he new year always tends to bring cautious optimism. 2025 was different, though. Five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world finally started to adjust to a “new normal.” However, when the Trump Administration went back to the White House earlier this year, many industries had to adjust to the daily changes that were being made. But one of the strongest qualities a facility manager holds is their ability to adapt and remain flexible – regardless of the constant changes being made.
Throughout this year, facility managers continued to bring the industry forward by utilizing new technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics. In addition, the adoption of new technologies helped gain the interest of the youngest generation of workers, slowly closing the labor gap. By being life-long learners, industry professionals were able to reap any rewards and benefits that came their way.
"Our top 10 articles reflect the diversity of knowledge that facility management leaders have to embrace to excel in their positions," says Dave Lubach, chief editor for the facilities market. "From leading energy saving projects to finding employees to fill technician positions, the challenges are great for our readers, but they keep clearing these hurdles every day. I'm proud that FacilitiesNet serves as a resources for our readers to do their jobs better."
FacilitiesNet’s most read articles of 2025 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 2026.
In his editorial for September, former editor-in-chief Dan Weltin introduces the latest class of Vision Award recipients. The award honors innovation and excellence in products contributing to the efficient, profitable operations and management of institutional and commercial buildings in the United States. To view the full list of winners, please click here.
It was a record hot summer this past year and air conditioning systems were pushed to their limits. While some facilities can handle it when their systems break down, but healthcare facilities don’t have that same luxury. In July, 45 patients were transferred to a Chicago hospital because of failed chiller units, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees within the facility. However, 21 of the transferred patients were placed in a healthcare facility owned by the same company that was also facing the same issues.
A statement from the hospital explained that two faulty air handling units had caused hot zones in the facility, resulting in unsafe temperatures.
Earlier this year, many sustainability initiatives were slashed by the Trump Administration, but that didn’t stop many facilities across the country from moving forward with their own sustainable mission.
Catholic University of America’s solar array farm boosts sustainability efforts on campus and beyond. Once the installation of a solar farm was established as a viable project, the main goal became to generate renewable energy not only for university use but to share with the community at large.
The Lubbock County Law Enforcement Center had a roof that was installed when the building was first constructed in the 1970s. Nearly 50 years later, it became plagued with leaks, leading Natalie Harvill, director of operations for Lubbock County to undertake the roofing project. Chief editor Dave Lubach dives deep on how the facility was able to resolve water leaks and meet building’s current needs.
When the University of Nebraska – Lincoln's campus recreation team set out to renovate its fitness center, they had a few set goals: deliver more value to students through expanded access, new training modalities and a space that embodied the spirit of its students. This case study goes into detail on how the university was able to achieve their goals.
Houston, Texas is expected to become the third most populous U.S. city in the coming years. To support this growth, the city has begun adding modern commercial skyscrapers, high-end residential towers and the right infrastructure.
The Bank of America Tower is just the latest addition to the city’s skyline. This case study explains how the facility selected certain design elements to withstand heavily trafficked areas.
To kick off the new year, FnPrime released an e-book on 2025 facility trends to look out for. Ranging in topics from artificial intelligence to the cost of risings goods, Building Operating Management Facility Influencer give their insights into what all facility managers can expect.
Gen Z has been called many things – and most of them are negative. But the youngest generation of workers are striving to prove their predecessors wrong. Associate editor Mackenna Moralez explains how Gen Z is eager to start their career in trades and prove why the Wall Street Journal calls them “toolbelt generation.”
College visits are a right of passage for juniors and seniors in high school. However, many students are now taking the school’s sustainability efforts into account when making their selection. In this article by contributing writer Annie Celentani explains how students are calling on leadership at colleges and universities to make the spaces where they spend their time and money more energy-efficient for better health and for the environment.
Lighting can make or break a renovation project. When it comes to a library, many solutions are needed to address a wide variety of needs. In our most read article of 2025, we dive into the specifics of how the Oceanside Library in Oceanside, New York incorporated lighting products to create an elegant, cutting-edge lighting design that benefits the community.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market and the host of the Facilities in Focus podcast.
