2024 has been quite the year, to put it mildly. Between once in a lifetime extreme weather events, recalls, shifting industries standards, technology innovations and more, the facilities management industry has been racked with a series of challenges. In case you didn’t notice, though, there isn’t a challenge that a facility manager isn’t willing to take on.
Throughout the course of the year, FMs continued to move forward, regardless of any obstacle that got in their way. By remaining flexible and adaptable, industry professionals were able to reap any rewards and benefits that came their way.
"Facility management requires a broad skillset and knowledge base. Our most popular articles certainly reflect this," says Dan Weltin, editor-in-chief facility market. "From newer technologies such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicle charging to everyday challenges like fire safety, facility personnel need to stay on top of current trends. I'm proud that FacilitiesNet continues to be a valued resource for the industry."
FacilitiesNet’s most read articles of 2024 discuss a range of topics that are currently impacting the industry. These articles offer insights and information to help managers progress throughout the course of this challenging year and give a heads up on what’s to come in 2025.
10.) Topeka's West Ridge Mall Reimagined: New Life
A mall in Kansas got a new life this year through a mix of office space retail stores. This article details the design process and the city’s reception to the revitalized building.
9.) EV Charging Stations: Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Common misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles can cost facility managers and organizations who do not prepare for the emerging technology a pretty penny. In this article, senior editor Dan Hounsell explains how managers can plan strategically for the additions of electric vehicle charging stations in order to avoid costly mistakes.
8.) NFPA 72 Requirements for Fire Alarm Notification Systems
In part of their series on fire safety, Wayne D. Moore and Larry D. Rietz answer common questions surrounding NFPA 72 requirements for fire alarm notification systems.
7.) 6 Steps to Conduct a Risk Assessment
In this article, Facility Influencer Jim Turner narrows down six steps to conduct a risk assessment. With his guidance, the process will help reduce the likelihood of a risk event and lower the severity of its impact on operations.
The sixth annual FacilitiesNet Vision Awards was announced earlier this year, honoring innovation and excellence in products that contribute to the efficient, profitable operations and management of institutional and commercial buildings in the country. The article announces our winners of 2024.
5.) HVAC Takes Center Stage at Trump Trial
President-elect Donald Trump was on trial earlier this year for falsifying business records. However, complaints about the temperature in the courtroom was the talk of the town. Trump’s attorney asked if the judge could heat up the court room as many thought the facility was too cold.
4.) Electric Phase Loss: Challenges and Solutions
Power outages can be stressful, frightening and costly for facilities. Contributing writer Joe Faiola explains what facility managers can do to minimize damage caused by common failures in the system by using utility single-phasing.
Fire prevention starts with identifying fire hazards within your facility. In this article, contributing writer Amy Wunderlin identifies the top four common fire hazards and what facility managers can do to better protect their buildings.
2.) 4 Ways AI Will Benefit Facility Managers
Interest in artificial intelligence only grew in 2024 with different industries looking into how the technology will benefit them. In this video, Facility Influencer Shawn Black outlines four different ways AI will impact the facilities management industry and the ways it will improve services.
1.) Keeping E-Waste from Landfills
The amount of e-waste that is generated is worrisome. As of 2030, only 20 percent of all e-waste is recycled, and e-waste produces 70 percent of the toxic waste in the world’s landfills. In this article, executive editor Dave Lubach details how facility managers can keep e-waste out of landfills.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.
