CMM Weekly News Recap-December 6, 2019

News about the early onset and severity of the 2019-2020 flu season comes as we wrap up National Handwashing Awareness Week. While we all know handwashing is a simple and effective practice for preventing the spread of infections, this week offers a reminder to be vigilant about handwashing, especially during cold and flu season.

The flu season started in full force late last month, with one hospital reporting it treated 1,385% more cases in November 2019 than it treated in November 2018, CNN reports. Influenza is spreading quickly, with Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia—as well as Puerto Rico—reporting very high flu activity. In the same time period last year, only two states had reached the highest level of flu activity. In the past 10 flu seasons, there have never been this many places with the highest level of flu activity by the end of November.

This week brought another alarming report—that global carbon dioxide emissions are expected to reach another record high in 2019, Science Daily reports. Scientific findings from the Global Carbon Project, an international research initiative focused on sustainability, project the world will emit almost 37 billion tons of carbon dioxide this year, an expected increase of 0.6% from last year.

Although the rate of emissions growth is slower, compared to 212.1% in 2018 and by 1.5% in 2017, researchers still warn emissions could increase through 2030 unless countries change their transportation and industry policies dramatically.

One city that is doing its part to bring about an awareness of energy efficiency and sustainability is New York City. Starting next year, buildings in that city that are 25,000 square feet and larger must not only report how energy-efficient they are, but also post letter grades issued by the city displaying their efficiency, The New York Times reports. Greenhouse gas emissions from buildings are responsible for two-thirds of emissions in New York City.

Officials will give report cards with grades ranging from As to Ds to more than 40,000 of the 1 million buildings in the city. Facilities with low grades will have several years to make improvements. Any that still have a failing grade by 2020 will be subject to fines.

Enjoy the weekend and return to CMM on Monday for the latest cleaning and maintenance industry news.