Information Technology - July 2013
EPA expands list of Safer Chemical Ingredients for cleaning products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added more than 130 chemicals to its Safer Chemical Ingredients List, including 119 chemicals that use fragrance for commercial and consumer cleaning products.
7/31/2013
Regular HVAC maintenance practices help improve energy efficiency in chillers
While many managers look to chiller retrofits, system add-ons, or even replacements to improve efficiency, many overlook the single most important factor in determining both chiller efficiency and reliability: maintenance.
7/24/2013
Successful plumbing retrofits hinge on specifying best products for job
Perhaps the most daunting challenge in planning plumbing retrofits is specifying the most appropriate products to ensure the upgrade achieves its goals.
7/23/2013
Submetering technology helps facilities pursue greater energy efficiency
But due to rising utility costs, a growing number of maintenance and engineering managers have turned to submetering to more accurately track utility costs for numerous areas within facilities.
7/22/2013
U.S. government grants top $916 million for healthcare disaster preparedness
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports it has awarded more than $916 million to continue improving preparedness and health outcomes for a wide range of public health threats within every state.
7/19/2013
Measurement and verification can help maintain building efficiency, improve LEED scores
Measurement and verification can be an excellent vehicle for facility managers and building operators to maintain the long-term health and efficiency of their buildings.
7/19/2013
Best practices in essential areas can aid managers in specifying facility signage
Maintenance and engineering managers need to address a range of essential areas when selecting signage and sign-making equipment for their departments and facilities.
7/18/2013
Uncertain business climate makes strategic facility planning more important than ever
Many facility managers opt out of strategic planning these days in favor of just coping with the idiosyncrasies of their corporate environment. However, experts say the concept of strategic planning is more relevant in our current uncertain business climate than before.
7/17/2013
Ten states prepare for secure exchange of health records after disasters
Ten state health information exchange (HIE) programs have teamed to allow for the exchange of health information among providers caring for patients who are displaced from their homes due to wide-spread disaster such as hurricanes or tornados.
7/17/2013
White House names 11 'Champions' in Public Health, Climate Change
These 11 individuals are being recognized for their contributions and leadership in promoting healthcare environmental sustainability, raising awareness about the potential health consequences of climate change, and helping their communities prepare for climate related health impacts.
7/17/2013
Symposium to offer tips, best practices for hospital parking operations
The Cleveland Clinic, in cooperation with the International Parking Institute (IPI), is offering a two-day Parking CARES Symposium Aug. 5 and 6 to highlight best practices from the clinic's award-winning parking operations.
7/16/2013
Florida hospital closes operating rooms due to infestation of flying ants
A hospital in Pensacola, Fla., was forced to close a suite of operating rooms July 8 because of a sudden infestation of flying ants.
7/16/2013
Energy Star upgrades Portfolio Manager in response to benchmarking trends
In July 2013, after several years of work, EPA launched a major retooling and upgrade of the Portfolio Manager tool.
7/11/2013
Grounds care activities can have big impact on environment
Grounds managers need to consider many activities — from irrigation and mulching, to plant selection and maintenance — in their efforts to make landscapes more environmentally friendly.
7/8/2013
Voting open until July 15 for 2013 Maintenance Solutions Achievement Awards
Voting is currently underway on Facebook for the Maintenance Solutions 2013 Achievement Awards, with a voter deadline of July 15.
7/5/2013
Updated FTC Green Guides: What Environmental Services managers need to know
The latest revisions of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Green Guides should put an end to misleading environmental marketing claims.
7/5/2013
Annual inspection of doors, hardware can aid in facility performance, safety
To provide desired levels of performance and safety, maintenance and engineering managers need to develop and implement an inspection program that targets doors and door hardware.
7/3/2013