The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released Decarbonizing the U.S. Economy by 2050: A National Blueprint for the Buildings Sector, a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings by 65% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. DOE led the Blueprint's development in collaboration with HUD, EPA and other federal agencies. The Blueprint is the first sector-wide strategy for building decarbonization developed by the federal government. 

Economically disadvantaged communities are more likely to face energy insecurity due to high energy costs. They are also more likely to suffer from the effects of substandard building conditions and health-harming pollution. To address these inequities, the Blueprint emphasizes affordability through reduced energy and technology costs, as well as measures that would help make communities more resilient to power outages and climate change-fueled extreme weather events. 

Buildings account for more than one-third of domestic climate pollution and $370 billion in annual energy costs. Reducing GHG emissions from buildings is essential to reaching the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Blueprint projects reductions of 90% of total GHG emissions from buildings, which will save consumers more than $100 billion in annual energy costs and avoid $17 billion in annual health costs.

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Clean boiler tubes provide increased system efficiency and equipment lifespan, which means you protect your bottom line. The RAM-4X is one of most impressive and powerful units yet from Goodway^®. It delivers the most effective removal of hard deposits and scale for tubes and pipes 1-inch I.D. and up. Equipped with a full 1 HP drive motor with foot switch activation and offering an array of shafts and accessories for both wet and dry applications, it can handle nearly any tube/pipe cleaning job.

For wet applications, the unit feeds water through the casing to the cleaning tool, flushing out deposits as they are loosened. For dry applications, the GTC-DPA Dry Pickup Attachment and a simultaneous vacuum are used to remove loosened deposits. Powerful, versatile, portable, and with a variety of brushes and cleaning tools to choose from, the RAM-4X makes any boiler-cleaning operation an easy, one-person job that helps increase efficiency, equipment life span and ultimately your bottom line

The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council has released a new toolkit to support K-12 school districts in developing and implementing a comprehensive, written indoor air quality (IAQ) management plan.

The School District IAQ Management Plan Toolkit provides ready-to-use model plan language, background information, key resources, and case studies for school districts seeking to document or update their IAQ management practices.

By guiding users through each component of an IAQ management plan, this toolkit offers example plan language derived from real school district plans and from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit and resources, while also showcasing additional resources and case studies from school districts.

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Standalone wireless system FirstLink by Bodine integrates all necessary emergency lighting components and monitors the status of the lighting system at all times, helping you maintain code compliance with virtually zero effort. The FirstLink emergency egress system comprises enabled exit signs, wall packs, emergency LED drivers and the FirstLink app installed on a mobile device. Instead of staff shuffling around a facility, climbing ladders and pushing buttons to test individual units, FirstLink components automatically perform all required testing. The app downloads the status of all devices and creates an easily exported report. A wireless mesh network ensures reliable connections, even during the loss of individual devices. If the app can communicate with just one device, the status of all devices can be read. Once the status is downloaded, the data is uploaded to the cloud. 

FirstLink emergency lighting system components can be easily installed by a contractor or end-user, making it field-install friendly. FMs can quickly add new products, accessories and features without updating the existing FirstLink hardware in the building. The easy-to-navigate FirstLink smartphone application allows users to configure a system, view and export results, change testing schedules, and more. Click the image to watch a video explaining the FirstLink system. For a painfully funny look at why you need Bodine’s FirstLink, check out this video as well: “Emergency Lighting Testing — Before FirstLink."

The U.S. Department of Education (DofED) has announced a new record in federal funding and investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) totaling more than $16 billion from Fiscal Years (FY) 2021 through current available data for FY 2024. This new reported total is up from the previously announced over $7 billion, and captures significant additional actions already undertaken.

Included among the investments is funding for facilities-related areas such as enhancing physical infrastructure, campus capacity, digital equipment and operations, and ensuring safe learning environments in the light of recent bomb threats. The total includes over $11.4 billion between FY 2021 and FY 2023 through federal grants, contracting awards and debt relief for HBCUs; over $4 billion between FY 2021 and FY 2023 for HBCU-enrolled students through federal financial aid and educational benefits for veterans; and, so far in FY 2024, over $900 million for DofED programs strengthening HBCUs as institutions.

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As a premier international provider of workforce development and educational products, BOMI is dedicated to improving the skills of professionals with property, facilities and engineering responsibilities. BOMI’s programs serve professionals in the commercial real estate industry, including office, industrial, retail, hospitality, healthcare, government and educational buildings. The Institute’s industry-recognized courses and programs have been proven to reduce operating expenses, increase overall efficiency, and enhance individual performance, adding value to any organization and making BOMI the trusted source for education by industry professionals and employers. But don’t just take their word for it.

The BOMI learner survey results are in:

• 99% improved their subject knowledge with BOMI programs
• 97% improved their job performance and overall career
• 94% say BOMI programs exceeded their expectations
• 99% would recommend BOMI programs to a colleague

What are you waiting for? Advance your career today! Get started >>

Gridd, a low-profile raised floor and cable management system, is made from steel, one of the most durable materials, has minimal components and is infinitely reusable. Gridd is composed of interconnecting components (think LEGO bricks and elements) and does not require fasteners, screws, or rivets that may wear out over time. Due to its design, onsite construction waste is reduced to near zero. 

Reconfiguration and restacking are constants for facilities today, and making changes swiftly is key. Gridd Power, a 50A modular bus system, is a fast and flexible power distribution solution. Running seamlessly in the channels of the Gridd raised access flooring system, Gridd Power replaces obsolete power cabling, and demonstrates unparalleled flexibility. Together, the Gridd systems allow for easy reconfiguration and adjustment to meet changing layouts and power requirements.

To learn how the Gridd system can contribute to your organization’s ESG goals, download The Circular Economy of Gridd.

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On June 7 and 8, the jury for this year’s highly anticipated Best of NeoCon competition will evaluate 295 new product submissions in person at THE MART in Chicago. View the 2024 Gallery of Best of NeoCon Entrants. Winners will be announced on Monday, June 10, marking an exciting kickoff to the NeoCon 2024 show June 10-12. Handpicked from diverse industries and realms of expertise, the 52 Best of NeoCon jurors bring a wealth of experience and insight into the nuances of product design and specification, along with a profound understanding of evolving industry trends.

Best of NeoCon Jury: Education

Education environments have particular specification requirements and must meet the unique needs of students and their teachers. Judging 33 products within six categories of Education Solutions, as is fitting, are education design specialists and representatives from higher education institutions. Among these education experts are:

• Michelle Kollmann, Associate Principal, Ayers Saint Gross, Tempe, AZ
• Eleana Lynch, Associate Principal, Interior Designer, SLAM, Glastonbury, CT
• John Muckler, Director Facilities and Operations, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Janeallison Ng, Interior Designer, Solomon Cordwell Buenz, Chicago, IL
• Emily Perrotta, Senior Project Interior Designer, Associate, Ballinger, Philadelphia, PA
• Athi Toufexis, Principal, StudioGC, Chicago, IL

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Taking place July 13-16 in Philadelphia, the BOMA International Conference & Expo 2024 is a resource for solutions and knowledge that empowers building owners and managers and facility managers (FMs). Themed “Reimagining Commercial RE” for 2024, this year’s conference will deliver the insights and skill-building opportunities that property professionals need to stay on the cutting edge as the industry continues to transform. View the complete BOMA schedule here.

At the conference, you’ll have access to over 40 education sessions led by forward-thinking experts, covering a wide range of topics that are relevant to your property and career goals. You’ll also have the chance to gain fresh perspectives from special keynotes and network with 1800 peers at engaging networking events. This wealth of information and connections will equip you with practical strategies for leveraging the innovative tools and technologies showcased at the expo.

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The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has updated a specification establishing the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and/or water penetration resistance performance of newly installed fenestration products. FGIA document AAMA 503-24, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems, last updated in 2014, is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store.



In this new edition, the Testing Criteria of Commercial Fenestration Updates Task Group completed a full technical review of the specification. A new section about significance and use was added. Sections addressing sampling, site preparation and responsible parties were expanded. The section on test procedures was also revised, clarifying that air leakage resistance testing under AAMA 503 is optional. Definitions of water penetration were also updated.

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

The 2022 New York City Building Code is based on the 2018 IBC and applies to all buildings. The provisions of this code apply to the construction, alteration, movement, addition, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures. It references the NYC Electrical Code, Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Fire Code and Energy Conservation Code.

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