As the need for sustainability action in higher education becomes increasingly more important, the 2024 Sustainable Campus Index, released in September by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), recognizes institutions leading the way. This report not only recognizes top-performing institutions across 17 key sustainability impact areas, as measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), but also includes inspiring stories of sustainability leadership from institutions around the globe.

The 2024 SCI offers something for everyone:

• Prospective students: Identify colleges and universities that prioritize sustainability, in academic programs and beyond, helping you choose a campus that aligns with your values.
• Higher education alumni: See how your alma mater is performing in sustainability and take pride in their progress or advocate for further action.
• Sustainability staff and administrators: Benchmark your institution against peers, identify areas for improvement, and draw inspiration from top performers and highlighted institutions.
• The public: Learn how campuses are driving positive change on campus and in their communities.

The 2024 SCI is a vital tool for anyone looking to understand, contribute to and advance sustainability in higher education.

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Elevate your facility to the next level with Flotex, a flocked floor covering that combines the durability, cleanability, and performance of a resilient floor with the comfort, acoustics, and slip-resistance of carpet. Flotex is 100% waterproof and can withstand extreme wear and high traffic, making it ideal for convention centers, public spaces and education environments.

Flotex floor coverings are manufactured with up to 46,000 upright nylon 6,6 fibers per square inch that resist crushing and matting. The straight nylon fibers capture fine dust and allergens that are easily released when vacuumed. Flotex releases up to 76% of original soil after vacuuming compared to 46% for loop pile carpet.

When spray extraction cleaning is used, Flotex releases up to 97% of the original soil compared to 64% for loop pile carpet. That is why Flotex is the only textile flooring with a British Allergy Foundation approval. Plus, Flotex’s dense, upright nylon fibers completely dries after wet extraction in 4 to 6 hours verses up to 24 hours for traditional carpet. If you are looking for an easy-to-clean, highly effective hygienic floor that is safe, extremely durable and stain resistant with 40 years of proven history, it is Flotex from Forbo Flooring Systems.

Global building technology society ASHRAE remains at the forefront by providing resources that are instrumental in safeguarding indoor environments. As Covid-19, flu and RSV persist, providing clean air in buildings has become even more critical. ASHRAE Standard 241-2023: Control of Infectious Aerosols, continues to empower building owners, operators and related professionals to proactively reduce risks for occupants during peak virus seasons.

First published in June 2023, ASHRAE Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the airborne transmission of viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (which causes Covid-19), the flu, and other pathogens. This standard applies to various building types, including single- and multi-family homes, offices, schools and healthcare facilities. Recognized as the first consensus-based, code-enforceable standard of its kind, it has been praised by former White House Covid Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha as “one of the most important public health interventions seen in years."

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Maintaining clean coils is essential for optimal air quality, temperature control, and the long-term performance of HVAC systems — especially in large, high-traffic environments like schools and government buildings, where the comfort and well-being of many occupants depend on a reliable system. Dirty coils not only degrade air quality but also force HVAC units to work overtime, driving up energy costs and straining system components.

Improve air quality and system efficiency, more easily and faster with the CC-400 CoilPro from Goodway — the ultimate solution for hassle-free coil cleaning. It delivers a perfect balance of 400 PSI cleaning pressure and 3+ GPM flow rate, providing deep, effective cleaning for even the thickest, dirtiest coils — all without the risk of damaging fins. Hard-to-reach coils? No problem! The CC-400’s sectional 3-piece wand and 90-degree nozzle attachment allow you to target those tricky spots behind coils effortlessly. But that’s not all. With advanced chemical integration, you can easily apply cleaning agents like Coilshine for an extra layer of cleaning performance, all packed into a lightweight, handheld design. The CC-400 CoilPro takes the challenge out of coil cleaning, offering the perfect blend of power, precision and convenience — delivering top-tier results for facilities that demand the best.

On September 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the launch of a new website, the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Funding Toolbox (CRAFT). CRAFT is a user-friendly resource for technical assistance providers working with federal funding applicants and recipients to develop, apply for and implement climate-resilient investments. The website provides simple, easy-to-understand resources that can help users consider climate adaptation and resilience before, during and after applying for EPA funding opportunities.

EPA is taking important steps to help its programs and funding applicants invest in projects that can withstand the impacts of climate change. CRAFT is a resource for technical assistance providers helping to guide investments of federal funding — including the historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act — to local solutions, while also supporting investments that deliver results in the face of climate change.



The materials provided in CRAFT include:

• Program overviews of EPA’s financial assistance programs where climate-safe investment opportunities are available
• Climate risk tools and decision support resources that can inform the development, design and implementation of projects
• Communications materials to facilitate discussions about adaptation, resilience and environmental justice
• Meaningful engagement resources on how to perform targeted community engagement efforts effectively and intentionally when implementing climate-smart projects; 
• Definitions of common terms to use during technical assistance consultations, engagement efforts and the development of project proposals

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The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced it will award a contract to Chitina Diversified Services, a Native Alaskan-owned small business based in Anchorage, Alaska, for repairs at the Howard H. Baker, Jr. United States Courthouse in Knoxville, Tennessee. This $7.4 million award, which includes $3.3 million in funds from the Inflation Reduction Act [PDF], highlights GSA’s commitment to promoting opportunities for small and socially economically disadvantaged entities through collaboration and robust outreach. In addition to the Inflation Reduction Act funds, this contract also includes approximately $4 million of funds from other sources.

The project consists of securely underpinning of the building foundation with low-embodied carbon concrete and steel that will support the foundation and restore it back to its original condition. The project also includes work on the slab that will reduce the risk of future foundation settlement issues. Once the foundation is stabilized, the contractor will make repairs to the building’s interior spaces, roof, brick, and storm drainage. GSA anticipates using over 700 cubic meters of concrete masonry units ("cinder blocks") and two metric tons of cold-formed and galvanized steel. GSA expects that both categories of materials will meet its most-stringent “Top 20%” emissions thresholds, and estimates that selecting these low-carbon materials will avoid over 50 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

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Innovative furniture manufacturer KI will spotlight the transformative power of furniture and design to engage students and educators alike November 12-14 at EDspaces 2024, the premier event for education facility planning and design. Attendees who visit booth #1433 will see a new education seating collection unveiled. Paramount among these solutions is Cogni, a brand-new collection launching in January 2025. The Cogni collection is an adaptable, ergonomic line of chairs and stools designed to support every body type, with features that enhance student engagement and safety such as a sensory surface and a heel-wheel option with anti-tilt mechanism.

Attendees will be able to help select the winners of the company’s Third Annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway Contest. Hundreds of educators nationwide have entered the contest using KI’s Classroom Planner Tool to design the classroom of their dreams. EDspaces attendees can review those submissions and vote for who they think should win a $40,000 classroom makeover.

KI will also host an EDsession, Temple of Knowledge: The Transformation and Future of the College Library, on Tuesday, November 12, at 1 p.m. Central in Classroom 362 BC. Ballegeer will dive into research by Studio Fynn and the University of Pennsylvania that looks at the future of college libraries and media centers. KI will cap off day one of EDspaces with a happy hour on November 12, 3-5 p.m. Central in its booth, #1433. Join KI for drinks, appetizers, and networking.

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Originally built in 1937, the Vashon Community Center on the Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) campus was a vital recreational hub for African Americans in St. Louis during the segregation era. Thanks to a $3 million renovation led by KAI Enterprises, this historic building has been transformed into the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame, celebrating Black culture and diversity. The newly renovated center was officially opened to the public on April 11, 2023. 

The historic 16,000 sq. ft. building is located at the terminus of the Brickline Greenway’s latest segment, under construction along Market Street. This 0.85-mile segment will connect pedestrians and cyclists to the broader Greenway project, a public-private partnership that includes public art installations commemorating the Mill Creek Valley neighborhood. Vacant for many years following its acquisition by HSSU from the City of St. Louis in 1999, a 2009 grant from the National Park Service, aimed at preserving significant historic structures on historically Black college and university campuses, along with state funds, made the Vashon Center’s renovation possible.

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CDP, a global nonprofit leading the world’s environmental disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions, announced the launch of its 2023 U.S. Infrastructure Snapshot, a supplement to the Global Infrastructure Snapshot, delivered in partnership with the Global Covenant of Mayors at COP28 last year. The U.S. Snapshot provides data disclosed to CDP-ICLEI Track in 2023 on local climate projects and investment needs according to each state and across key sectors, yielding valuable insights on how the rapid emergence of new funding and financing mechanisms such as the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can best be applied.

The snapshot is a representative sample of infrastructure data and provides critical insight into the kinds of projects U.S. cities are seeking to advance for climate action, key areas for public and private investment, regional needs and disparities and opportunities for aggregation. Designed to benefit local and state governments, the U.S. snapshot highlights an understanding of local project needs and tracking municipal climate action, particularly to awardees of federal funding initiatives like the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, as well as technical assistance and capital market providers.

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New Snowfall by Burmatex is a groundbreaking carpet tile that seamlessly blends innovative design with environmental responsibility. Crafted with Universal Fibers Thrive matter yarn, touted as the world’s first carbon-negative recycled yarn, it takes its design inspiration from the undulating patterns made by snowfall. Thrive matter yarn is considered the most environmentally conscious solution-dyed, high-performance nylon fiber in the world. This, combined with Burmatex’s unique BioBase recycled backing, makes Snowfall by Burmatex a carbon-neutral product, setting a new standard for interiors.

Snowfall by Burmatex carpet tile offers an expansive and versatile color palette with 16 shades, ranging from neutrals and contemporary greens to luminous peaches and icy blues. Each shade reflects the natural beauty of winter landscapes, making it ideal for contemporary, trend-led workspaces that require both style and functionality. The versatile random-pattern-match design and beautiful color palette make the carpet tile a practical solution for zoning different areas within an open-plan environment, whether used to define collaborative spaces, quiet zones or meeting areas.

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This week's Featured Book from FMLink Books is part of a collection of peer-reviewed books curated by the FMLink editorial team to provide facilities, engineering and A&D professionals with access to publications relating to the State & City Codes topic.

CalDAG is the only publication available that immediately places at your fingertips all of the applicable scoping and technical requirements for disabled access, including the specific exceptions and exclusions, that apply to a particular project.

Features:

• The most extensively cross-referenced index of any accessibility publication in the industry
• More than 250 superb illustrations
• Valuable flow charts breaking down complex compliance procedures
• Applicable CBC and ADA/ADA Standards section numbers for legal/technical reference
• Easy-to-follow checklist format perfect for survey, inspection or design
• Selected California statutes defining disabled accessibility compliance obligations



This is an incredibly valuable and time-saving reference designed for architects, building officials, lawyers, contractors and inspectors. It is ideal for anyone working with the accessibility provisions of the CBC and ADA/ADA Standards.

This and other State & City Codes titles are available for purchase on FMLink.