FMLink Weekly News Digest I October 3, 2023
A new study of facilities managers (FMs) working for large UK companies employing more than 500 staff found that 74% of their firms had already started reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to employees’ commutes to and from their workplaces. 71% of facilities managers were already collecting data on the modes of transport that employees use, and over half (53%) already know the average distance each employee commutes. A further 9% plan to start collecting this sort of data before the end of this year.

The same study by climate tech provider Mobilityways found that FMs were highly active in the race to make both working practices and workplaces themselves more sustainable. For example, nearly half (45%) see emissions data linked to waste generated in the operation of their firm; 43% already have sight of primary emissions data associated with purchased goods and services, and the same percentage could view emissions data associated with upstream transportation and distribution.

White Paper submitted by ABM — With over a decade of experience — and nearly 30,000 charging ports installed — ABM is the leading commercial installer of EV chargers in the U.S. Download ABM's expert EV answers ebook to learn more about its unique approach to creating custom electric vehicle (EV) solutions that improve driver satisfaction and get you closer to your sustainability goals.

How do I prepare my facility for the EV revolution?
Answer: Here’s your EV roadmap. We drew it just for you.
The right EV solution takes everything into account from the beginning. Financing and procuring for charging stations. Dynamic pricing models based on demand. Ongoing service and maintenance. All with an eye on long-term sustainability.

Here’s how ABM builds your custom, scalable EV roadmap for implementing charging technology and capabilities at your facility.
  1. Site consultation and analysis
  2. Equipment and network system selection
  3. Financing structure and incentives
  4. Design, Installation and electrical testing
  5. Ongoing service and maintenance
  6. Continuous monitoring, analytics and reporting

Throughout it all, ABM is your single point of contact operating right by your side, answering every question and ensuring that you make the best choices today — while remaining flexible and ready for the future of EV.

Article by OpenWorks — FMs always need a plan to help their company or customers navigate natural disasters. Whether it’s a brutal thunderstorm, hurricane or wildfire, there’s no shortage of natural disasters that can disrupt your operations. These severe weather events can have major effects on any business.

Identify your weaknesses
Examine your vulnerabilities. Whether it’s outdated systems, inexperienced staff, or structural concerns, take time to identify your weaknesses. Through research, surveys, testing, and other methods, consider taking a risk assessment to help understand and identify:
  • Potential threats
  • The current level of preparedness
  • Where improvements are required

Once vulnerabilities and consequences are identified, it’s important to document and report the risk assessment findings and provide recommendations to address these potential hazards and risks.

A famous landmark in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor since 1981, the National Aquarium showcases Beluga whales, a simulated rainforest, coral reef, shark tank, 4D theater and fish from the Amazon to the Atlantic. Designed in the shape of a ship with triangles of glazing representing the sails, the aquarium is the state’s largest tourist attraction, with an annual attendance of 1.5 million visitors.

To improve the overall efficiency of the building envelope and functionality of the Rainforest habitat below the upper glass pyramid, Solarban 60 Starphire 60 glass by Vitro Architectural Glass was selected to replace the glazing. To meet the Rainforest habitat’s specific environmental parameters to protect sensitive marine life, the glazing replacement had to support temperatures of between 75°F and 85°F, humidity levels between 50% and 87%, and light transmittance of between 54% and 75%. Additional criteria included specific UV-A and UV-B light transmittance levels for exhibit health and the PAR spectrum to promote photosynthesis.

The NextUp network delivers inclusive programs and experiences that advance women at every stage of their career, accelerate workplace equity and drive business growth. They do this by developing leaders at every level of business, transforming norms by creating workplace equity and leading the DEI&B conversation by supporting women of color and their allies. NextUp envisions a world where women have equal opportunities at work and equal opportunity to build their lives and careers exactly the way they want them. 

The 17,000-member-strong association, present in 21 regions across the U.S., provides critical career development for women who come to NextUp as individuals or members of a partner organization. Its leadership believes goals are unique to each person and tailors solutions that cater to its members’ career level. NextUp Membership is open to individuals or members of a partner organization.

For facility and design professionals who are ready to see what’s next:

NextUp Membership is open to individuals or members of a partner organization. When you join NextUp through The McMorrow Reports/FMLink, you are entitled to 20 percent off with the code: NextUp23McMorrow. For more information, contact Beth Fasching, Strategic Partnership Director, NextUp: bfasching@nextupisnow.org

Armstrong Fluid Technology has announced that its popular three-part webinar series “Building Envelope and the Impact on the HVAC System” is now available in its entirety on the Armstrong Armstrong Webinar Library. Designed to help HVAC professionals significantly reduce energy costs by better understanding how the building envelope impacts the HVAC system, the third and final webinar was recently broadcast live.

Armstrong’s Webinar Library features more than 160 archived webinars on a variety of valuable topics of interest to HVAC professionals. All webinars offer a Certificate for Professional Development Hours.
Access “Building Envelope and the Impact on the HVAC System,” register for upcoming and archived webinars, and find more detailed information on times and topics at Armstrong’s Webinar Library.

Gridd, a low-profile raised floor and cable management system, is made from steel, one of the most durable materials available, has minimal components and is infinitely reusable. Gridd is composed of interconnecting components (think LEGO bricks and elements) and does not require fasteners, screws, or rivets that may wear out over time. Due to its design, onsite construction waste is reduced to near zero. Created intentionally to minimize the quantity of components and ensure that none of them become obsolete, an installation completed in 1990s is interchangeable with those manufactured today, with no additional modification or adjustment.

Made in the USA from regionally sourced materials and recycled content, Gridd is reusable and comes with a lifetime warranty and a buy-back program. The research paper, The Circular Economy of Gridd, explores the circularity of Gridd as considered under ISO 59.010 Standard: Circular Economy. Learn how choosing the Gridd cabling distribution system can contribute to your organization’s ESG goals.

This week's Featured Book from FMLink's Books section is from the Plumbing / HVAC category. This collection of peer-reviewed books has been curated by the editorial team at FMLink to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the Plumbing / HVAC topic.

Piping Systems Manual is filled with examples drawn from years of design and field experience that help explain why things are done a certain way. Over 200 detailed illustrations are combined together with a reasoning behind the designs. It presents an entire section devoted to writing specifications, a glossary of piping terminology, and numerous tables and charts that allow you to find information quickly. Piping Systems Manual is a hands-on design and engineering resource that completely explains the reasons behind the designs.

Fast Reads
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