Drones Take Flight for Facility Inspections

Drones Take Flight for Facility Inspections

Facility managers can safely gather essential data on facility conditions without ladders or lifts Drones have changed the way many maintenance and engineering managers think about facility inspections. Prior to drones’ arrival more than a decade ago, managers looking to gather information on the condition of roofs, facades, windows and doors resorted to sending technicians…

Sustainable mixed-use districts: Crafting urban communities

Sustainable mixed-use districts: Crafting urban communities

As an integral part of the revitalization of Seattle’s Denny regrade neighborhood, Graphite projects combine to provide a model of a sustainable urban community that exemplifies principles of resource conversation, transportation synergies, lifestyle benefits, and long-term flexibility. Graphite has played a pivotal role in developing six buildings within a four-block area that serve the neighborhood…

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

U.S. Green Building Council Seeks Public Input on New LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has opened the first public comment period for its draft Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design version 5 (LEED v5), the latest iteration of the globally recognized green building certification. Although the update initially focused on operations and maintenance of existing buildings, it has since been expanded to include…

Key Considerations when Switching from Cast Iron to Condensing Boilers

Key Considerations when Switching from Cast Iron to Condensing Boilers

Amidst a nationwide effort to increase whole-facility energy efficiency, mechanical systems rank high among the most critical areas of focus. Space heating and domestic hot water production account for approximately 42% of energy use in the United States. For many existing facilities served by a hydronic system, the straightest path toward a smaller carbon footprint…

How to Prioritize Embodied Carbon in Sustainability Initiatives

How to Prioritize Embodied Carbon in Sustainability Initiatives

CALGreen, part of California’s building code, includes new standards for embodied energy. The rest of the country should take note. For business owners and facility managers, supporting sustainability by reducing carbon emissions is a battle on two fronts. The first, which targets operational carbon, has traditionally been the primary focus of facility management and involves…

RadNet and Providence Health System Announce Joint Venture

RadNet and Providence Health System Announce Joint Venture

The new joint venture is comprised of seven outpatient imaging centers. RadNet, Inc. announced that it established a new joint venture in March with Providence Health System. The new joint venture, Tri Valley Imaging Group, was established with RadNet, contributing four California imaging centers – two in Burbank and one each in Panorama City and…