FMLink News Digest I September 23, 2024 | |
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A common response to problems with a heat transfer system is to crank up the heat. However, the Arrhenius equation suggests that increasing temperature by just ten degrees can halve the expected lifespan of a fluid. Taking this step therefore increases costs, energy use and waste — key things to avoid for more sustainable operations. Here Ian Silvester, lead project engineer at thermal fluid expert Global Heat Transfer, explains how manufacturers can maintain good thermal fluid system efficiency, without turning up the heat.
Monitoring the condition of HTFs used for indirect heat transfer applications, such as food or pharmaceutical processing, can be difficult as the fluid is not visible once it enters the system. So without proper proactive maintenance, engineers won’t know there’s a problem until it impacts production — food products cook inconsistently, for example, or ingredients won’t blend and product quality drops. While it may be true that, in these scenarios, the quickest way to return to productivity is to crank up the heat, this won’t solve the underlying problem. In many cases, turning up the temperature will exacerbate the situation.
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Versteel announces the latest addition to its ever-expanding Troupe family: Troupe Media Wall. Whether used for meetings, as a media presentation platform or to delineate space within open environments, this versatile addition to the Troupe collection is designed to support the diverse demands of contemporary spaces.
The Troupe Media Wall offers unparalleled flexibility as a freestanding collaboration hub. Free from the limitations of traditional wall-mounted units, it empowers designers to craft adaptable, dynamic spaces that balance the need for separation with a strong sense of community. With a focus on supporting today’s agile work environments, the Troupe Media Wall enhances the ability to configure spaces that evolve alongside organizational needs.
Designed by Qdesign exclusively for Versteel, the Troupe Media Wall is a testament to the art of metalwork and design. Troupe draws inspiration from the tradition of forging and shaping steel, featuring tapered legs with a unique inverted profile that combines bold lines with a touch of softness. This blend of aesthetics and functionality reflects Versteel’s commitment to innovative, timeless design.
Visit Versteel at HCD booth #843 and World Workplace booth #2309.
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Despite the challenging commercial real estate (CRE) landscape and mixed economic environment, global business leaders are bullish on the future, with two-thirds (65%) expecting their CRE budgets to increase between now and 2030, as revealed in global provider of real estate and investment management services JLL’s new survey. The biennial, global Future of Work survey explores the evolving world of work by assessing the key priorities, challenges and strategies that are top of mind for more than 2,300 business and CRE decision makers.
This year’s findings are unveiled through a series of articles exploring key areas of focus for corporate real estate teams: Managing the implications of shifting work patterns; Partnering with the C-suite to support CRE investment; Identifying CRE activities for “AI copiloting;” Moving from ambition to action on sustainability commitments; and Defining the future-fit CRE function.
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Standalone wireless system FirstLink by Bodine integrates all necessary emergency lighting components and monitors the status of the lighting system at all times, helping you maintain code compliance with minimal effort. The FirstLink emergency egress system comprises enabled exit signs, wall packs, emergency LED drivers and the FirstLink app installed on a mobile device. Bodine desires to create a higher and more impactful awareness of FirstLink among FMs, building managers, engineers and the fire/life safety team.
Tom Stoll, Product Manager, Bodine, in a discussion with Eileen McMorrow, Editor-in-Chief of The McMorrow Reports and FMLink, relates how the drudgery of testing lighting systems is eliminated when using a wireless mesh network that connects all devices and ensures a reliable connection through the network.
Instead of staff coming in extra early or staying late and shuffling around a facility, climbing ladders, and pushing buttons to test individual units, how do FirstLink components automatically perform all required testing?
Tom Stoll: At their core, FirstLink emergency lighting devices are equipped with the tried-and-true self-test functionality. The devices automatically perform the required monthly 30-second functional test and the annual full 90-minute duration test, in keeping with the standards for emergency lighting (NFPA 70 and NFPA 101). During these tests, the FirstLink light determines the battery is charging and the voltage is in the proper range, the emergency lighting load is connected and functional, and the battery can power the emergency light load for the duration of the test.
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Renowned for its education sessions addressing issues and trends of the highest relevance to the facility management industry, as well as forward-thinking concepts on artificial intelligence (AI), data management, operational technology and cybersecurity, change management, sustainability and the future of the workplace, the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is bringing its World Workplace Conference and Expo to San Antonio October 9-11, 2024.
Tailored specifically to the professional development needs of facility managers, the conference promises to equip attendees with new ideas, tactics and strategies for improving facility projects. Session tracks include Communications, Facility Operations, Facility Technology & Data Management, Finance & Business, Leadership & Strategy, Quality, Project Management. Real Estate, Risk Management, and Sustainability. Education program is detailed here. The McMorrow Reports & FMLink team plan to attend these sessions:
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Sustainability is rising to the top of U.S. corporate agendas, with building decarbonization emerging as a critical focus for the years ahead, according to a new survey conducted by Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions. The survey found that 83% of US C-suite executives responding to the survey plan to increase sustainability spending over the next two years, with 57% citing sustainability as a top priority and 52% prioritizing decarbonization efforts.
Despite the complexity of building decarbonization, it stands as the highest priority for executives in their sustainability strategies through 2025. The survey, which included responses from over 200 CEOs, CFOs, and CSOs across various industries in July 2024, also highlighted the impact of government incentives on sustainability plans. Despite concerns over potential changes to legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), 81% of respondents said they would continue or increase their sustainability investments even if incentives were rolled back.
Carrier will host a key event during Climate Week in New York City on September 24, “Reimagining the Built Environment for a Net Zero Future,” to bring together sustainability leaders, business leaders, public officials and investors to discuss the future of climate action and building decarbonization.
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NFMT REMIX (National Facilities Management & Technology) returns to Las Vegas October 25-26 with the theme "Empowering People, Advancing Practice." NFMT REMIX will empower FMs with world-class education sessions, constant networking opportunities, and access to pertinent FM subject matter, experts and influencers. Process, procedure and technology converge at NFMT Remix to give attendees the tools to advance their practice by driving innovation and optimizing performance within their facilities. The scope and scale of NFMT Remix attract facility leaders from all types of organizations, from Fortune 500s to small municipalities. By attending education sessions, visiting the Expo Hall, and joining networking events, NFMT Remix attendees stay at the forefront of facilities management and gain the perspective they need to make informed decisions.
The McMorrow Reports & FMLink editors recommend the following sessions:
Register for NFMT REMIX here.
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Organizations have identified the decarbonization of their building portfolios as an urgent requirement if they are to meet their emission goals. As a result, consulting providers from diverse backgrounds are adapting and creating new offerings, to capture a share of this fast-growing market. According to a new Verdantix benchmark report of the most prominent building decarbonization consulting providers, five firms — CBRE, JLL, Schneider Electric, Siemens and WSP — demonstrated the most comprehensive and evolved services for building decarbonization.
The pressure for organizations to decarbonize buildings is mounting, driven by the need to improve corporate performance, comply with evolving regulations, and reduce energy costs. However, the path to decarbonization is complex, requiring multi-faceted strategies to achieve timely, cost-effective and long-term results. With many organizations still in the early stages of decarbonization, consulting providers are addressing the challenge by developing expertise to meet surging market demand. The inaugural Verdantix Green Quadrant: Building Decarbonization Consulting 2024 report offers valuable insights for navigating this diverse market and for selecting the best-fit consultancy partner for your business.
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The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and Citi announced that the global bank’s headquarters in New York City achieved a health leadership milestone by earning WELL Certification at the Platinum (highest) level. The 2.6 million square-foot building in Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood is now the world’s largest WELL Certified office space.
Through a major renovation completed in 2020, Citi’s global headquarters used the WELL framework to place employee health and productivity at the center of the project’s design, construction and operations. The building features large open and collaborative areas, a state-of-the-art cafeteria offering a large variety of healthy food options, ample restorative dining areas, employee health and fitness facilities, and a biophilic rooftop overlooking the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan.
The science-backed WELL Building Standard is the world’s leading framework for scaling health across buildings, organizations and communities. WELL outlines how organizations and buildings can adopt and implement features that advance human health. The WELL Standard is a performance-based, third party-verified system that assesses buildings across 10 impact categories, including air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.
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This week's Featured Book from FMLink Books is part of a collection of peer-reviewed books curated by the FMLink editorial team to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the Costbooks topic.
Introducing the 2025 BNi Facilities Manager's Costbook – your essential resource for precise cost estimation! Costbook key features:
- Access precise details for over 23,000 items from paving to finish carpentry
- Unit of measure, material cost, labor cost, and equipment cost per unit provided for each item
- Stay up to date with accurate material costs researched by experts
- Labor costs based on the latest prevailing wage rates from the U.S. Department of Labor
This and other Costbooks titles are available for purchase on FMLink.
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