News and Updates - Knowledge Library - Knowledge Library

Knowledge Library
- 14 May 2018
- 1285 views
Happy World FM Day

*Content has now been moved back to the Knowledge Pass Access Level.* We are celebrating World FM Day the entire week! Facility management professionals are vital to creating and maintaining the built environment and the Knowledge Library is thrilled to be part of the celebration. We see and appreciate all your behind-the-scenes efforts and long hours to provide safe productive environments — not just this week...
Knowledge Library
- 30 Apr 2018
- 896 views
Featured Content for May: Operations and Maintenance

Operations and maintenance (O&M) may seem routine; but protecting life and property and ensuring optimal performance of your facility now and into the future is anything but humdrum. Browse O&M-related content for guidance on keeping your facility, its systems and equipment, and occupants/users safe, compliant and operating at peak efficiency. Want more? Consider becoming a registered user or IFMA member to...
Knowledge Library
- 2 Apr 2018
- 949 views
Featured Content for April: Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability

Implementing sustainable practices to meet environmental goals and standards can be as simple as changing a lightbulb or as progressive as rainwater harvesting. Greening your facility can involve a broad range of projects, strategies and products. The Knowledge Library provides research, tools and guidance on implementing, measuring and monitoring sustainable FM programs. Want more? Consider becoming a registered user...
Knowledge Library
- 21 Mar 2018
- 783 views
Energy Efficiency Improvements with LED Lighting

Justin Stouch, Stouch Lighting Retrofitting your current lighting with an energy efficient LED solution can save you up to 80% in annual (recurring) energy costs. The savings are so significant that you can finance the replacement of your legacy lighting with the cost savings you will realize from retrofitting your facilities with modern LED technology. When evaluating energy savings from advanced LED lights it’s...
Knowledge Library
- 21 Mar 2018
- 696 views
The FM Innovator Podcast

“The FM Innovator” is a weekly podcast hosted by Mike Petrusky where he and various FM industry leaders discuss workplace trends, challenges, and the future of the built environment. Petrusky has graciously granted the Knowledge Library access to each episode. To search available episodes simply type “ FM Innovator ” in the Title/Keyword search box or follow this link . Happy Learning!
Knowledge Library
- 21 Mar 2018
- 487 views
The Knowledge Library Honors Top Performing Authors for 2017

This spring the Knowledge Library hosted its first author appreciation and recognition. Over the course of three years since the launch of the KL so much has changed, but the one constant has been the amazing volunteers who make its existence possible. Once a year we recognize and award top performing volunteers who vet the Knowledge Library content. This usually occurs during the World Workplace Conference and Expo...
Knowledge Library
- 27 Feb 2018
- 888 views
Featured Content for March: Technology

New technologies are designed to make work easier; but trying to determine the best tech to implement in your workplace for your workforce isn't so easy. This month's featured library content offers advice on integrating technology into the built environment, and the benefits of connecting with colleagues to find proven solutions to technical problems. Search the library By Competency > Technology to find...
Knowledge Library
- 31 Jan 2018
- 1473 views
February featured content: Government Relations

Decisions made in Washington, D.C., are increasingly influencing the FM profession. From common sense solutions for energy efficiency to the importance of FM training, it's our responsibility to not only understand and benefit from policies affecting the built environment, but also provide the FM perspective to our elected officials. Some of the following features require IFMA Member or Knowledge Pass access levels...
Knowledge Library
- 8 Jan 2018
- 1195 views
What are millennials really like in the workplace?

Michelle Ervin, Editor of Canadian Facility Management & Design Are millennials really the acclaim-craving, job-hopping, social-media junkies they have variously been portrayed as? The answer, apparently, is a resounding no. That’s according to the Fortune magazine article “Five myths about millennials in the workplace,” whose message was recently reiterated by a panel of International Facility...
Knowledge Library
- 3 Jan 2018
- 1379 views
January featured content: Quality

Ensuring a high level of organizational quality requires the ability to manage, measure and monitor standards, work processes and FM services, among other areas. But it's not just about oversight. Applying your expertise and vision to develop and implement process improvements is expected. Refresh your approach to quality in the FM organization with featured content. Some of the following features require IFMA Member...
Knowledge Library
- 20 Dec 2017
- 1260 views
Upgrading and Renovating Technology Services in the Multifamily Residential Industry

By Michael Slovin, VP, Xfinity Communities Developers, owners and facility managers in the U.S. multifamily residential industry have some serious work to do. A June study commissioned by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) revealed that the country needs an estimated 4.6 million new apartments by 2030 to accommodate growing demand. This increasing need –...
Knowledge Library
- 20 Dec 2017
- 1196 views
The FM of Tomorrow

Jake Gunnoe, Ph.D., Jacob Kashiwagi, Ph.D. The State of the Industry In a rapidly changing world, the FM industry is struggling to keep up. The FM is not seen as a core component of most organizations; it is a technical support service, and a cost of doing business. Automation is beginning to dominate the workplace. Many technical job functions will soon be replaced by machines and artificial intelligence. If the...
Chris
- 20 Dec 2017
- 1372 views
New on FMJ: Technology & Next-Generation FM

From blockchain to Big Data, disruptive technology and a shifting workforce are reshaping facility management. Change is nothing new for FM professionals – they’ve been leading change in the built environment since facilities made the shift from gas to electric lighting. In the November/December issue of FMJ, experts and longtime FMs reflect on new technologies and how to incorporate them into present-day...
Knowledge Library
- 30 Nov 2017
- 1915 views
December featured content: Communication

Effective communication can persuade, motivate, build trust and avoid confusion. Skilled communicators make sure ideas and initiatives are not only understood, but embraced. Choosing the right words, at the right time can help employees and partners feel more connected, instill confidence in customers and impress decision makers. Higher Level Communication Raising the Bar 3: From Operational Excellence to Strategic...
Knowledge Library
- 30 Oct 2017
- 3047 views
Featured Content for November: Project Management

Effective project management (PM) requires sharp organizational and communication skills. The range of PM tasks spans budgeting, scheduling, negotiation, space allocation, training, tracking and joint accountability with other team members. Whether you're overseeing a new construction, renovation or other facility project, this month's featured content provides expert guidance on honing PM skills. Raising...
Knowledge Library
- 29 Oct 2017
- 1432 views
Key Takeaways from the Latest FMJ

-Jocelyn Kerr, Editor, FMJ The September/October 2017 issue of FMJ explores the intersection of the built environment, a productive workforce and how to create collaborative spaces that meet the needs of the next generation of workers. "People, Process, Place" brings together industry-leading expert advice and tips to make the FM's job easier. How did a century-old greeting card company completely reinvent...
Knowledge Library
- 11 Oct 2017
- 1180 views
FM Advocacy Day Recap

-Christine Neldon CFM, IFMA Fellow On September 13, IFMA delegates (myself included) converged to Washington, DC for FM Advocacy Day . It was a totally eye-opening experience. There was one day of briefing on what to expect and the next day we were off to whirlwind meetings. Standing on the Capitol steps for a group photo, we had our first glimpse of the stately and immense federal buildings. Little did we know that...
Knowledge Library
- 11 Oct 2017
- 1315 views
Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate the Importance of Lighting

-Justin Stouch Lighting is an often-underestimated facet of buildings, outdoor spaces, and interiors. It can serve to enhance, detract, annoy, highlight, or even hide certain features. Even more important, lighting can play a crucial part in the energy consumption and environmental footprint of a building or space. Let's examine different ways that LED lighting solutions can be used for both interior and exterior...
Knowledge Library
- 11 Oct 2017
- 1240 views
Higher Level Communication

Geoff Snavely, co-host of The FM Innovator podcast, episode "Higher Level Communication-Translating Great Ideas Into Action" provided useful insight into the inspiration behind the really interesting and insightful conversation that provided helpful tips for communicating in the workplace. "I am so fortunate to have an opportunity to spend time with Facilities Management Professionals daily. In those...
Knowledge Library
- 4 Oct 2017
- 1185 views
Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace

In light of the recent events in Las Vegas our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with the many families whose lives have forever been changed. With this and other recent events in mind, the need to quickly and effectively secure our facilities, workers, and patrons is more important than ever. IFMAs Knowledge Library has compiled 11 documents to provide facility managers with the tools to prepare for this and other...
Knowledge Library
- 1 Oct 2017
- 1451 views
October featured content: Leadership and Strategy

Leaders have vision, passion and drive. They take on tough challenges, innovate and problem-solve. They support and inspire their team because they know that success isn't achieved single-handedly. They plan strategically and communicate thoroughly. This month's content provides leadership strategies for workplace location decisions, planning for business resilience and managing change productively. Click on...
Knowledge Library
- 4 Sep 2017
- 1518 views
September featured content: Human factors

Facility managers develop and implement practices that support the performance and goals of the entire organization - this includes creating spaces conducive to innovation, providing safe and healthy environments, and supporting employee retention and productivity. Browse recently added content to better understand and address human factors in the workplace â€” from resistance to change and employee satisfaction...
Knowledge Library
- 30 Jul 2017
- 1576 views
August featured content: Emergency Planning & Business Continuity

Security risks to your systems, digital assets and people can be addressed by the same three areas you're trying to protect - encrypted systems, automated safeguards and employee training are all part of a solid security plan. Browse new content on smart safety measures for your facilities. Click on the titles below to link directly to each recently added resource: What Kind of Access Control is Right for You? The...
Knowledge Library
- 29 Jun 2017
- 2229 views
July featured content: Finance and Business

FM is building a presence in the C-suite, and facility managers have a growing opportunity to communicate the connections between FM operations and achieving financial objectives. Browse the recently added content below to learn more about representing the business side of FM in your organization. Click on the titles below to link directly to each recently added resource: 3 Ways to Optimize Your Resources for Growth...
Knowledge Library
- 28 Jun 2017
- 1304 views
Wednesday Weekly Tip: FMJ in the Knowledge Library

Welcome to your Wednesday Weekly Tips! We continue to add content pieces thanks to the many contributors that see the value in adding their content to the Knowledge Library. We are proud to feature pieces in the Knowledge Library from our own IFMA's official magazine, FMJ. The magazine is written by and for workplace professionals. The pieces featured in the Knowledge Library have their own cover image to help...