6.26.08 | New York, NY | ­The New School announced that it is launching a new undergraduate degree program in Environmental Studies which will bring together urban ecosystems and sustainable design. Through the program, Bachelor of Arts students will be able to choose to concentrate in urban ecosystems or public policy. Both degree programs are cross disciplinary and include fieldwork, internships, and collaborative final projects.  www.newschool.edu/environmentalstudies

6.19.08 | Minneapolis, MN | Implications looks at applying Lean Production in Healthcare facilities in its latest issue from InformeDesign.  Escalating healthcare costs and a sense of urgency to decrease medical errors and improve quality have increased efforts to improve efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services. Park Nicollet Health Services, a nonprofit integrated care system in Minneapolis,MN, which uses lean production practices, is the case study for this issue. To view the issue in its entirely, visit: http://www.informedesign.umn.edu/_news/may_v06r-pr.pdf

5.23.08 | Houston, TX | An International Facility Management Association's survey confirms that companies are offering employees more amenities, adding to the usual break rooms with internet cafes, outdoor recreation areas and health facilities. The report, Benchmarks V: Annual Facility Costs shows that, while employee office space has shrunk, that a variety of amenities is on the rise. Headquarter and educational facilities are the most likely to offer the majority of employee amenities. www.ifma.org/tools/research/benchmarks_v.cfm