International Green Construction Code (IGCC) Now in the Works

Code officials could see a new universal regulatory framework to guide the design and construction of green commercial buildings by the end of next year. On June 29, the American Institute of Architects, along with the International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), announced their intent to create an International Green Construction Code (IGCC). More.     More

Facilities America to be Held Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2009 - Register Today!

AFE will present Facilities America, a comprehensive conference program on the latest in facilities management topics being held in conjunction with the Carolina Industrial & Facility Maintenance Show October 29 – November 1 in Greenville, SC. More

Obama, Chu Roll Out New Lighting Rules and $346 Million for Energy Efficient Buildings

With Energy Secretary Steven Chu by his side, U.S. President Barack Obama detailed stricter new lighting standards and promised the swift release of $346 million in Recovery Act funds to boost energy efficiency in new and existing commercial buildings and homes. MoreMore

Invisibility Cloaks May Shield Buildings from Earthquakes

We all know that invisibility cloaks can protect Harry Potter from Filch and his cat Mrs. Norris, but now physicists in France and the U.K. say they may be used to hide buildings from the devastating effects of earthquakes as well. Sound like fiction? It’s not! Stefan Enoch and his team at the Fresnel Institute in Marseilles, France have been studying other applications for the physics behind invisibility cloaks. The result of their research is an “earthquake cloak” that could render objects “invisible” to shocks, storm waves or tsunamis. 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

Sears Tower to Be Revamped to Produce Most of Its Own Power

The Sears Tower, that bronze-black monument that forms the 110-story peak of the skyline here and stands as the tallest office building in the Western Hemisphere, will soon have another unique feature: wind turbines sprouting from its recessed rooftops high in the sky. MoreMore

Hard Rock Plans Europe's Biggest Casino in Hungary

Hard Rock International and two Austrian companies are to build a huge five-billion-euro casino complex in Hungary. Once completed, the complex will ultimately have 1,264 hotel rooms, 6,000 slot machines, 400 gaming tables, two 20-table poker rooms and two sports betting shops, making it the biggest casino in Europe. More