< Previous UPDATE www.fm-middleeast.com10 April 2020 Eltizam Asset Management Group, a physical asset management organisation in the Middle East, has offi cially launched its new for organisational and business enhancement culture called Get Wonky during the company’s Annual Leadership Meeting 2020, which was hosted in partnership with Tamouh Investments. In line with Eltizam’s vision of doing things diff erently, Get Wonky aims to further enhance Eltizam’s commitment of ensuring customer happiness, inspiring employees to excel, achieving revenue growth, and reinforcing the brand’s corporate values to sustain positive business outcomes. It represents Eltizam’s priority focus areas that are directly linked to its core corporate values. Eltizam also took the opportunity to announce the appointment of the Get Wonky Ambassador, Nourah Shuaibi, who with her new team is tasked to promote and raise awareness on the new culture as well as oversee its implementation with emphasis on successful execution and signifi cant positive results. The Get Wonky program has six main pillars: Technology, People Development, Corporate Social Responsibilities, Happiness, In-Country Value, and Vision 21. Commenting on the new launch, Chris Roberts, CEO, Eltizam Asset Management Group, said: “Get Wonky comprises six pillars in which all our actions and business processes are anchored on as we continue to work towards building a stronger organisation.” STAT ATTACK UPDATE APPOINTMENT Eltizam Group appoints ambassador for its new organisation culture 5,235 kg Around 5,235 kg of Aluminium Cans were collected in a single day as part of the 2020 cycle of Can Collection Day held on February 27. 24th This was the 24th cycle of the Can Collection Day, an annual national event held by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), the fi rst- of-it-kind environmental NGO in the UAE. 78.5 The collection of 5,235 kg of aluminium cans resulted in the mitigation of 78.5 MTCO 2 emissions. 1,191 million It saved around 127 cubic metres of landfi ll, and 1,191 million BTU of energy. 6,943 kg This brings the total collection to 6,943 kg, which is 38.5 % of Aluminium Cans to be collected this year as per the target. 10 April 2020FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES Anup Nagpurkar Group Sales Manager +971 4 444 3373 + 971 52 895 0931 anup.nagpurkar@itp.com FOR NOMINATION ENQUIRIES Tom Oxtoby Editor, MEP Middle East +971 4 444 3419 tom.oxtoby@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES Teri Dunstan Events Manager +971 4 444 3227 teri.dunstan@itp.com FOR TABLE BOOKING ENQUIRIES Anthony Chandran Table Sales Executive +971 4 444 3865 anthony.chandran@itp.com Visit www.mepmiddleeast.com/awards for more information or contact one of the team today SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS TODAY Wednesday 30th September 2020 GOLD SPONSORSPLATINUM SPONSOR The MEP Middle East Awards are an opportunity to highlight the excellence in MEP design and installation underpinning those iconic projects contributing to the evolving construction landscape in the Middle East. COMPANY UPDATE 12 April 2020www.fm-middleeast.com Innovation has been a hot topic in the UAE. In January, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced 2020 would be the year in which the emirates prepares for the next 50 years. The 50 Year Challenge officially launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum with the inaugural UAE Innovation Month, which took place during February, dedicated to designing the COMPETITIVE EDGE EMRILL HAS GAINED A COMPETITIVE EDGE THROUGH INNOVATION; SEVERAL OF THEM LAUNCHED OVER THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS future and enriching the quality of life for the UAE’s residents. Emrill has embraced the opportunity to sustain and grow its market share and service offering through continuous improvement and innovation, but it’s not all robots and AI. Stuart Harrison, Emrill’s CEO, explains: “We hear an awful lot about all the technology we could and should be using in the FM industry. While it’s all good stuff, FM providers need to stop and ask themselves a critical question. Do their clients want to invest in innovation? There is definitely a case for the long-term potential of technology saving significant time and money, but inevitably, many of these big savings come with a high, upfront cost. “Emrill has approached innovation a little differently. First, we asked ourselves critically and honestly, just because a technology exists, should we be using it? In a lot of cases, the answer was no. However, doing things the way they have always been done wasn’t an option either. In order to grow and be competitive, Emrill needs to constantly COMPANY UPDATE L to R: Stuart Harrison, Emrill’s CEO and Gopalakrishnan, operations director.COMPANY UPDATE April 2020 13www.fm-middleeast.com increasing productivity and proactivity. Using their smart devices, housekeeping staff can follow a set route and tasks are automatically triggered when they are in the vicinity of required work. Following the app’s launch, Emrill has been able to reallocate a significant portion of its manpower to other sites while still completing the same number of tasks as before in a shorter period of time with zero complaints. Emrill has also introduced other technology, including the UAE’s first CMAR NC 286R hot water pavement cleaner with suction. Through a combination of high-pressure and heat, the CMAR cleaner doesn’t require any additional chemicals to achieve impressive results. Also, because the CMAR cleans in a single run, the need for rinsing has been eliminated, resulting in a 30% reduction in water used. In addition to being more environmentally friendly than other cleaners, the CMAR NC 286R offers cost-savings to the operator and the client. A trained two-man crew operates the cleaner and can achieve the same results as a 13-man crew manually cleaning the same area. Robotic swimming pool scrubbers and solar-powered skimmers have also been implemented in the communities Emrill maintains. The robotic swimming pool scrubber is fully automated, completing cleaning work that has traditionally been carried out manually. This has increased productivity, as cleaning staff can carry out other work while the scrubber works unattended. The solar-powered surface skimmer requires no human intervention and cleans the surfaces of water throughout the day. To enhance lake management within communities, Emrill developed and fabricated a skimmer attached to a pedal-operated boat and also brought onboard a custom-developed, high- volume-low-speed algae removal pump. The team also modified the existing lake fountains to improve aeration, which has had a positive impact on aquatic life within the lakes. In 2019, as a result of Emrill’s innovations, the FM provider has achieved a 25% eduction in algae waste, which has reduced truck trips EVERY CHANGE WE MAKE, EVERY NEW PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, EVERY TIME WE UPGRADE OR MODIFY ONE OF OUR METHODOLOGIES, WE DO SO KNOWING IT WILL HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON HOW EFFICIENTLY WE EXECUTE CONTRACTS FOR OUR CLIENTS. STUART HARRISON, CEO, EMRILL challenge the status quo to give clients the best value and the best services when they need them. Based on that, we involved every Emrill employee and challenged them to think outside the box. We posed a simple question – what can we do differently to be better?” To bring its employees together and encourage them to share ideas, Emrill holds continuous improvement workshops throughout the year. At these workshops, people at all levels of the business are given the opportunity to discuss challenges they are facing within the communities and facilities they work and make suggestions on what changes could be implemented to increase efficiencies and decrease costs, while providing the same level of service Emrill’s customers have come to expect. Gopalakrishnan, operations director at Emrill, provided more information: “As a result of these workshops, Emrill has created a company-wide culture of innovation. Every employee is accountable for assessing how we deliver services and how we can do things better. We’ve had some great ideas from the team, and we have moved forward with over thirty suggestions. That includes new equipment and updated methodologies. “We wanted to innovate with the customer in mind. How can we provide better services? How can we do things more efficiently? How can we save our clients money? These are the questions we kept asking ourselves and drove our ideas.” Many of the innovations Emrill has launched over the last twelve months have resulted in increased efficiency and time saved. For example, its efficiency- enhancing app enabled a system-driven approach for housekeeping activities, Robotic swimming pool scrubber. COMPANY UPDATE 14 April 2020www.fm-middleeast.com 25-tonne crane to carry out the works, as well as saving 30 working hours that were required to barricade and manage traffic while using the crane. Emrill has also replaced GI pipes with UPVC pipes in borewells, increasing the durability of the pipes and reducing the risk of legionella growth as a result of rust. The team has also made savings by modifying existing light fittings, allowing them to use more energy- efficient bulbs without having to replace the entire fixture. Sustainability has and continues to be a core pillar for Emrill, and nowhere is this more evident than in the company’s efforts to reuse, recycle and repurpose equipment that would otherwise be thrown away. For example, using parts from bicycles, Emrill has fabricated a ride-on mounted sweeper. An upright weeding tool has also been developed from bicycle parts. This tool is easy to use and eliminates the need for the operator to repeatedly crouch and bend to remove weeds from pavements. Emrill has reduced water and energy consumption. Through modification of swimming pool circulation system control mechanisms, the circulation pump stops when the HCU stops, reducing energy consumption and increasing the life of the equipment. To further reduce water consumption, Emrill reuses swimming pool backwash for all pressure washing activities. “Innovation isn’t limited to saving time or money,” Gopalakrishnan explains. “Emrill is also dedicated to improving the health and safety of its workforce through the use of tools, upgraded methodologies and equipment. For example, we know that working at height has the potential to be incredibly dangerous for employees. To mitigate these risks, we have implemented the use of safe ladders on-site.” Emrill has also developed and fabricated tools for the cleaning of canopies, coves and light poles. Telescopic pole pressure washers and modified cleaning tools are safe to use in crowded areas and do not require a man lift. Not only has this reduced the requirement to work at height, but it has also eliminated the requirement for man lift operators and flagmen, allowing resource optimisation on-site. Harrison concluded: “Emrill has and always will put people first. Everything we do has a purpose rooted in improving the services we offer and ensuring client satisfaction. That starts with making sure Emrill’s people are safe and well looked after. There is nothing so urgent or important that we cannot do it safely, and we are committed to making sure our people have the right tools and equipment. “There may be some people who say what we have developed and implemented isn’t that innovative at all. To that, I would tell those people to look at the results we have achieved. Every change we make, every new piece of equipment, every time we upgrade or modify one of our methodologies, we do so knowing it will have a positive impact on how efficiently we execute contracts for our clients. We can see tangible results, and we have measured the cost and time savings. We think that’s the very definition of innovation, and we’re excited to see what new creations the team suggests and implements in 2020.” and total waste generated. Other innovations Emrill has implemented, resulting in significant time savings and efficiencies, include a modified club car fitted with high- pressure, directional washers, an automatic door-close mechanism in communal areas, sensors to track the level of garbage in waste receptacles and smart apps to track utility consumption and work checklists, as well as remotely monitor the functionality of assets. Gopalakrishnan said: “As a result of the efficiencies we have achieved, we have been able to either pass on cost savings to clients or, in some cases, offer an expanded scope of services without having to raise prices. In these cases, our innovations have allowed us to support our clients through dips in the market without compromising on quality.” Further adding to cost savings on-site, Emrill installed bird spikes and utilised bird-free gel. By preventing birds from settling and nesting on structures, the cleaning teams do not have to allocate as much time to cleaning away bird droppings. Significant savings have also been made through the development and fabrication of a tripod that enables cleaning personnel to remove manhole covers and position borewell pumps. This has reduced the need to hire a Emrill’s effi ciency- enhancing app.www.fm-middleeast.com COMMENT 2020 15 ever have any of us ever imagined that we would bear witness to such an unprecedented event. The coronavirus or the COVID-19 outbreak has brought the world to a standstill. However, it is not all bad news, with factories being shutdown and travel bans, the environment has caught itself a breath of fresh air. In the four weeks to March 1, China’s CO 2 emissions fell 200 million tonnes, or 25%, compared to the same period last year, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Elsewhere, images surfaced online of lagoons and canals in Venice, Italy, that were no longer murky green or polluted with diesel. For the first time in many years, the water is clear enough for fish to be seen, and ducks and swans frolicking about undisturbed. This is a time for reflection now. Have we gone too far in taking the environment for granted? If there is one takeaway from this it is that we need nature more than it Want to enter the debate? If you have any comments to make on these issues, email the editor at rajiv.pillai@itp.com. VIEWP INT In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the environment now is looking healthy. In the long run, shouldn’t we and organisations change our behaviour to coexist with nature? RAJIV RAVINDRAN PILLAI A change in behaviour N About the author Rajiv Ravindran Pillai is the editor of facilities management Middle East. needs us. During such times, the FM industry has a responsibilty of being the vanguards of sanitation and cleanliness. As my cover story will elaborate, this is the time for FM soft services companies to standup and be at the forefront of alleviating this crisis. But in the long run this is not just FM’s responsibility. We as individuals should make a collective change in our behaviour. All the choices that we make, from food and hygiene to how much electricity and water we consume, should inculcate in us a sense of being kind and understanding towards mother nature. All organisations should include strategies that incorporate environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices. Researchers predict that in the future we could encounter a new pandemic where the pathogen would have the fatality rate of Ebola (90%) coupled with the contagion rate of measles (which spreads much faster). Now think about that! If we all don’t start doing what is right and responsible for our planet, we might accidently wipe out our own existence. AprilApril COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com16 April 2020 Wie are all in the midst of a global pandemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spreads around the world beyond expectations. Such an event is unprecedented. At the outset of the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak, the UAE began the process of disinfection, starting with schools. Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafee, head of Dubai Municipality’s Public Health and Safety Department stated that a comprehensive sterilisation programme is being implemented in private schools across Dubai to ensure the health and safety of over 300,000 students as well as staff. In addition, authorities set up a dedicated team to disinfect and sanitise Dubai’s public areas as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. In the aviation sector too cleaning regimens were in place; for instance, Emirates airline confirmed that it was stepping up its aircraft cleaning. “The safety and health of our customers and employees is taken very seriously and we are continuously liaising with international and local health organizations to ensure we are following the most up-to-date medical guidelines and directives,” said Adel Al Redha, chief operating officer, Emirates Airline. During times of the COVID-19 crises where hygiene is of paramount importance, the FM sector is quite naturally on the frontlines and should bear as custodians of tackling this predicament so as to curb the ongoing menace. DEMAND During such times, there certainly has been an increase in demand for soft FM services, says Darko Macura, CEO at Al- FM OPERATORS AND SUPPLIERS WEIGH IN ON TACKLING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE CORONA CONUNDRUM COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com16 April 2020COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comApril 2020 17 COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comApril 2020 17 Futtaim Engineering and Technologies. He says: “There has been an increase in demand not just for normal cleaning but for sanitation of premises. We all learned that this new type of virus is able to survive on material surfaces for a day or two and maybe even for a week, and therefore, it’s very important that we minimise the spread of the virus. Companies want to know about new cleaning solutions in the market. So there is definitely an impact for the cleaning sector.” FM firm Emrill too has observed an increase in demand. Sarah Rodgers, head of soft services at Emrill, explains that there are two main factors driving the demand. She says: “Firstly, our clients are becoming far more aware of the importance of top-quality cleaning services and are more actively seeking out information on how they can prevent the spread of infection within their facilities. Secondly, as a soft FM services provider, Emrill is working with clients to educate them on what further precautions and services can be provided to prevent outbreaks.” Some of Emrill’s clients have requested additional human resources at their sites so they can dedicate extra cleaning personnel to high-traffic areas. However, the firm states that the majority of its clients will remain at the same level of resources, and so its challenge is to ensure it is smarter with workload management, enabling it to deliver expanded frequent services using the same number of staff. She adds: “Onsite, we have seen a significant increase in how much soap is being used. Therefore, we are working to ensure there is always an adequate supply of soap and hand sanitiser within facilities. “We share all of our recommendations and guidelines with our clients and the communities we serve. We have had a very positive experience with our customers; they want to work with us to ensure their facilities offer the safest environment possible, and they are willing to implement our recommendations. For example, we have replaced some of our traditional cleaning products with disinfectants capable of killing the coronavirus. We have done this at no cost to the client, but we are appreciative that our clients have supported our decisions and are taking steps to become as aware as they can.” Julie Lee, head of Soft Services at Khansaheb FM, says that as a result of the current situation, there will be a need for specialised training for operatives, supervisors and managers. In addition, the rates of hospital grade cleaning agents, hazmat suits (in the event of an outbreak) and basic personal protective equipment may also skyrocket due to limited supply and high demand. Ahmad Abublan, MENA general manager Middle East at Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP), adds that there has been a surge in demand for sanitisers. He says: “All suppliers are facing this unprecedented increase in the demand [for hand sanitizers]. KCP recommends COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com18 April 2020 Sarah Rodgers, head of soft services at Emrill. that everyone follow the guidelines recommended by the WHO and the US CDC on the best practices of hand hygiene.” ADAPTING Rogers says that the industry has already started to adapt to the demand. She says: “At Emrill, for example, we have updated a number of our cleaning methodologies, not because they weren’t up to scratch before but instead because we feel it is the responsibility of soft services and cleaning providers to be extra vigilant in preventing the risk of spreading infection in the facilities they manage.” As a precaution against the further spreading of coronavirus and other seasonal viruses, Emrill has reviewed cleaning methodologies and frequencies. This means that in all of the facilities it manages, including, airports, malls, beaches, leisure & entertainment facilities, residential buildings and communities, it has increased the frequency of deep cleaning. Rogers says: WE HAVE REPLACED SOME OF OUR TRADITIONAL CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH DISINFECTANTS CAPABLE OF KILLING THE CORONAVIRUS. SARAH RODGERS, HEAD OF SOFT SERVICES AT EMRILL Hand sanitisers are running out of stock as many companies and individuals are buying them in bulk. COVER STORY “We are placing a significant emphasis on cleaning high-traffic touch areas, such as door handles, hand rails and taps, and we are increasingly using disinfectants approved for the use of eliminating the coronavirus. “A clean environment is absolutely crucial to infection control. We hope soft services providers step up to the challenge and accept the responsibility we all have. Appropriate hygiene and cleaning regimes are the most effective tool we have at our disposal to curb the spread of infectious diseases. Therefore, we may see a shift in future soft services contracts, placing a far greater focus on cleaning and hygiene rather than aesthetics and appearance.” Elaborating on some of the effective hygiene practices, Abublan says: “Key COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comApril 2020 19 Darko Macura, CEO at Al-Futt aim Engineering and Technologies. factors in effective hand hygiene and maintaining skin integrity include ensuring that hands are completely dry. A recommended technique is using soap, rinsing hands thoroughly under running water then patting dry with a single use towel. Maintaining hygiene compliance should be on the top priority of all building owners regardless of any crisis situation. This can be achieved by continued effort to positively influencing behavior of staff on hygiene compliance and the benefits of good hand hygiene.” DISINFECTING BUILDINGS On the issue of disinfecting buildings, Rogers adds: “Specialist decontamination service providers have been approved by the authorities, and we would recommend that any building owner who believes decontamination is required to get in touch with the relevant government body. Where Emrill and other FM companies provide the most value is in the prevention of illness spreading infection in the first instance.” She says that by staying up to date with government and international advisories, soft services providers can ensure they are ahead of the curve, using the most up-to-date and recommended cleaning products, processes and methodologies. “We work closely with health authorities, major airports, hotels and public attractions, so we are constantly updating, adapting and improving our methodologies to face any challenges head-on and give our clients the support they require in times of uncertainty. “While none of us can control sick people visiting our facilities, especially when they may not know they have contracted a disease, we can absolutely ensure cleaning standards are as high as possible to minimise the risk of illnesses spreading.” Lee believes that soft FM firms should fully familiarise themselves with the basic steps and work methods, in line with legislative and healthcare infection control requirements. “Different types of volatile organic compounds (VoC), germs, gram positive and negative bacteria and types of viruses and spores present on the environment should be taken into consideration and stringent measures should be adopted in line with EPA, NSF and municipality guidelines to combat and deactivate these microbes. Soft FM must also conduct strict internal audits, coordinate with infection control and develop proofs to justify the need and how this best works for them and their clients. In this crucial time, consistently educating stakeholders and following health and prevention procedures makes a big difference,” Lee says. Macura adds that it is important to leave decontamination and disinfecting to the specialists. “Specialist FM companies will only use the right products that are able to kill germs and viruses. In addition, these products must not be detrimental to the environment or health. The products need to be environmentally friendly and approved Next >