Arc Skoru has launched the Arc Re-Entry platform to support the safe reoccupancy of buildings during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Providing facilities owners and managers with a set of tools for data acquisition and analysis, Arc Re-Entry can be used to:
LEO A DALY published a white paper in June of 2020 detailing strategies for academic campus operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Created by a group of planners, architects, and engineers specializing in higher education, the report explores how emerging guidelines can be applied to existing buildings. The team applied design thinking to three key areas:
Purdue University released the "Protect Purdue" strategic reopening plan in June of 2020. Incorporating the latest scientific guidance, the university has developed an array of tools and operational protocols to safely resume campus activities while limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The plan aims to create a culture of safety and accountability through a universal pledge by students, faculty, and staff to assume personal responsibility for protecting themselves, others, and the Purdue community.
The International WELL Building Institute launched the WELL Health-Safety Rating for all building and facility types in June of 2020. The evidence-based, third-party-verified rating system focuses on operational policies, maintenance protocols, and design strategies for the post-COVID-19 environment.
The University of Mount Union has created an innovative plan to safely resume instructional and residential operations in fall of 2020 in Alliance, Ohio. As well as making modifications to all areas of campus including classrooms, housing, dining areas, and group meeting spaces, the university will implement the Social Distancing Learning Model which includes both face-to-face and remote instruction.
Morgan Stanley will resume trading at its New York headquarters by late June of 2020. Leveraging insights from the experience of reopening its offices in Asia, the company is implementing pre-entry temperature checks and incorporating signage for walking routes that maintain appropriate social distancing. Welcome kits will be provided that include hand sanitizer and masks, which will be worn whenever employees are away from their desks. The corporate cafeteria will offer boxed meals that can be ordered via app, with meeting rooms remaining closed for the present.
Gensler has published the results of its U.S. Work from Home Survey. The study explored the current experience of working from home during the pandemic and how this is influencing people’s expectations for the future workplace. The survey was conducted to help provide greater insight into the work-from-home experience and how the workplace will be designed in the post-COVID world. As a result, Gensler is building a better understanding of how to address pre-pandemic workplace issues, including the need for more space, less desk sharing, and more autonomy.
FM:Systems is offering a webcast that will enable facilities managers to connect data with effective decision making to drive strategic organizational change in response to SARS-CoV-2. "Understanding COVID's Impact on Your Organization's Space Utilization & Metrics" will air at 11:30 AM EST on June 10, 2020.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) released the Re-occupancy Assessment Tool in May of 2020 to provide strategies for limiting exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in buildings. Offering a framework of strategies and general mitigation measures, the tool was developed by AIA’s Disaster Assistance Committee to provide public officials, businesses, and architects with practices that protect occupant health, safety, and welfare.
Merrick & Company are offering a free webinar on strategies for returning to work during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The one-hour session will begin at 1:00 PM EDT on May 7, 2020.
Leading global infrastructure firm AECOM has set ambitious targets for reducing emissions to combat climate change. These targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in April of 2020. At the time of approval, AECOM was the first and only US-based company in the engineering and construction sector to have set approved targets.
FM:Systems is offering a webcast on the use of digital solutions to enhance productivity on May 14, 2020. If you would like to build a smarter workplace, optimize space utilization, and enhance employee experience, FM Systems’ strategies will enable you to leverage connected devices and applications to deliver the flexibility that your staff require. By the end of 2020, mobile workers will account for 75 percent of the total workforce.
Vermeulens has released its market outlook report for the fourth quarter of 2019. Key points include:
Vermeulens has released its market outlook report for the first quarter of 2019. Key points include:
The Center for Active Design will release Fitwel v2.1 in June of 2019. Promoting the creation of facilities that optimize health, Fitwel was developed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the Center for Active Design acting as its licensed operator. The updated version of Fitwel includes a new construction pathway for pre-occupancy and post-occupancy projects and now provides both a Design Certification and a Built Certification. Existing facilities will continue to be eligible for certification in the Built category.
