For decades, IFMA has recognized and championed the business case for energy efficiency — highlighting its role in enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness, reducing environmental waste and strengthening national security.

Consumers and businesses alike rely on Energy Star ratings when making informed decisions about appliances and equipment. Eliminating this publicly funded resource without consulting the industries and individuals who depend on it is shortsighted and irresponsible. Dean Stanberry, immediate past chair of IFMA

Facility managers face the realities of energy management every day. Commercial buildings are among the largest consumers of electricity in the United States, making them key targets for energy-saving opportunities. Facility managers not only reduce operational costs through energy-efficient strategies but also educate building occupants on best practices and emerging technologies.

Energy Star is not just for U.S. households — it’s a global benchmark with far-reaching influence across commercial facilities of every type. From HVAC systems to lighting, life safety equipment and manufacturing tools, Energy Star provides independent, trusted confirmation of quality and efficiency. Facility managers, building owners and employers depend on this program to maintain healthy, sustainable workplaces that support core business functions. Michael V. Geary, CAE, President & CEO of IFMA

IFMA says it remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and industry stakeholders worldwide to promote efficiency, innovation and sustainability in the built environment.

The post IFMA urges Congress to preserve Energy Star and other critical building sector programs appeared first on FMLink.

Overview

In a small community where resources are finite, Union City, Indiana, faced the challenge of upgrading critical infrastructure while balancing financial, sustainability, and community priorities. Through a strategic partnership with ABM, the city implemented a comprehensive energy, lighting, HVAC, and infrastructure upgrade that exceeded financial, operational, and community goals — maximizing outcomes while minimizing waste.

“ABM played a critical role in helping us identify what we could be doing better — how we could be more efficient and sound from an infrastructure perspective,” said Union City, Indiana, Mayor Chad Spence. “Their expertise helped us hit the mark on sustainability, financial responsibility, and community impact.”

Challenges

Union City’s historic infrastructure, including a museum housed in a former railroad hotel, required urgent repairs. Leaky roofs and outdated systems posed risks to both the buildings and their irreplaceable contents. Additionally, high energy consumption — particularly at wastewater treatment facilities — placed a significant financial burden on the city’s budget, limiting opportunities for community growth and development.

Key challenges included:

• Aging infrastructure in need of modernization
• High energy costs straining the city’s budget
• Preserving historic structures while improving efficiency
• Overcoming permitting and regulatory hurdles for renewable energy solutions

An engineering and infrastructure solution

ABM’s industry-leading Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions team, led by Chris Mastrianni, Joe Boetsch, Ann Smith (LEED AP), and Erick Dustin, worked closely with Union City leadership to design a future-focused plan.

Key project components:

• Energy efficiency and sustainability: Integration of solar arrays to reduce dependency on the grid and lower operational costs
• Infrastructure upgrades: Modernization of lighting, HVAC systems, and wastewater treatment facilities to improve efficiency and performance
• Financial innovation: A strategic financial model that leveraged energy savings to fund additional infrastructure improvements
• Community impact: Reinvesting cost savings into critical areas such as parks, streets, and sidewalks

Results and impact

By thinking outside the box and leveraging innovative solutions, ABM helped Union City achieve:

• Significant energy cost savings – Enabling reallocation of funds to community growth initiatives
• Improved infrastructure efficiency – Enhancing operational performance across city facilities
• Preserved historic structures – Protecting the city’s heritage while modernizing key assets
• Sustainability and resiliency – Positioning the city for a more energy-independent future

Union City powers a sustainable future

Union City’s successful partnership with ABM showcases how smart infrastructure investment can drive long-term sustainability, financial efficiency, and community growth. By prioritizing innovation, fiscal responsibility, and sustainability, Union City has set a precedent for how small communities can thrive through strategic energy and infrastructure improvements.

The “ABM Partners with Union City to Upgrade Municipal Infrastructure” video and transcript are available at ABM.

The post Future-proofing Union City’s critical infrastructure with energy, lighting and HVAC upgrades appeared first on FMLink.

The problem is most companies don’t treat building automation this way. They approach it as a necessary expense, focusing on immediate operational needs, short-term projects and the latest shiny platforms, without a cohesive strategy. This mindset turns automation into an endless series of costs, instead of what it truly can be: a powerful investment designed to compound operational and business value over time.

To change this narrative, we need to reframe how we think about building automation. What if we managed it like Berkshire Hathaway manages its investments? What would it take to build an automation and integration portfolio that not only supports business operations but drives them forward with the same clarity, confidence, and long-term payoff as Buffett’s legendary stock picks? Let’s break it down.

The core philosophy: Building automation as an investment, not an expense

At the heart of Buffett’s success is a simple philosophy: focus on intrinsic value, invest with a long-term horizon, and avoid unnecessary risks. This approach isn’t just for Wall Street; it’s equally powerful in the world of building automation and integration.

Most organizations treat automation as a utility implemented to meet a baseline need, with the primary goal of keeping costs low. But that’s like building a financial portfolio by simply buying the cheapest stocks available. It’s reactive, shortsighted and often expensive in the long run due to inefficiencies, integration challenges and missed opportunities.

Now flip that mindset. Imagine treating every automation and integration decision as if it were an investment with the potential to either compound value or drain resources over time. Instead of asking, “How much does this cost?” start asking, “What’s the long-term return on this investment?” This shift in thinking creates discipline, clarity and purpose. It forces leaders to evaluate automation not just for its features or price tag, but for its strategic fit, scalability, and impact on operational and business goals.

Applying Buffett’s principles to building automation

Warren Buffett’s investment principles aren’t complicated, but their simplicity hides profound wisdom. When applied to automation, they create a framework for making smarter, more strategic decisions.

1. 

   Value over price — Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.” In building automation, it’s easy to chase the cheapest solution or the flashiest new platform. But the real question is: what value will this technology deliver over time? A higher upfront cost might yield greater long-term efficiency, scalability, and security — delivering a better return than a cheaper alternative that becomes obsolete or requires constant workarounds.

2. Circle of competence — Buffett only invests in businesses he understands deeply. Similarly, companies need to make automation decisions within their “circle of competence.” This doesn’t mean avoiding innovation, but it does mean ensuring that decisions are informed by a clear understanding of how technology fits into the broader operational and business strategy. Too often, organizations invest in platforms they don’t fully understand, leading to poor adoption, misalignment, wasted resources and the lack of delivering outcomes.
3. Margin of safety — Buffett always looks for a margin of safety — an investment buffer that protects against unforeseen risks. In automation, this translates to resilience. Are your systems designed with redundancy? Is your cybersecurity posture strong enough to withstand unexpected threats? Do you have backup strategies for critical operations? A well-managed automation portfolio isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about durability in the face of uncertainty.
4. Long-term thinking — Perhaps Buffett’s most defining characteristic is his patience. He invests for the long haul, ignoring short-term market noise. In building automation, this means resisting the temptation of quick fixes that don’t align with the company’s strategic goals. It’s easy to get excited about the latest platform, but does it support where the business wants to be in five or ten years? Sustainable growth comes from technologies that integrate, scale, and adapt over time — not from chasing every trend.

Becoming the “Warren Buffett of Building Automation” in your organization

So, what does it take to earn that title — the person whose automation and integration decisions are as trusted and respected as Buffett’s investment calls?

• Clarity in decision-making is key. Just as Buffett has an investment thesis for every stock he buys, building automation leaders should have a clear rationale for every major technology decision. What problem does it solve? How does it align with business goals? What outcomes do I want to achieve? What’s the expected return on investment — not just financially, but in terms of operational efficiency, sustainability, and scalability?
• Patience and discipline are equally important. In the fast-paced world of building technology, it’s easy to feel pressured to act quickly. But speed without strategy leads to mistakes. The best automation leaders know when to move fast and when to pause, assess and make deliberate choices.
• Data-driven judgments separate great leaders from average ones. Buffett doesn’t invest based on hype; he relies on data, analysis and rigorous evaluation. In automation, this means leveraging performance metrics, energy usage trends, cost efficiency and business impact to guide decisions.
• Decisive allocation is crucial. Not every technology deserves equal attention or investment. Great building  automation leaders know where to double down — investing heavily in platforms that drive efficiency and adaptability — and where to cut losses on underperforming systems. Just like managing a financial portfolio, the goal is to maximize returns while minimizing waste.

Managing risk like a pro: The Berkshire Playbook for building automation

Buffett doesn’t fear risk; he manages it. He avoids unnecessary risks while embracing calculated ones that offer strong potential rewards. This mindset applies perfectly to automation, where risk management isn’t just about cybersecurity, it’s about operational resilience.

For example, consider vendor risk. Many companies become overly reliant on a single provider without considering the long-term implications. What happens if that vendor’s pricing model changes, their service quality drops, or they go out of business? A Buffett-style approach diversifies dependencies without creating unnecessary complexity.

The same goes for technical debt. Just as Buffett avoids companies with poor financial fundamentals, smart automation leaders avoid solutions that are fragile, overcomplicated, or unsustainable. The goal is to build systems that are as robust and adaptable as a well-diversified investment portfolio.

Are you managing automation like Warren Buffett would?

If you’re serious about transforming how your organization approaches building automation, ask yourself:

• Do you have a clear, strategic rationale behind your major automation investments?
• Are your decisions driven by long-term value, not just short-term fixes?
• Is your automation portfolio resilient, adaptable, and aligned with your business goals?
• Are you actively managing risks — or just hoping things won’t go wrong?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it’s time to rethink your approach.

The legacy of strategic building automation leadership

Becoming the Warren Buffett of building automation isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most disciplined, strategic, and focused on long-term outcomes. Because in the end, great automation leadership isn’t about technology, it’s about creating lasting business value.

So, the next time you’re faced with an automation decision, ask yourself: “Am I managing this like an expense — or like an investment that will shape the future of this company?”

The post Managing building automation and integration like an investment portfolio appeared first on FMLink.

The newly formed team will be led by James “Woody” Woodruff, who was recently promoted to vice president of Commercial Business and is a member of the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

The announcement comes after significant product launches focused on the commercial segment including its most recent introduction of Rinnai Commercial Boilers, a full line of wall hung and floor standing commercial grade boilers ranging up to one million BTUs. The new organizational structure includes a dedicated commercial heating and water heating sales team, a team of engineers specializing in system designs, and an operations team focused on supporting the company’s national account business.

Woodruff commented:

I’m excited for the opportunity to take on this new leadership role at Rinnai as we continue to focus on developing and expanding our product and service offering in the commercial segment. We have a great team in place and are ready to aggressively pursue new growth opportunities.

Frank Windsor, president of Rinnai America, remarked:

Woody has a solid track record of developing and executing strategies to grow in the commercial segment. Under his leadership we are well positioned to grow our commercial market share in the North American market.

Woodruff joined Rinnai in 2017 as director of Commercial Sales and was later promoted to senior director of Commercial. Prior to joining Rinnai, Woodruff held sales leadership positions with other well-known organizations including Rheem and Kohler Company. He earned his undergraduate degrees from Western Carolina University and Florida State University, and earned his MBA from Auburn University.

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DLC research shows that adding NLCs to commercial lighting upgrades can cut a project’s new lighting load in half. Taking this a step further, integrating lighting controls with HVAC can save up to 30 percent of HVAC energy and 20 percent of the total energy load in large commercial buildings, according to ACEEE. Adoption of this strategy has lagged, however, largely due to the complexity of integration projects, which require collaboration between building owners and operators, electrical/lighting engineers and contractors, and mechanical/HVAC engineers and contractors, who often work independently.

DLC Executive Director and CEO Tina Halfpenny stated:

Our NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit facilitates implementation of projects that can significantly reduce energy waste, while lowering operating costs for owners. Whether you have experience with NLC-HVAC integration or it’s a brand-new concept, the DLC’s toolkit opens the door to better coordinated projects that yield more energy and cost benefits. We’re excited to get it into the market and start seeing the results.

Development of the NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit grew from findings of a working group comprising experts across the lighting, HVAC and utility industries convened by the DLC in 2023. The group named lack of communication between people working in lighting and those involved in HVAC controls as a major hurdle to achieving energy savings on a scale only possible by linking lighting controls with HVAC. In developing the toolkit, the DLC aims to break down barriers and improve collaboration between the professional worlds of lighting and HVAC, enabling greater savings.

 Toolkit components include:

·       Decision Tree to determine which projects are good candidates for integration and avoid those where success is unlikely;

·       Case Studies presenting successful integration examples, searchable by building type;

·       Template of a sample construction integration specification aligned with CSI Division 25 (a section within the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat regarding integrated automation);

·       Handbook that concisely describes the basic information that each group needs to know, with a glossary and references to relevant standards;

·       Responsibility Matrix in the form of a sample spreadsheet that presents an integration project in terms of major tasks and indicates which party is responsible for each one.

By bridging the gap between NLC and HVAC systems, the toolkit can help facilities use building automation to level up energy efficiency. The toolkit is designed to fit the needs of an array of professionals — including building management system contractors, specifiers, utilities, manufacturers, engineers and designers — and is available to download free of charge.

The NLC-HVAC Integration Toolkit is available at DLC. The DLC website has more information about NLC-HVAC integration, including an introductory video based on a 2024 DLC Controls Summit presentation. 

The post Find out how integrating networked lighting controls with your HVAC can save up to 20% of total energy load, with this DLC toolkit appeared first on FMLink.

As facilities age, so do the mechanical systems that keep them running efficiently. One of the most critical of all systems is, of course, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning). Not only does the HVAC system play an essential role in maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for occupants, it also protects the integrity of high-value inventory, and in the case of healthcare facilities, ensures safe operating conditions — an absolute matter of life and death. However, more than most elements in the built environment, HVAC systems are often encumbered by deferred maintenance which can lead to higher operating costs, reduced energy efficiency and even catastrophic system failures.

In this article, we’ll explore the risks associated with deferring HVAC maintenance, the challenges of securing budget approval for upgrades, and how building owners and facility managers (FMs) can leverage incentive programs to defray the cost of HVAC system upgrades.

The risks of deferred HVAC maintenance

One of the most significant challenges FMs encounter is deferred maintenance on the HVAC system, the consequences of which can vary widely depending on the type of building and its usage profile.

For critical care facilities such as hospitals, the risk of deferring HVAC maintenance can impair the institutional mission. For example, a hospital’s HVAC system is responsible for cooling sensitive equipment such as MRI machines, as well as maintaining the climate in data centers that store patient information. In these settings, any HVAC system failure or deferred maintenance can have catastrophic consequences.

On the other hand, office buildings typically have a far lower risk profile in the event of an HVAC failure as the building’s occupancy is usually limited to specific hours and temporary measures such as portable cooling or heating units can mitigate the immediate effects of a system outage. However, even in office buildings, deferring maintenance can still be quite costly in the long run—putting such strain on the system can lead to high emergency repairs.  Whether the building is a hospital, office, or manufacturing facility, HVAC systems require regular attention to prevent minor issues from escalating to emergencies. 

Challenges of securing budget approval for upgrades

One of the main reasons the HVAC system goes unaddressed until a failure is the difficulty FMs have in securing budget approvals for proper maintenance. The “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality often prevails amongst the C-Suite, making it difficult for FMs to justify capital expenditures for servicing equipment that may still be functioning, though it is aging.

HVAC systems are designed to last for 15 to 20 years. During this time, FMs likely do their best to keep these systems running. But as an HVAC system ages, it can become inefficient and prone to breakdowns. However, when everything appears to be “working fine,” it can be quite challenging to convince landlords or upper management to approve the necessary budget for ongoing maintenance and periodic upgrades. Such a mindset often means that HVAC systems are only replaced after a major failure occurs, which leads to higher emergency repair costs, operational disruptions, lost productivity and sometimes lost inventory or research and development data.

Incentive programs are a key to unlocking upgrades funding

The good news is that there are a variety of incentive programs available to building owners and facility managers that can significantly offset the cost of HVAC system upgrades. These incentives include utility rebates, government programs, and federal funding opportunities, listed below. Navigating them can be arduous, however, and the application process requires careful planning and timing to maximize benefits.

1. Utility incentives: Many utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems. These rebates are often tied to specific energy-saving targets, such as reducing a building’s total energy consumption or improving system efficiency, mitigating the negative impact on the environment. These programs may be easier to access for smaller-scale projects.
2. Government programs: State government programs offer additional financial support for energy efficiency improvements, yet they also can be complicated to access and may require additional paperwork and property certifications. Still, such programs are an excellent resource for building owners seeking to lower energy consumption.
3. Federal programs: At the federal level, incentives such as tax credits and grants are available to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in commercial buildings. These programs are typically larger in scope and may cover a portion of the overall cost of a major HVAC system upgrade.

Application process considerations

The application process for these incentives is often complex. For the average commercial project, the approval timeline can range from three to six months. Therefore, if an HVAC system has failed or is near failure, FMs must weigh the time required to apply for these incentives against the urgency of the repair.

One of the best ways to navigate the incentive and rebate maze is to work with an independent service provider who understands which incentive programs are applicable to specific building types and system needs. A qualified service provider can streamline the selection and application process while also maximizing the financial benefit, something that is sure to please the C-Suite and property owners.

How much can incentives cover?

One of the principal factors influencing the decision to upgrade an HVAC system is cost. HVAC systems are inherently expensive, and the upfront capital required for a system replacement can be daunting. Incentive programs help mitigate this cost, but the exact amount awarded can vary widely depending on the program and the building type.

Incentive programs fall into the following categories:

• Prescriptive programs: These programs offer fixed rebates for specific types of HVAC upgrades, such as replacing a 15-ton unit with a higher-efficiency model. The rebate amount is usually fixed per ton of capacity, making it straightforward to calculate the incentive value.
• Custom programs: For larger or more complex projects, custom programs offer incentives based on energy savings or system performance improvements. These programs require a more detailed application process and often include energy audits or engineering analysis.
• Small Business direct install programs: For smaller businesses, many utilities offer direct install programs that cover a significant portion of the installation cost for energy-efficient HVAC systems. These programs are designed to be simple and accessible, allowing small businesses to improve energy efficiency without upfront costs.

While each program has unique metrics and value, building owners can expect to cover a portion of their HVAC system upgrade costs through these incentives. Additionally, low-interest financing options may be available to further ease the financial burden.

A strategic approach to HVAC upgrades

When approaching HVAC upgrades, it’s essential to consider not only the current state of the system but also the long-term maintenance and operational costs.  Building owners and FMs are best advised to take a strategic approach by focusing on whether incremental improvements are possible before undertaking a full system replacement.

Component life expectancy

HVAC systems consist of multiple components, each with a different life expectancy. For example, the motor that drives the fan may last much longer than the compressor that cools the refrigerant. Rather than waiting until the entire system fails, FMs can elect to make incremental improvements, such as adding a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to an aging motor to extend its lifespan by three to five years. These small upgrades can improve system efficiency while delaying the need for a complete system replacement.

Long-term planning and immediate needs

While short-term fixes can help keep an aging HVAC system running, building owners must also plan for long-term upgrades. Working with service providers that have the expertise to understand the intricacies of a building’s energy and mechanical systems can ensure that any investment in improvements optimally aligns with both immediate and future needs.

Becoming educated about all possible means to extend an HVAC system’s life expectancy and incentive programs that make repairs financially manageable while improving sustainability is critical for FMs who want to ensure smooth and timely budget approvals from their C-Suite team. Further, FMs may also assist management with efforts to persuade commercial landlords about how critical a high-functioning HVAC system is to their business productivity and profitability, a key consideration in real estate leasing decisions. 

While HVAC system upgrades may seem costly and challenging to implement, a combination of strategic planning, leveraging incentives, and making incremental improvements can help improve energy efficiency and sustainability, reduce costs and long-term energy expenses as well as avoid catastrophic system failures that ultimately cost far more than regular maintenance.

Ronald F. Raymond is the founder of RSE Energy Group, a fast-growing Northeast energy solutions provider serving an array of commercial clients, including real estate developers and property management firms, and the healthcare, hospitality, scientific, manufacturing, office, and retail sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tuskegee University and has completed NJIT’s Construction/Engineering Management Program and NYU’s SCPS Certification in Building HVAC Design. With over 20 years of experience, Raymond is a licensed professional contractor with expertise in mechanical and HVAC engineering, MEP project management, and energy system installation (ESI). RSE offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating MEP, air quality, energy infrastructure construction, engineering, and project management needs.

The post Strategies for getting your C-Suite on board with HVAC upgrades appeared first on FMLink.

Rheem CEO Chris Peel, joined by hundreds of the company’s customers, partners, and employees, kicked off this major milestone event at the AHR Expo by unveiling Rheem’s newly launched brand evolution, “Engineered for Life.” Synonymous with remarkable, reliable and resilient products designed for everyday life, the branding update reflects Rheem’s 100-year legacy. With more than 500 active patents, in addition to revolutionary products, Rheem is known for a century of strong, meaningful collaboration with customers and partners.

At the show, Rheem also hosted a number of on-trend discussions within the booth from commercial advancements and engineering for new regulations to the latest on heat pumps and decarbonization. Visitors to the booth learned about Rheem’s sustainability achievements, including attaining zero-waste-to-landfill status and training more than 600,000 plumbers, contractors, and key influencers on sustainable products and practices.

Rheem representatives also featured in two educational panel sessions:

• The Wide World of HVAC/R: New Motivations, EPA Regulations and Mapping the Path Forward: Rheem’s Vice President of Government Affairs Karen Meyers delved into future predictions of HVAC/R.
• Understanding Business Opportunities Based on Your Region: Rheem’s Vice President of Residential Business Development, U.S. Air Conditioning, Randy Roberts shared perspectives on the push surrounding multi-trade contracting for businesses in North America.

Products on display included:

Rheem Heating & Cooling:

• Residential:
  • Rheem Endeavor Line Prestige Series Universal Heat Pump (RD18AY)
  • Rheem Endeavor Prestige Series Gas Furnace (R98MV)
  • Rheem Classic Plus iR Packaged Gas Electric (RGEAYC)
• Commercial:
  • Rheem Renaissance Packaged Units

Rheem Water Heating:

• Residential:
  • Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater
  • Rheem 50-Gallon Maximus Condensing Tank Water Heater
  • Rheem IKONIC Condensing Tankless Gas Water Heater
• Commercial:
  • Rheem IKONIC Commercial Tankless
  • Rheem Triton Family

Eemax:

• Eemax LavAdvantage
• Eemax Accumix II Cutaway

Friedrich:

• Residential:
  • Friedrich Floating Air Ductless Mini-Split
  • Friedrich Breeze Universal Heat Pumps
• Commercial/Hospitality:
  • Friedrich FreshAire PTAC
  • Friedrich Vert-I-Pak

HTPG:

• HTPG EcoNet Enabled Unit Coolers

IBC:

• IBC SFC Superflow Combi
• IBC SFT Superflow Tankless
• IBC Superflow High Efficiency Condensing Boiler

Nordyne:

• Intertherm
  • Intertherm E7 Series Electric Furnace
• Maytag
  • Maytag M1200 Series High-Efficiency Heat Pump

Raypak:

• Raypak XVers + KŌR

For more information on Rheem HVAC/R products, and to learn more about the centennial celebration, visit Rheem.

Founded in 1925, Rheem Manufacturing delivers innovative products that save energy and support a more sustainable future for heating, cooling, water heating, pool and spa heating, and commercial refrigeration products and solutions. Paloma Co., Ltd., of Nagoya, Japan, acquired the iconic Rheem brand in 1988, and today the company’s portfolio of premium brands include Rheem, Ruud, Friedrich, Raypak, Nordyne, Sure Comfort, WeatherKing, Eemax, Richmond, IBC, Intergas, Splendid, Solahart, EverHot, and MHG, as well as commercial refrigeration brands Russell, Witt, ColdZone and Kramer, which are part of the Heat Transfer Products Group (HTPG) division.

The post Rheem launches “Engineered for Life” brand evolution and celebrates a century of HVAC/R excellence appeared first on FMLink.

• IFMA’s Wildfire Crisis Resource Hub includes strategies for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) before, during and after wildfire events; guidance on filtration and ventilation to safeguard indoor spaces; tips for natural disaster preparedness and wildfire impact reduction; and more.
• ASHRAE Guideline 44-2024, Protecting Building Occupants From Smoke During Wildfire and Prescribed Burn Events, outlines best practices for building design, operation and maintenance to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire and prescribed burn smoke by safeguarding indoor air quality (IAQ) during these events. Read more on FMLink.
• ASHRAE Journal podcast episode Where There’s Smoke, There’s HVAC explores the impacts of wildfire smoke on buildings, people and public health.
• ANSI/IICRC S700 Standard for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration offers guidance after a fire.  Read more on FMLink.
• UL’s CIRI offers new resources to help residents impacted by California wildfires, including a public information website, toolkit, and guidance document offer practical tips for recovering from the devastation of wildland-urban interface fires
• The January 31st edition of Science Friday covers “The Toxic Aftermath of an Urban Fire“
• NFPA’s Wildfire Division provides resources to residents and safety professionals to help ensure everyone living in communities at risk has the information, knowledge, and tools to prepare and protect their homes from the threat of wildfire.

In addition, look for related education sessions and HVAC technology at such shows as the National Facilities Management and Technology (NFMT) trade show, taking place in Baltimore, Maryland, March 25-27. For sessions recommended by our editors, see these stories on FMLink:

• “March 25-27: More than 100,000 facilities professionals have attended NFMT. Will you join them in Baltimore for training, networking and product discovery?”
• “Fall prevention, fire sprinkler systems and how AI is powering maintenance are among the sessions of interest to healthcare FMs during NFMT, March 25-27, Baltimore”
• “Emergency disaster response, AI now; the next gen of FM, and adapting to climate change are among sessions for the closing day of NFMT 2025, March 25-27, Baltimore”

The post <strong>FMLink Special Report</strong>: IFMA, ASHRAE, IICRC, CIRI, others offer fire and smoke damage prevention and cleanup resources in response to California wildfires appeared first on FMLink.

January 17, 2025 —

Availability: The document is now available for purchase at the CTI Publications Marketplace for $20. It offers invaluable insights and a standardized approach to mechanical testing, ensuring comparability and reliability in data across different manufacturers’ products.

This standard is crucial for designers, purchasers, and manufacturers within the cooling technology industry, aiming to align practices and enhance the safety and efficacy of cooling tower components. As part of CTI’s commitment to maintaining high industry standards, this publication reflects the latest advancements and collective expertise in cooling technology.

For more information on the Mechanical Testing of Cooling Tower Bottom-Supported Fill Blocks (STD-171) standard and other CTI publications, or to purchase your copy, visit the CTI Publications Marketplace.

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Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, remarked:

This updated guidance will be a valuable tool in protecting against the spread of common airborne respiratory viruses indoors, where we spend about 90% of our time. In addition to immunizations, handwashing and other key preventive measures, taking action to promote healthier indoor air helps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors.

The updated guidance outlines how to implement ventilation strategies, such as opening doors and windows, as part of a multilayered approach to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses indoors. The approach includes filtration improvements, such as upgrading the filter in a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning  (HVAC) system; using a portable air cleaner; running fans to circulate air indoors; and operating exhaust, window, and attic fans to further reduce the amount of virus particles in the air.

This multilayered approach also addresses the use of air treatment technologies, administrative controls, and cleaning and disinfection practices. The updated guidance also outlines specific strategies and considerations for public indoor spaces, such as schools, offices, and commercial buildings.

View EPA’s updated guidance and learn more:

• Ventilation and Respiratory Viruses
• Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Viruses in Public Indoor Spaces

IAQ background from EPA

Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. Indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. Indoor air quality affects everyone, especially the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and people with health conditions like asthma and heart disease.

Understanding and controlling common pollutants indoors can help reduce your risk of indoor health concerns. Health effects from indoor air pollutants may be experienced soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of IAQ problems. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources and not carrying indoor air pollutants out of the area.

Respiratory viruses can spread more easily indoors than outdoors since the viral concentration can build up indoors and people are closer to each other. Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. In addition to the virus that causes Covid-19, there are many other types of airborne respiratory viruses, including influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), that can spread more easily indoors than outdoors.

Ventilation and filtration are important components of a multilayered approach for reducing the spread of respiratory viruses indoors. Increasing the amount of outdoor air coming indoors is one of the most important ways to reduce the likelihood that viruses are spread. When it is challenging to enhance the ventilation to a space, consider cleaning or treating the air to reduce virus particles — through filters in your HVAC system or using portable air cleaning devices.

On their own, these individual IAQ strategies are not likely to be sufficient for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses indoors, making it essential to implement each of them in conjunction with other core preventive actions for respiratory viruses recommended by the CDC.

Webinar February 6

EPA will hold a webinar, Reducing Airborne Viruses in Schools: Optimizing Ventilation and Energy Efficiency, on Thursday, February 6, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. EST.

Webinar participants will learn how to:

• Apply findings from school air quality research and guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on ventilation to reduce the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria.
• Provide clean and healthy air in schools while considering energy efficiency by developing a plan to operate, regularly inspect, and maintain HVAC systems, as well as provide outdoor air in accordance with ASHRAE standards.
• Train school facility staff with a new online training co-developed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Efficient and Healthy Schools Program, U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools, and EPA’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools.
• Implement best practices used by an award-winning school district and develop a systematic approach to IAQ management, ventilation, and healthy indoor environments.

Register today for the webinar.

The post EPA updates ventilation guidance to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses at school, home and work. *Webinar February 6* appeared first on FMLink.