International Centre for Facilities (ICF)

A not-for-profit, non-governmental scientific and educational organization whose mission is to improve the functionality, suitability, and quality of the places where people work and live, and of other constructed assets. The site offers a Glossary of Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms; A-Z Terminology; Scales & Standards; a Readers Corner; links; and information on ICF services, tools, software, and training.

International Code Council (ICC)

A membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, ICC develops the building codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties, and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes (see FMLink listing below) developed by the International Code Council and offered online through eCodes.biz. Site topics include: membership features, ICC Store, codes and standards, government relations, training, certification and testing, public safety, jobs and code talk, and a newsroom and magazine.

International District Energy Association (IDEA)

This international, nonprofit trade association founded in 1909 promotes energy efficiency and environmental quality through the advancement of district heating, district cooling, and cogeneration (also known as combined heat and power or CHP). The association holds a major conference and trade show and other workshops, and provides an online forum for district energy professionals. It also publishes a quarterly magazine, a monthly online newsletter; the District Energy Resource Guide; and technical handbooks and videos. The site offers information about district energy, its history, and benefits; numerous resources; events; and news, including updates on legislative and regulatory issues.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

An intergovernmental body acting as energy policy advisor to numerous member countries in their effort to ensure reliable, affordable, and clean energy for their citizens. Its mandate incorporates energy security, economic development, and environmental protection. Current work focuses on climate change policies, market reform, energy technology collaboration, and outreach to the rest of the world. The site offers extensive information, statistics, and publications on such topics as cleaner fossil fuels, demand analysis, electricity, energy efficiency, environment, natural gas, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

International Ergonomics Association (IEA)

The Swiss-based federation of 40+ ergonomics and human factors societies from around the world. IEA produced a consensus definition of “ergonomics” in 2000, produced guidelines on Core Competencies in Ergonomics, maintains a Directory of Educational Programs in ergonomics covering 35 countries, and is establishing a program of certification for Ergonomics QUality In Design (EQUID). The site offers ergonomics articles, information about IEA projects and awards, a calendar, newsletters, and links to IEA-endorsed journals, other publications, and ergonomics assessment tools.

International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)

Non-political, independent, and non-profit union of numerous national and regional purchasing associations worldwide. IFPSM advocates for procurement professionals, including those involved in purchasing, materials management, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic sourcing. The site includes information on member associations, education, publications, research, and news.

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Formed in January 2009, IRENA is an intergovernmental political organization that promotes a rapid transition towards the widespread global use of renewable energy in both developing and industrialized countries, in collaboration with various other organizations. The site offers access to reliable data on the potential of renewable energy, best practices, effective financial mechanisms, and state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies.

International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA)

ISEA is the trade association in the US for companies that design and manufacture safety equipment and protective clothing used in factories, construction sites, hospitals and clinics, schools, laboratories, etc. Included are products for head, eye and face, respiratory, hearing, hand and fall protection; environmental monitoring instruments; safety warning signs and symbols; emergency eyewash and shower; first aid kits, clean room garments, and safety wearing apparel. The site includes ISEA news, a calendar, product standards and regulation, government relations, and a personal protective equipment (PPE) marketplace, including a buyer’s guide.

Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to moving renewable energy resources into the marketplace. It promotes the sustainable use of renewable energy sources and technologies in and through state and local government and community activities. The site offers news, resources, and IREC programs such as The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE).

IQS Directory

Created by Industrial Quick Search (IQS), IQS Directory is a comprehensive listing of manufacturers and suppliers serving major segments of the OEM industrial manufacturing marketplace across the U.S. and Canada. Industrial engineers and buyers rely on IQS Directory to specify products within a series of categories and buy products directly from manufacturers. The site offers extensive resources with explaining all types of manufacturing equipment and components, from 55-gallon drums, automation equipment and air pollution control to solenoid valves, thermoforming and work benches.

ISSA

Worldwide cleaning industry association. ISSA offers member benefits, trade shows, educational and training events and resources, workloading software, certification/standards, legislative and regulatory resources and training, news and periodicals that specifically focus on professional cleaning and maintenance, and so much more.

KL Security: HIPAA Compliance Resources

KL Security Enterprises has compiled a list of associations, agencies, and Web sites that offer specific information for every HIPAA compliance checklist. The HIPAA Compliance Solutions page offers more information on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates safeguards for physical and electronic storage and maintenance, transmission, and access to individual health information.

Laboratories [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses the unique safety and health issues of the laboratory workplace, particularly relating to occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals. The site offers OSHA’s “Laboratory Standard,” other relevant standards, how to produce a Chemical Hygiene Plan, how to recognize and evaluate specific hazards in the laboratory, possible solutions, training, and other resources.

LandscapeOnline.com

From the publishers of Landscape Architect and Specifier News, Landscape Contractor National, and Landscape Superintendent and Maintenance Professional magazines, this online portal to the landscape development industry includes a product search feature; state-by-state directories of wholesale and retail product vendors and landscape/design/maintenance professionals; articles and research; links to associations; events; classifieds; and industry news.

Lead [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses the common hazard of occupational overexposure to lead, which may be present in hazardous concentrations in food, water, and air, from sources such as paint and urban dust. The site offers relevant OSHA standards, health hazards from lead exposure, how lead exposure is evaluated and where it occurs, possible controls, training, OSHA’s Lead eTool, and other resources.

LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System [USGBC]

LEED is the US Green Building Council’s nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators tools for an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability encompassing: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Specific programs include: New Commercial Construction and Major Renovation projects, Existing Building Operations and Maintenance, Commercial Interiors projects, Core and Shell Development projects, Homes, Neighborhood Development, and Guidelines for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building Projects.

LEED—Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System [USGBC]

LEED is the US Green Building Council’s nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators tools for an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. As a third-party certification program, LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability encompassing sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Specific programs include: New Construction and Major Renovations, Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Homes, and Neighborhood Development.

Legionnaires’ Disease [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers information on Legionnaires’ disease, a bacterial disease commonly associated with water-based aerosols that OSHA says often results from poorly maintained air conditioning cooling towers and potable water systems. The site offers applicable OSHA and national consensus standards and examples of potential hazards and possible solutions.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) or Control of Hazardous Energy [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) addresses issues related to “Lockout/Tagout”–specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. The site contains relevant OSHA standards, why LOTO is needed, examples of LOTO programs, and OSHA’s Lockout/Tagout eTool.

LowCarbonWorld.com

This Web-based communication platform was launched by Low Carbon Economy.com and the United Nation’s Climate Neutral Network and is aimed at speeding the transition to a green economy. It lists every country’s carbon policies, commitments, historical performance, future projections and opportunities, as well as other information.

Machine Guarding [OSHA]

This site from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) contains general information on the various hazards of mechanical motion and techniques for protecting workers. OSHA says that any machine part, function, or process that may cause injury must be safeguarded, and its hazards either eliminated or controlled. The page provides information on relevant OSHA standards, hazards from ineffective machine guarding, possible machine guarding solutions, and OSHA’s Machine Guarding eTool.