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Progress is the hallmark of the green building movement. From energy performance to occupant health, every aspect of design and operations is evolving with a focus on better outcomes and [...]

A new wave of devices for mobile facility management has swept the industry, but some seasoned professionals may find that the hype has a familiar ring to it. Remote monitoring [...]

Often, the presence of an industry leader goes unnoticed until that individual is gone. Such was certainly not the case for Milton F. Lunch, an outspoken advocate of qualifications-based selection, [...]

Not all mergers make the evening newscast, but some are more important than others to one's work. So while it may not have been fodder for the front page, the [...]

While some companies rely on in-house talent for energy procurement, management, and efficiency projects, others look to outsource. When global tire-maker Bridgestone/Firestone looks at budgeting future energy purchases, the company [...]

The California National Guard reveals secrets to successful use of utility-accounting systems for savings of $90,000 SACRAMENTO, CALIF.--When is it best to invest in a utility-management software? As soon as [...]

Incentive programs are changing, but building owners can still find motivation--and money--for upgrades WASHINGTON, D.C.--As incentives for energy efficiency migrate from utility-based programs to new initiatives sponsored by governmental agencies [...]

Motor-drive compatibility and long power leads affect motor performance and longevity at textile plant PINEVILLE, N.C.--To increase motor efficiency and deal with motor failures that exceeded 50 percent, operators of [...]

Managing multiple, dispersed facilities can present unique challenges for building owners and managers. While standardization and national contracts help alleviate some of the repetitious work, planning for change is a [...]

Joseph Romm's fourth book, 'Cool Companies: How the Best Businesses Boost Profits and by Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions,' is published by Island Press and will be at bookstores in June. [...]

Exterior basement insulation improves building envelope thermal performance, according to new research by the Ottawa, Canada-based Institute for Research in Construction The study confirmed the efficacy of glass fiber, mineral [...]

The U.S. Postal Service expects to cut its annual energy costs by $625,000 thanks to lighting upgrades implemented by Con Edison Solutions at its facilities in New York and New [...]

Natural gas is an 'abundant, clean-burning, environmentally sensitive fuel,' said U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson in a recent issue of American Gas magazine. The DOE will continue to fund [...]

Merchant power plants are finding that they often have to 'sell' municipalities on the benefits of new local energy sources. Indeck Energy Services of Buffalo Grove, Ill., for example, will [...]

A sustainable energy strategy drafted by over 300 business and environmental groups was delivered to Congress on Earth Day. The two-page statement called for renewable energy to meet at least [...]

EPA's Energy Star awards were bestowed to outstanding participants in the gram. Top honors this year went to energy use Polaroid corp. and International Business Machines Corp. Public sector were [...]

Power metering and monitoring may well be the most active area of technological change affecting energy-attuned building owners and managers. Fueled by the bottom-line implications of energy use, the lure [...]

A power deregulation bill unveiled last month by Rep. Steve Largent offers a roadmap for reshaping the nation's $215 billion power sector. The bill is a response to the Clinton [...]

PORTLAND, ORE.--Seven local businesses were recognized recently by the Portland Energy Office for their efforts to save energy, conserve water, reduce and recycle waste, and promote transportation alternatives. Two Portland-based [...]

Attention to insulation, glazing, envelope choices, and roofing systems should often be the first step for energy efficiency While convention and common sense usually dictate building system decisions, choices for [...]

These days, the only limitation for utility subsidiaries and energy-service companies is their imagination. Unregulated subsidiaries of the generally uncreative, monolithic utilities that still own most of the U.S. energy [...]

LONG BEACH--In California, where vast utility restructuring and detailed environmental regulations bring special burdens--and opportunities--to energy managers, there are particular challenges for owners and managers of institutional facilities dealing with [...]

ALEXANDRIA, VA.- When an elementary school's energy costs are the highest in its district on a per-square-foot basis, and when summer temperatures reach 100°F, building managers must examine creative approaches [...]

The need for a new compressed-air system at McCormick's largest spice packaging plant was originally driven by operational efficiencies. To be competitive, the manufacturer required a clean, reliable compressed air [...]

Efficient motors and drives cut energy use at range of facilities LONG BEACH, CALIF.-- Facilities across the United States are using adjustable-speed drives (ASDs) and variable-frequency drives (VFDs)-as well as [...]

Across the country, facility managers and energy managers are finding valuable BTUs embodied in oil that might otherwise go down the drain. Literally. Waste oil from vehicles and other operations [...]

The use of computer networks as a resource--and tool--for energy management is growing by leaps and bounds. Every day more resources are announced for monitoring energy trends and exchanging data, [...]

Gas marketer turns power marketer--utilities counter with market power HOUSTON -- Shell Oil Co.'s plan to sell electricity and natural gas directly to businesses makes the petroleum powerhouse the latest [...]

Over 650,000 persons engaged in the production of paper and allied products in the U.S. are exposed to a wide range of toxic and hazardous chemicals used to break down wood into liquid pulp, to bleach the pulp and to reform it chemically into paper. Recent studies have raised concerns that this occupational group is at increased risk for certain cancers, including cancer of the lymphopoietic (lymphocyte-, or white-blood-cell-producing), respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. The medical records of 200 deceased male pulp and paper production plant workers were studied using the ICD code (International Classification of Diseases). A proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) analysis of the causes of death revealed a significant increase in the category 'All Malignant Neoplasms' (cancerous tumor growths). Among the neoplastic diseases, lung cancer rates were significantly high. PMRs for lymphopoietic system cancer and cancer of the large intestine showed nonsignificant excesses. Interpretation of the results has been hampered by a lack of data on important aspects of personal life-style affecting lung cancer incidence (e.g. smoking history). This study was unable to support previous findings of a high incidence of stomach cancer reported in paper and wood-pulp industry worker populations. The lack of specific exposure data on each decedent prevents further analysis of exposure-disease relationships. An investigation of the causes of death of workers in this industry is strongly recommended.

The earlier employers report a workers compensation claim to their insurer, the less expensive the claim is likely to be. Studies indicate that on occasions when the insurer became involved early thanks to prompt notification, the cost of the claim decreased significantly thanks to the insurer's experience at handling claims. The insurer can often get the employee back to work faster, saving the business time and money lost in retraining and work stoppage., Workers' compensation insurers have been working hard to persuade policyholders and self-insured clients to quickly report claims, and a recent analysis shows there's good reason for that prodding. Prompt claim [...]

As expanding curricula place new demands on students, the school facility is increasingly becoming a crucial part of the learning process. One educational approach even considers the physical environment the [...]

Energy technologies are emerging as rapidly as new energy-supply options, and prudent planning demands a closer look. The key is leveraging multiple, interruptible energy supplies. Bringing down energy costs involves [...]

In the years immediately ahead, each or your organizations will need to make important decisions about 'The Energy Buy.' Who will supply your energy? Should you generate or buy? At [...]

Theaters and auditoriums boost efficiency and protect occupants with LED retrofits PALO ALTO, CALIF.--In theaters everywhere--or at least in those addressing both public safety and energy costs--managers and owners are [...]

Managers of multiple, dispersed facilities face unique challenges--and a changing role Where facility management is concerned, it may seem hard to draw striking parallels between school districts, multinational manufacturers, and [...]

NEWYORK CITY--Most utility companies publicly favor competition, and the vast majority of end-users can't wait for choice in gas and electricity supply. Yet, from the local to state and national [...]

In the years immediately ahead, each or your organizations will need to make important decisions about 'The Energy Buy.' Who will supply your energy? Should you generate or buy? At [...]

AWARD WINNER-NEW CONSTRUCTION: Cisco Systems, Inc. Teamwork and partnering are the main ingredients for energy-savvy new construction SAN JOSE, CALIF.--Using equal parts capital investment criteria, energy strategy, and innovative building [...]

Referendum on electric restructuring in Massachusetts sets tone BOSTON-Just one year ago, Massachusetts building owners and facility managers began gearing up for an open electricity market following the overwhelming passage [...]

DES PLAINES, ILL.-- In recent conversations with George R. Owens, P.E., CEM, president of Energy and Engineering Solutions, Inc. and technical advisor to EUN, and with Scott Spiewak of Metromedia [...]

Record low interest rates and novel financing structures make energy projects affordable for all WALL STREET--Financial experts specializing in energy-related projects couldn't be more bullish about energy efficiency these days. [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The effects of continued deregulation of the natural-gas supply are rippling across the United States, and the response from energy users is mixed. Depending mainly on where facilities are [...]

Kemper National Insurance Cos has been working with law enforcement officials, policyholders, the insurance industry and consumers in an active campaign against insurance fraud. Cognizant of a Roper poll report that 25% of the population approved of inflating insurance claims, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau's estimate of $17.5 billion in annual fraud claims, Kemper has established a fraud-fighting unit. The unit will assist in investigation, education and fraud prevention., Two facts show that property-casualty insurance claim fraud has become too big a problem for insurers to tackle alone. One fact is the National Insurance Crime Bureau's estimate of the [...]

The two volumes on personal social service and on education were re-written by working groups within the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The volume on social service was designed on a client-group basis. Each chapter includes information on background, legislation, and types of available care. The education volume is also designed by service groups and includes history, revenue, capital finance, management, staffing and other information. The volumes are in loose-leaf format.