Save on taxes and energy with the right ceilings; SAFCO tech-enabled furniture; VCT flooring in interior design; Federal purchasing rules overhauled; Chicago earns 1st Gold Healthy Green Schools

May 2025

Enjoy tax and energy savings with the right ceiling solutions

Thanks to recent innovation pairing mineral fiber ceiling panels with phase change material technology (PCM), architects, designers, FMs and other key players in construction and renovation projects are re-thinking the role ceilings play in supporting environmental objectives, especially energy savings, says Armstrong World Industries. As a space warms — typically during the day when it is occupied or receives sunlight — the crystalized PCM encased in the ceiling gradually dissolves, passively cooling the space while it absorbs heat. As the room cools at night or during low-occupancy times, the stored heat is released into the space and the PCM re-solidifies. In this way, heat transfers naturally into and out of the ceiling panels at 72 degrees, allowing it to be effective for both cooling and heating.

Advantages of PCM ceiling panels stem from the fact that they support thermal comfort with no mechanics, energy expenditure, or fossils fuels to burn. A valuable, sustainable solution for a world prioritizing decarbonization, ceiling panels with PCM technology can reduce energy costs and consumption by as much as 15% while simplifiying installation ----enhancing sound blocking and as well as improve thermal comfort and enhance sound blocking. Read more . . .

SAFCO's TechWorks tech-enabled furniture: Shaping the future of vocational learning spaces

As education increasingly emphasizes practical, career-focused learning, vocational programs are gaining traction. Trade school enrollment has risen nearly 5% since 2020, outpacing traditional four-year colleges. Rising tuition costs, demand for skilled labor, and clearer career paths are drawing in Gen Z and non-traditional students. Social media is also reshaping perceptions, showcasing the success and hands-on appeal of the trades.

While vocational education was once stigmatized, attitudes are shifting. A Jobber survey found that 74% of young people still perceive a stigma, but growing workforce needs are changing the narrative. Skilled trades like HVAC are seeing 15% annual job growth, with wages up more than 20% since 2020. Technical fields such as healthcare and IT are also expanding — nurse practitioners alone are projected to grow 46% by 2031.

Despite this momentum, many vocational facilities remain outdated. SAFCO’s TechWorks line offers modern, tech-enabled solutions built for adaptability. With durable benches in multiple sizes and a modular frame supporting shelves, pegboards, lighting, and power, TechWorks is ideal for labs, classrooms and engineering spaces. Reconfigurable and resilient, it helps institutions create future-ready environments that support engagement, skill-building, and long-term success.

Visit SAFCO's NeoCon Showroom 1054A.

Chicago Public Schools is first to earn Gold under Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Standard

Healthy Schools Campaign has just announced that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has achieved Gold Certification under the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Standard, becoming the first school district in the nation to be awarded this prestigious recognition.

This milestone marks a powerful step forward in the national movement to create healthier, more sustainable learning environments through best-in-class facilities management practices.

Healthy Green Schools & Colleges is a first-of-its-kind national framework that provides a practical framework to help districts work towards and celebrate a set of goals related to improving indoor air quality, protecting the health of students and staff, and reducing their overall environmental footprint.

HGSC certification not only provides national recognition but also offers a practical roadmap for the process of pursuing more sustainable operations. Read more . . .

Rediscovering VCT flooring in interior design

Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) from AHF Products — available under the Armstrong Flooring and AHF Contract brands — has been a trusted flooring solution in commercial spaces like schools, retail, and main street environments for nearly 80 years. As the only domestic VCT manufacturer, AHF Products offers more than 100 color options, making it a go-to for designers seeking performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. More customers are returning to VCT for its reliability and versatile design palette. AHF now backs its VCT with an extended warranty: up to 20 years standard or up to 30 years when paired with its Strong System — a suite of subfloor preparation products built for high-demand commercial applications.

One standout project is Thomas M. Peirce Elementary in North Philadelphia (Blackney Hayes Architects). Designed to support 21st-century learning, the school features bright, colorful VCT flooring that enhances the space while serving as an intuitive wayfinding system for students. Combining vibrant color with exceptional durability, these floors are built to look great for years to come. Visit AHF Products at NeoCon, Booth #7-5068. Explore more at UnexpectedlyCreative.

GSA, OMB, NASA, DoD overhaul federal purchasing rules

In a move to rein in government inefficiency and protect taxpayer dollars, President Trump launched the most significant update to federal purchasing rules in over four decades on April 16. To support that initiative, on May 6, the General Services Administration (GSA) published the new Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) page at Acquisition.gov. The RFO’s goal is to modernize the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the rulebook agencies follow when buying everything from software to military equipment.

This effort is being led by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) in partnership with the GSA, Department of Defense (DoD), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as members of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council. The RFO website promotes transparency in the deregulation process and aligns with the efforts to accelerate procurement, reduce costs and increase competition, says OMB.

The initiative includes the development of buying guides — practical, category-specific resources that help agencies make better purchasing decisions in areas like technology, infrastructure and national defense. The first guide will focus on Software as a Service (SaaS), with more to follow. Read more . . .

Education environment designers consider modular and stacking seating, cafe tables, and tech-based solutions as Best of NeoCon jurors

NeoCon, the world’s premier fair for commercial design, has announced a powerhouse jury for the 2025 Best of NeoCon Awards. The competition includes these categories for the team of jurors of specialize in education environments: furniture for modular and stacking seating, café tables, task lighting, technology accessories and support devices, and technology-integrated solutions.

Now in its 35th year, the industry-leading competition features an on-site panel of top architects, designers, facility managers and business media who conduct an in-depth review of the latest solutions shaping contract environments. Multidisciplinary professionals across workplace, healthcare, education, retail and hospitality sectors evaluate 40 plus categories — from furnishings and architectural products to surface materials and more. With specialized knowledge of design for college, university and K-12 educational environments, the 2025 roster includes these professionals:

Toni Gock Wyre, owner/principal, DesignWyre Studio, Conway, Arkansas, and the director of the interior design program at the University of Central Arkansas
Merrilee Hertlein, principal, Mackey Mitchell Architects, St. Louis
Alaina Penn, interior designer, Praxis3, Atlanta
Emily Perrotta, senior project designer, associate, Ballinger, Philadelphia
Jinmin Rhee, associate partner, Pei Cobb Freed and Partners, New York
Brad Robichaux, global practice director, Education Interiors, HKS, Dallas