LEED 2009 to Include LEED Credits for Regional Environmental Priorities

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released the LEED regional credits as part of LEED 2009, the new version of the LEED Green Building Rating System. These LEED credits encourage that specific regional environmental priorities be addressed when it comes to the design, construction and operations of buildings in different geographic locations. More     More

Swine Flu: Top 20 Answers You Need to Know

With more outbreaks of the new strain of swine flu come outbreaks of misinformation and rumor. This article has 20 questions answered by infectious disease expert Charles Ericsson, MD, professor of internal medicine and director of travel medicine at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Also, Robert Emery, DrPH, vice president for safety, health, environment and risk management at UT Health Science Center and associate professor in the UT School of Public Health explains common sense preparedness and prevention of illness. More

AFE 2009 Member-Get-A-Member Campaign: Who Do You Know That Could Benefit from Membership in AFE?

Only you can best communicate the value of AFE membership. AFE provides the tools and information you need for day-to-day success as well as the long-term support for advancing your career. With more members comes a stronger Association, stronger products and services… a stronger profession! And a strong word-of-mouth marketing campaign is the surest way to promote AFE’s continued growth. Click here for the Member-Get-A-Member flyer to forward to your network of colleagues – Get the word out about AFE! More

Downtown Los Angeles Skyscraper gets ‘Gold’ Environmental Certification

The recently renovated AT&T Center in Los Angeles, formerly known as the Transamerica Center, has received the first gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for an existing downtown building. More

AFE Webinars: Top-Notch Facilities Training

AFE's virtual classes provide a one-stop educational resource for the plant/facilities engineering, operations, and maintenance professional. Classes are taught by experienced representatives from the field. In addition, each course equates to 0.1 CEU or recertification credit for individuals currently holding AFE credentialing (CPE, CPMM or CPS). Plus – it's free for AFE Members! For information on upcoming classes, Click here.More

In Israel, Solar Power That Won’t Need Subsidies

In a country that ranks among the world’s highest for average number of sunny days per year, solar energy has long been seen as a key natural resource here. All the more fitting that on the eve of its Independence Day Israel launched what it said was the first solar farm of its kind, billed as a breakthrough that will make it affordable to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. More

AFE Joins the ENERGY STAR Partner Program

AFE has joined the ENERGY STAR Partner program to promote improved energy efficiency within the facilities environment. Recognized by more than 60% of US consumers nationwide, ENERGY STAR works with over 12,000 public and private sector organizations that ensure energy efficient products and practices help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Products, homes, and buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. AFE is proud to be able to recommend energy efficient products to its members and their clients, and is dedicated to educating its members on renewable energy systems as well as energy efficient choices for lighting, appliances, and technology. More

Wimbledon Set to Debut Innovative Retractable Roof

Soon, playing tennis at Wimbledon will no longer depend on the weather forecast, nor will spectators have to entertain themselves while they wait for the rain to stop and the courts to dry. A new retractable roof has been installed over Centre Court and the air management systems are currently being tested in preparation for its official debut in May. This new roof will is made out of translucent fully recyclable fabric, minimizing building materials while allowing daylight to stream down from above. The design will conclude the All England Club’s Long Term Plan, providing greater security for the grass courts, decreased play delays and more comfortable viewing for fans. More

Call for Speakers - Facilities America 2009, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, Greenville, S.C.

AFE is now soliciting abstracts for presentations from knowledgeable professionals in industry, government, military, public education and academia for a comprehensive conference program on the latest facilities management topics at Facilities America 2009. Submissions should be in the form of individual presentations or panel discussions. Sessions are 1-½ hours in length. More     More

Cambridge Architectural Solucent System Shades Sun, Saves Energy at the University of Washington

A Solucent woven metal mesh application from Cambridge Architectural provides a first-of-its-kind exterior shading and daylighting system, dramatically reducing solar heat gain and cooling costs for a new facility on the University of Washington’s South Lake Union campus. More