Building Systems

net-zero

Archival preservation facility is a net-zero first

Library and Archives Canada’s new preservation storage facility opened as the first net-zero carbon archival centre in the Americas,
digital shortage

How digital twin technology can transform FM

Innovation in digital twin technology— virtual representations of physical objects—has the potential to create operationally rich, continuous data feeds across workplace, asset, and inventory systems.
waste

Refurbishing waste equipment in a circular era

Recycling tends to take all the glory and centre-stage of sustainability narratives in the media. Garbage, on the other hand, is a significant problem that is rarely discussed.
Canadian buildings scrutinized in OECD review

Canadian buildings scrutinized in OECD review

As part of a biennial review and benchmarking of Canada’s economic performance, a new OECD report looks at progress toward the interim 2030 target and 2050 goal for net-zero carbon emissions.
Meaford

A supermarket becomes Meaford’s new library

The adaptive re-use project relocates Meaford Public Library from an inaccessible three-storey building to a one-storey facility.
Accessible public bathrooms show bad form

Accessible public bathrooms show bad form

Low-cost investments and practical adjustments to the configuration of fixtures could improve safety, convenience and assurance for people with disabilities.
New oversight regime set for Ontario elevators

New oversight regime set for Ontario elevators

A new oversight regime for Ontario’s elevators and escalators will come into force on March 1, bringing shorter timelines for rectifying an extensive list of designated high-risk deficiencies.
accessibility

A path to barrier-free buildings: Facility assessments and strategic accessibility plans

A pressing issue facing facility managers is the crucial impact that barrier-free accessibility can have on a strategic renewal plan.
health care

Innovations in health care monitoring technology

There are so many innovative ways to use surveillance technology and equipment beyond traditional security.
mould

Minding mould in LTC and hospitals

Air exchanges and mechanical systems that were sufficient when buildings were constructed may be considered undersized today, allowing fertile ground for mould growth.
World Workplace

A recap of IFMA’s World Workplace

In the past, cleaning suppliers, landscapers, and pest control companies dominated FM shows. Not anymore.
Grande Prairie

Designing for patient dignity in Grande Prairie 

Inside the 681,000-square-foot facility, people are able to experience the landscape and natural light, even throughout Alberta’s harsh weather extremes.
CRE loan books undergo U.S. Fed stress test

Operational resilience a performance priority

New technical guidance for assessing and responding to building-level risk underscores that operations teams carry responsibility to safeguard occupants, facilitate business continuity and protect asset value.
HVAC maintenance

Preventative HVAC maintenance tips for fall

Fall HVAC maintenance allows you to look ahead to upcoming spring repairs, budget spending for upcoming expenditures, and keep your building in its best shape for the coming year.
Electricity grid capacity a 2030 imperative

Electricity grid capacity a 2030 imperative

Electricity grid capacity is critical to enable the buildings and transportation sectors to move away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
cyber security

Why facilities must be proactive to improve cyber security

Research found cyber attackers increased their targeting of internet-connected OT devices by 2,204% between January and September 2021.
Memorial University

Science on display at Memorial University

A blue whale skeleton, 25 metres long, suspends from the ceiling of Memorial University’s Core Science Facility—as though it is swimming in empty space.