The State of Massachusetts saves money on energy bills through a creative approach to HVAC system improvements.
An Exquisite Expansion
A new wing will enable The Art Institute of Chicago to bring treasured artifacts out of storage for the public to enjoy.
Image Enhancement Services
It is possible to repair damage in order to maintain image and avoid replacement costs.
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Facilities Manager = Corporate Shrink?
Facilities house a cross section of the population, and for Crane, some occupants are more “high maintenance” than others.
Coming To Facilities Soon...
Thinking Cameras, IP Everywhere, Mini Data Centers, And Compatible Softwares
Construction Conservation
Successfully executing a recycling plan for construction materials requires careful planning.
FEBRUARY
2006
Ergonomics Know How
As employees expect more, facility managers must be prepared to provide safe, comfortable furnishings.
Document Management
Whether files are headed for destruction or storage, a secure approach helps to ensure information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Green Buying Guidelines
Environmentally preferable purchasing puts long-term implications into perspective.
Energy From The Earth Heats And Cools A Historic Building
When the time came to overhaul its approach to heating and cooling, the City of Auburn, NY found success with a geothermal system.
Come Together
Solano County Government Center brings the one stop shopping concept to this Californian community.
How To Hire A Design Firm
Putting the right amount of effort into the selection process can make or break a design project.
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Skilled Labor: A New Recipe?
The increasing shortage of qualified facility management staffers has one optimist a little concerned.
Why Is Air Travel Like Facility Management?
Long time contributor and facilities expert rejoins TFM to share his unusual perspective.
Research At Rensselaer May Lead To A Building Envelope That Earns Its Keep
A prototype of an “active building envelope” developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute holds promise for heating and cooling in the future.
JANUARY 2006
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.
Hard Surface Flooring
Selection and care depend on the characteristics of a material, as well as traffic patterns in the facility.
Getting Realistic About Roofing
Proposed legislation would impact the effect of this building component on the bottom line.
Rejuvenating HVAC
By integrating and updating existing HVAC systems, facility managers can realize energy savings and make better use of their facilities’ resources.
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.
Beautiful Music
Center at Strathmore makes a grand entrance into the DC metropolitan area.
Ask For It By Name: Realizing The Benefits Of Integrated Systems
The removal of crossed signals may ease communication problems.
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Balancing Act
2006 begins with more advice on keeping your building pressure right where it belongs.
Stealth Buildings
In his last "Material Revolution," Brian Kraemer looks at carbon fibers and their ability to strengthen building foundations.
(Don’t) Beware Of The Natives
With proper planning, outdoor landscapes featuring indigenous plants save time and money.
2005 Article Archive
Top of Page ^
DECEMBER
2005
2006 Buyers' Guide
More practical and more informative than ever. View vendors by alphabetical listing or by category. Find the hottest new porducts and services in the market.
TFM 2004 Readers' Choice Awards
TFM's readers select these companies based on excellence in aesthetics, reliability, value, and customer service.
2005 Calendar Year
From uncertainty in 2005 toward new technologies and a rebounding furniture market in 2006.
Hunting Big Game
Revamping the boiler system to maximize BTUs can help facilities take down a moose.
NOVEMBER
2005
Ah, Wilderness!
Hospitality pioneer blends rustic touches with upscale accommodations at The Wickaninnish on the Beach.
The Case For Wireless
By overcoming initial hesitations, facility managers can turn a wireless system into a company asset.
Getting A Handle On Energy Costs
What can facility managers do about rising prices? One solution is to purchase their energy with the most cost effective strategy available.
Aerial View
Facility managers can use technology to stay on top of roof conditions.
Energy Performance Contracts Address Deferred Maintenance
Faced with tight budgets, the utilities manager at an Illinois public university found these contracts would help further his goal to increase systems efficiency.
Can Purchasing Habits Determine Overall Costs
The right decisions regarding supplier selection may dictate potential savings.
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What It Really Means
Ever wonder what job placement ads are really saying when they describe a job? Cut through the jargon and get the real answers.
Cell Phones And Facilities
Various technologies can be used to combat dead zones, holes, espionage, and more.
Simply Soy
Installing soy bean oil based insulation can change the complexion of facilities.
Incentives Can Help Facilities Increase Their Return On Investment In Solar Photovoltaics
Financing Options For Solar Energy Systems Grow
WEB EXCLUSIVE
Knowing The Options Can Help To Reduce Energy Costs
As the energy market evolves, so have the options that facilities have to control these costs
OCTOBER
2005
Worst Case Scenario
Severe weather tests Gulf Coast facility managers trying to protect—then salvage—their buildings.
Prepared For An Audit?
It’s possible to add value to environmental health and safety audits.
Furnishings Renewed
The refurbishing option offers both economic and environmental benefits.
Lifeline To Safety
Communication systems can make a world of difference when alerting occupants to danger.
Green Wants You
New environmental solutions help transition buildings into sustainability.
Let The Sun Shine In
A daylighting system installed at a Patagonia warehouse and distribution center in Reno, NV reduces energy bills and increases productivity.
Just Build It
Master planning and sustainable design are the secret weapons behind Nike’s successful operations.
Checkup And Tune-Up: Working Like An Efficient Machine
How do professionals develop a facilities management strategy for the long haul?
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A Disaster Checklist
Asking the right questions will help facilities avoid the confusion and destruction just witnessed on the Gulf Coast.
Planning For Disasters
From site selection to data protection, a variety of technologies can help facilities prepare.
Replacing PVC
A new polymer is changing the way facility managers think about resilient flooring.
Double Duty: Combined Heat And Power
Implementing combined heat and power systems can help reduce facility energy costs.
SEPTEMBER 2005
Conservative Optimism
TFM readers reveal their future plans for renovation and new construction.
Resourceful Reduction
Efforts to lessen the environmental impact of a facility can take on many forms.
Perfecting The System
Recent software advances allow facility manager to update building information more quickly and accurately.
Interior Pest Prevention
Sustaining a pest free building requires proper maintenance and an attentive service provider.
A Second Chance For Carpet
Carpet reuse and recycling programs advance a company’s goal to prevent materials from going to a landfill.
Brand Muscle Shows Its Flexibility
Fledgling software firm adds space without experiencing growing pains.
IFMA’s Strategic Management Planning Process
New approaches may help facility managers reach higher levels of achievement.
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Big Swings At Budget Time!
Crane’s tongue-in-cheek perspective explains how to maintain facilities and lower budget costs at the same time.
Managing Facility Information: From Cradle To Grave
Crucial information is often lost during facility life cycle transitions.
The Future Is In Plastics
A development in cooling tower construction can ease installation and maintenance demands.
Save Water While Quenching Cooling Towers
With proper infrastructure and treatment in place, reusing water can be a viable option for a facility.
AUGUST
2005
The Path of Most Resistance
Installing security systems in layers around the facility will decrease chances of a major security breach.
Cool Roofing
This green approach is one way to reduce the environmental impact of a building.
Surviving A Rough Hurricane Season
Hurricanes have always been deadly, and facility managers in their path have no choice but to prepare.
Keep It Clean
Germ concerns boost rest room automation in some facilities.
Cooling System Cuts Costs And Consumption
Thermal energy storage is helping to reduce energy costs for one Colorado school district.
Richmond’s Rail Revival
Abandoned since 1975, Main Street Station is resurrected in all its glory.
Project Cost Saving Strategies
Certain approaches may make it easier to keep construction affordable.
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Facility Assessments and Project/Budget Planning
A look at a residential facility can offer some much needed perspective on running a commercial facility.
Data Centers Heating Up
Facility managers need to know which cooling system technologies can keep up with their equipment needs.
Broken Bottle Flooring
An old process using recent technology can change the way flooring is thought about.
Keeping E-Waste Out Of The Landfill
Facility managers can help the environment—and fulfill regulatory requirements—by recycling electronics.
JULY
2005
Fire Management and Building Codes
In providing an effective fire safety system, building codes are a significant part of the equation.
Readers Benchmark Earnings
First TFM Salary Survey reveals demographic nuances based on key factors.
The Invisible Menace
Nanoparticles in the airstream can contribute to bad IAQ and health problems in facilities.
Ensuring The Data Center
Commissioning and conducting regular testing to identify problems ahead of time are key to reliable operations.
Dimming The Lights
Lighting with individual controls is saving energy and money in a multi-function data center.
Finding The Cure
Responding to the need for growth, officials at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School in Baltimore, MD doubled the size of the facility as they kept focused on the six phase master plan.
Combining Facility And Project Management Into One Application
Communal software approaches can make it easier for facility managers to save money while staying on top of construction projects.
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Finding The Glass More Than Half Full
Crane offers a historical perspective to paint the future of facility management in a positive light.
Asset Tagging
From simple bar codes to far reaching radio signals, this electronic management strategy can put facility managers in control.
Picking The Fluff Off A Heap
Throwing away garbage doesn't mean it will never turn up in a building again.
A Look Into Wind Energy
With renewable energy sources gaining more attention, power from the wind is one to consider.