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Electrical submetering is smart energy management
Jeannea Jones Facilities & GroundsSubmetering allows for monitoring of the electrical consumption of individual components within a building, such as heating and cooling systems, lighting, refrigeration and more. This method utilizes individual "submeters" that allow facility managers to observe the energy use and performance of their equipment, creating opportunities for energy and capital expenditure savings.
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The View from Europe: End of the road?
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingIs it the end of the road for the automotive refrigerant rebels? Well, after the better part of 18 months of claim and counter-claim between those who believe the HFO refrigerant R1234yf is inherently unsafe and those who don't, we have as close to a definitive decision on the subject as we are probably going to get.
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Understanding new regulations for energy‑efficient buildings
Bambi Majumdar Facilities & GroundsEnergy efficiency is a journey, and we cannot take our foot off the gas pedal, lest we drive into major power wastage. The latest energy efficiency legislation — The Energy Efficiency Improvement Act, H.R. 2126 — that has just been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives is a significant step forward.
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Innovations in improving indoor air quality
Michael J. Berens ManufacturingEfforts to improve indoor air quality have encountered some limitations as builders and engineers have had to balance them with other demands, such as improving building performance and reducing energy consumption. A number of industry organizations, research institutions and universities throughout the world are engaged in finding solutions that will satisfy both IAQ and energy requirements. Some recent developments show promise of helping to breaking the gridlock.
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How to advance your facilities career
Denny Hydrick Facilities & GroundsYou are a good employee and you are good at your job, how then do you advance your career? Our fathers and forefathers told us hard work and honesty will be rewarded. Here's my simple answer: Do more!
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The View from Europe: Supermarkets showing a natural confidence
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingThe supermarket sector in Europe has long been viewed as a driver of change in the world of refrigeration. European supermarkets are often large companies or co-operatives, which provides a naturally dominant position to all their supply chains. But arguably more than any other large companies, food retailers are constantly face-to-face with their customers, as well as their shareholders.
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Facility management: Proactive vs. reactive
Jeannea Jones Facilities & GroundsAs with most things in life, an offensive position yields better results than a defensive one. The same holds true in facility management. Plant operations and maintenance personnel encounter reactive situations on a daily basis, but the wise FM professional who approaches service from a proactive position will be able to avert many equipment failures and down time.
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The View From Europe: Fridge doors debate heats up
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingThe so-called "doors on fridges debate" has been a constant and at times controversial discussion in the United Kingdom. In the last three or four years, it has often pitted supermarket refrigeration engineers against their retail merchandising colleagues.
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Landscaping RFP bid metrics
Kevin Smith Facilities & GroundsWhen issuing a request for proposal for a service trade like snow removal or landscaping, there is a tremendous amount of energy spent on the scope of work, as this becomes the benchmark for how pricing will be derived from your bidders.
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Advantages of high-performance window systems
Lisa May Facilities & GroundsAlong with providing natural light and outside views, operable windows present a seasonal opportunity for natural ventilation. In a skilled nursing facility, operable windows allow the patient some control of their environment, creating a more home-like setting.
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