An increasing number of our buildings and systems have reached or outlived their projected life expectancies. We have long been crying that we need more dollars to deal with the exponentially growing backlog of capital needs, whether upgrades or renewals.
K-12 schools across the country can cut electricity bills dramatically by retrofitting with energy efficient fluorescent lamps, adding occupancy sensors and implementing daylighting strategies where possible. In some schools, emerging LED technology can c
sing Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, our approach is to find out why the pest is present. All the pesticide in the world can't prevent pest problems pesticides just treat the symptoms. While IPM is not anti-pesticide effective pestic
The Lean process has typically been utilized in the private sector to improve the bottom line, but maintenance organizations can also benefit from using it as a mechanism for change. Last year, a project was undertaken in the Virginia Beach City Schools S
Colleges house EOCs in campus police or public safety buildings, a classroom or training facility, physical plant management building, or elsewhere. Campuses typically set criteria for activating EOCs, designate alternate sites, and coordinate response po
With the development of new, better and more holistic teaching methods, the design of the learning spaces has become increasingly more important. The need for specialty spaces has created the opportunity for some very creative and effective spaces in a nu
As part of College Planning & Management's recent maintenance survey we asked the question, "What is the one best piece of advice you would give to other maintenance professionals to assist them in doing their job?" After all, who knows
If your department has a plan, this is a reminder to dust it off and ask staff what they think their roles are. If they hesitate or simply don't know, take the time to start a review. Start off small; break the review process down into small monthly
Hand-held activated water spray devices are becoming popular in schools because they offer chemical-free, water-based, renewable cleaning along with sanitizing properties, while greatly reducing harmful environmental impacts. The technology is receiving e
After experiencing 33 years of equipment and product evolution in the school industry, it is exciting to be in the front row of change in cleaning procedures. Smart cleaning, by its very nature, incorporates the new user-friendly equipment with environmen
Limited state funds are available for education. The dropout/non-completion rate is soaring. The current workforce is retiring and by 2018 two-thirds of jobs will require a higher level of education. The American education system, once touted as producing
You do not have to "put up with" ongoing pest problems. It's not rocket science. We've solved literally thousands of pest problems for good by using common sense to remove food, water and/or shelter, all three of which are required for
Title I funds are supplemental funds designated to assist in educating disadvantaged and low-income students. A majority of the funds go to students in first through sixth grade, and they are supposed to be supplemental assistance, meaning the funds do no
Sure, school administrators know about life safety, such as how to operate a command center and how to conduct a fire drill. And, of course, school facility managers know about life safety, such as how often to check the generator. But there's more,
The technology and materials associated with windows and doors is certainly not as cutting-edge as advancements in a building's HVAC, security, or audio-visual systems. While perhaps unheralded by those outside the building industry, recent improveme
A school benefits from a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Replacing our filters on a regular interval provides a healthy learning, living, and working environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, it is important to the operational longevity of our air conditioning equipment.
Despite a slow start in its early days, more school districts are embracing geothermal technology as a viable source of energy to power their school buildings. A growing interest in renewable energy, cost savings and popular sentiment against dependence o
When I read that Mark Zuckerberg, who made billions starting Facebook, was giving $100 million to the Newark, N.J. Public Schools, I wondered how I would spend that money if I had the opportunity.
Sustainability, green, high-performance
different words, similar meaning. In the '60s it was about the environment. In the '70s it was about gasoline shortages and energy efficiency. Today's green building movement grew out of the need and desi
Launched in September 2009, Marshall's Sustainability Department is partnering with other campus offices including Housing and Residence Life and students to address important energy and environmental conservation issues that affect the