Des Plaines, Ill. — Chicago Faucets introduces the E-Tronic® 80 SoapBank™, a Multi-Feed Soap Dispensing System. The centralized bulk soap delivery solution is designed for high-traffic commercial and institutional restrooms. Engineered for applications including airports, retail, stadiums, education campuses and public venues, the system helps architects, plumbing engineers, designers and facility owners simplify maintenance while supporting cohesive touchless design. Unlike individual cartridge-based dispensers that require frequent replacement and ongoing maintenance, the E-Tronic® 80 system uses a centralized bulk soap reservoir capable of supplying multiple dispensers from a single refill point. …
green building/LEED
Tanger Releases 2025 Impact Report
Greensboro, N.C. — Tanger®, a leading owner and operator of outlet and other open-air retail shopping destinations, has released its 2025 Impact Report for the annual period ending December 31, 2025, marking a decade of reporting on the company’s sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives. Additionally, the Institute for Market Transformation has named Tanger a 2026 Green Lease Leader at the Silver level. Launched in 2014, Green Lease Leaders recognizes landlords, tenants and teams who modernize their leases to spur collaborative action on energy and water efficiency, shared cost-savings, air quality …
More Money, More Problems
— By Nellie Day — California buildouts get a power upgrade — and a new set of challenges. The two items development teams are always trying to manage — time and cost — are getting a whole lot harder to control due to California’s updated Title 24 Energy Code. This code, which is updated every 3 years, sets efficiency standards for building systems like HVAC, lighting and electrical infrastructure across the state. The latest version took effect Jan. 1, 2026, and requires all newly permitted projects to include higher-efficiency systems, …
Seattle — Over the past year, REI Co-op took meaningful steps to reduce its impact on the planet. This work reflects REI’s climate strategy, bringing cooperative action together to drive change with speed and scale. “When companies come together, climate action becomes more real and more lasting,” says Andrew Dempsey, director of sustainability, REI Co-op. “We’re grateful for the partners who’ve helped make this work possible. We’re focused on continuing this work and backing solutions that make a real difference for communities and help keep the outdoors healthy for the …
Planon Appoints Chief Revenue Officer for Facilities and Field Services
Nijmegen, the Netherlands — Planon, a leading global provider of smart sustainable building management software, has appointed Sylvain Lamy as chief revenue officer (CRO) for facilities and field services, joining the company’s executive management team. In this position, Lamy will lead Planon’s global commercial organization for the facilities and field services business lines, driving sales, services and partner growth worldwide. “Sylvain brings a strong track record in scaling enterprise software businesses and leading high-performing international teams,” says Peter Ankerstjerne, CEO of Planon. “His commercial acumen and customer-centric mindset will be …
The Big Chill
— By Ramez Naguib — Exploring the benefits of glycol chillers in restaurants. Glycol chillers are specialized refrigeration systems and often involve the use of antifreeze. A popular application is in beverage production, wherein the food grade chemical propylene glycol is used.i Glycol is not a refrigerant; instead, it is a fluid that is used to carry heat from one location to another in much the same way as a conventional refrigerant does. But, unlike a refrigerant, glycol does not undergo a state change (from a liquid to a gas, …
Saginaw, Mich. — Duro-Last, a member of the Amrize family of brands and a leading manufacturer of custom-fabricated single-ply roofing systems, celebrated a major milestone in late October with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its eighth manufacturing facility in North America. The 103,000-square-foot Kernersville, N.C., facility produces Duro-Last custom-fabricated membrane as well as custom accessories and edge details for thermoplastic single-ply commercial roofing installations. Highlights included a contractor-focused vendor showcase, plant tours and a ribbon-cutting ceremony that underscored Duro-Last’s ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and customer success. “The …
Camden, N.J. — Subaru of America, Inc. has unveiled the Subaru Connection Hub, the automaker’s first full redesign of its national retailer network since 2007. The new concept reimagines the automotive retail experience, transforming dealerships into immersive, hospitality-driven spaces that strengthen customer relationships and community connections. The exterior architectural language draws inspiration from parks, pavilions and great plazas to create a new expression that welcomes everyone into the showroom. Inside, the new Subaru Connection Hub concept showcases vehicles paired with curated merchandising tools, gear and accessories. Spaces will also include …
Malmö, Sweden — Two years after breaking ground in Sylvia Park, Auckland, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, has announced that it will open its first store in New Zealand on Dec. 4th, 2025. “The interest and anticipation for IKEA in New Zealand can be felt all the way to Sweden, and we are very humbled by it,” says Tolga Öncu, Ingka retail manager (COO) at IKEA Retail (Ingka Group). “Welcoming a new country to the IKEA family always brings special emotions, and we could not be more excited to …
Print the Wall
— Interview with Darin Ross — Building a wall for Walmart has never been faster, cheaper or safer — thanks to 3D concrete printing. When Walmart makes waves, it can create a tsunami. The mega-retailer, which has more than 10,000 stores around the globe, continues to be a leader in sustainability, productivity and innovation. Recently, Walmart teamed up with Alquist 3D, in partnership with Atlanta-based FMGI as general contractor, to complete their second 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) build. The new 5,000-square-foot expansion at Walmart Supercenter #5197 outside Huntsville, Alabama, set …