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‘What about’ upselling your lawn and landscape services?
Fred Berns Facilities & GroundsWhat's a great way for lawn and landscape firms, garden centers, nurseries and other green industry companies to boost sales in these competitive times? Ask current clients about future needs. Ask: "What about ...?" No question leads to more sales than one with those two words.
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Putting a third ‘i’ in building
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsToday's built environments are all about performance — and not just building performance. Yes, on the engineering side, they have to deliver on energy and water conservation, improved indoor air quality, reduced waste, resilience and more. Increasingly, they also are being asked to influence the behaviors of occupants and to safeguard their health and wellness, as well as their privacy and safety.
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Midcourse correction for building industry as demand slows
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHopes for a sustained rebound in the building industry have dwindled as indicators point to slower growth in the second quarter. Still, growth in most sectors remains positive, although not as robust as previously anticipated. In its Construction Outlook for the second quarter of 2015, industry consultancy FMI has readjusted its growth forecast for the year downward, to 5 percent from 8 percent in the first quarter. Even so, it projects total construction put in place will reach its highest point since 2008 by the end of the year.
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EPEE: Cooling has an essential role to play
Andrew Gaved Facilities & GroundsThe European Union is very focused on energy. Its recent Energy Union framework set out a series of strategic targets designed both to integrate the region's energy production and reduce its consumption. Not surprisingly, the HVACR industry in Europe is keen to play a part in shaping this strategy before it comes to fruition. First out of the blocks is the European Partnership for Energy and Environment.
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Selecting the right professional to help you, the tenant
Dale Willerton and Jeff Grandfield RetailThe difference between success and failure in a business can easily come down to your location and lease terms. But if you’re not an experienced and savvy negotiator, you may not stand a chance against the landlord or his real estate agent. Bringing in someone who will either go to bat for you or even take the whole negotiating process off of your shoulders can save you money in the long run. There are options available, and it is vital that you understand them.
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F-Gas: Europe must act now or face the consequences
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI wrote last month of the concerns swirling around Europe regarding the F-Gas Regulation, particularly what the HFC phasedown might do to supply and demand and pricing. Since then, we have talked to leading policy experts, end-users and suppliers, and I can report that the consensus is this: The industry must act sooner rather than later, or face the consequences in terms of high prices and refrigerant shortages.
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HVAC maintenance — a pretty cool idea
John Haley Facilities & GroundsThe ancient Egyptians are known for developing the concept of air conditioning. In an attempt to find relief from the heat, reeds were hung from windows as small, constant streams of water trickled down them. As the water evaporated on the reeds, it cooled the air blowing through the windows.
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WELL buildings getting better
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsThe release of the WELL Building Standard last fall has helped raise awareness of ongoing efforts to make buildings of all kinds healthier for occupants. Promoted as "the world's first building standard to focus on enhancing people's health and well-being through the built environment," WELL is a great step forward in setting health and wellness objectives for building design and construction. Others also are making strides to bring occupant health and wellness to the forefront of the building industry.
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Uncertainty looms for cooling industry as F‑Gas Regulation takes…
Andrew Gaved ManufacturingI have written a few times before about the F-Gas Regulation and its effect on the cooling industry in Europe. I make no apologies for my obsession as it is the most radical change for European cooling since CFCs were banned and everyone was encouraged to use HFCs instead. Now, of course, they are being encouraged to ditch those HFCs over time and find something less prone to warming the planet.
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EE Global Forum: The challenges and rewards of energy-efficient buildings
Ryan Clark Facilities & GroundsIt's amazing how much waste there is in the building of buildings, Wade Smith said at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Global Forum. Smith, the director of global public affairs for the Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA), was one of several speakers who outlined different ways to seek efficiency in building systems.
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