< Previous COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.com20 August 2021 the company perfectly to help its customers to respond to the pandemic, and thrive in the post new normal economic scenario. Before the pandemic, Facilio invested heavily in strengthening data collection, integrations, and product capabilities using ML-generated insights that focused on outcomes of operational agility and efficiency. When Covid-19 hit, opportunities nearly doubled, putting the company on a path to hyper-growth. With an innovation driven DNA, and a strong platform and technology that was built specifically for real estate operations, Facilio has rapidly established a global presence as an industry leader, managing over 450 buildings including renowned landmark projects across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, Australia and the Asian markets—with expansion plans that involve new markets around the globe. “While data, mobility, and software- led operations are being perceived as a latest breakthrough by many today, Facilio was one of the few industry leaders to have championed this shift in the building operations space, since its inception,” says Ramachandran. The company has a strong moat of product flexibility, ease of implementation that compresses time- to-value from months to weeks, and a global ecosystem of channel partners focused on software sales. While the giants of automation (Honeywell, Siemens, Schneider) are tying up with leaders in corporate IT (SAP, Microsoft, Cisco) and are pushing into the building operations space, Prabhu Ramachandran, founder and CEO of Facilio. IN A DATA-LED FUTURE, THE ABILITY TO HAVE A CONNECTED OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT WILL BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE SKILLS PEOPLE BRING TO BEAR. COVER STORY www.fm-middleeast.comAugust 2021 21 Tech-driven operational effi ciency will bring in strategic business value for REs Facilio cost overview DB. Facilio’s specialised platform plus applications approach offers customers a viable and attractive alternative, with useful rather than cutting-edge O&M add-ons, in a conventional ERP/EAM bundle. “We have the advantage of having meticulously built the right solutions, much before the pandemic created an industry-wide awareness about the merits of the approach. You could say that we have earned our stripes as a highly focussed tech player that introduced a transformational solution to a traditional market like real estate—much like how Uber did in transportation. We have a responsibility to help the built environment transform towards data- led operations and take advantage of these technologies” Ramachandran adds. WINNERS WILL BE THOSE WHO ARE QUICK TO ADAPT AND ADOPT TECHNOLOGY The pandemic has promised a world where more gets done with less time. Retailers are investing heavily in online services to compete with the likes of Amazon. Restaurants are improving the dine-at-home services even as dine-in reopens. Workplaces are finding ways to keep their customers and staff connected when they are not in office. Overall, firms are identifying and defining the new rules to play by keeping data (and digital strategies) at the core of it. It is revealing that the UAE’s vision, that values innovation above all else, is indicative of increasing the capacity and resources towards sustainable development and improved asset value. The larger market should take a similar approach and master the art of walking the tightrope of seizing new opportunities while breaking down functional silos and enhancing agility. “Portfolio owners and operators need to prepare for a long-term shift in how O&M works, as momentous as the leap to internet banking or connected cars. That means beefing up digitisation of workflows for productivity gains, embedding sustainability as a path to everyday cost-savings, and preparing O&M stakeholders for a more peripheral role. Platform-led O&M technologies are the next great innovation in the building industry, and they promise to be hugely consequential and ROI-focused than the humble spreadsheets and point solutions,” concludes Ramachandran. With the real-estate industry working on over-drive to achieve dramatic results, the pace of the CRE industry’s transformation is fast and furious. So what does this augur/ forecast for the future? That the winner will indeed take it all. While there is little doubt about the benefits of technology for real estate operational excellence, the market continues to be divided between leaders and followers. Winners in this highly competitive space will be those that are agile to adapt and adopt technology platforms and innovation-led technology partners to realise cost savings, operational efficiencies and superior customer- experiences. PUMPS 22 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com 1. SUPERIORITY OVER ON-OFF CONTROL PUMPS For someone seeking a low-price solution to pump control, an on–off pump will feature little more than a pressure switch, bladder tank and flow switch. A bladder tank is required to avert any potential issues that arise from pressure peaks and troughs, such as damaged pipework. As the name suggests, this pump MAREK LUKASZCZYK, EUROPEAN AND MIDDLE EAST MARKETING MANAGER AT THE GLOBAL MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER OF MOTORS AND DRIVE TECHNOLOGY, WEG, GIVES US HIS TOP FIVE REASONS FOR SELECTING VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES (VSD) FOR PUMP APPLICATIONS type’s main limitation is that it only offers two speeds: maximum or stopped. Starting up from standstill can have some problematic effects, including premature wear to pump seals and bearings, as well as excessive stress on the motor’s winding, which can consequently prompt premature failure. Instead, most pump users opt for either a VSD or soft starter. While the latter can reduce known effects such as water hammering due to pressure surge, a VSD can deliver the same outcome, but with the added advantage of providing complete pump speed control during run mode. 2. IMPROVED EFFICIENCY In common industrial systems such as centrifugal pumps, inline control (throttling) valves are sometimes deployed to regulate flow or pressure. FIVE REASONS TO SELECT VSD PUMPS August 2021 23www.fm-middleeast.com However, there is a significant drawback with using such a device. Inline valves are known to be a notable source of energy loss, primarily because they cause a flow path restriction that in turn elevates pressure. Rather than changing the system resistance to modulate flow, as is the case with a throttling valve, the use of a VSD sees the pump speed change. In simple terms, variable-speed control alters the energy input rather than relying on a valve to strip system energy. Dramatic savings in electricity consumption are the common outcome. 3. ENHANCED FLOW AND PRESSURE CONTROL The use of a VSD to control flow means no additional restriction is added to the piping, as is the case with a throttling valve. In addition to energy savings, improved response means better flow control. For pump systems where the flow demand often drops, throttling valves have further limitations. In such situations, this type of valve will often function at lower throttle positions, thus wasting even more energy through a greater pressure drop across the valve. 4. ELIMINATE SYSTEMS ELEMENTS Opting for a VSD over an inline valve will present users with the opportunity to eliminate various system elements without impacting on functionality. When using a throttling valve, a certain amount of pipework is required to position the valve where it can be accessed for adjustment. Compare this with a VSD and the difference is plain to see: no valve, no need for associated pipework, and no losses from the valve or pipework. There is another benefit here. Thanks to the removal of pipe and valve losses, there is the option to use a lower-power, less expensive pump. The upshot is that the cost justification for the VSD becomes even more attractive. 5. MORE INTELLIGENCE The latest microprocessor-based, modular VSDs have the capability to carry out multiple functions that at one time had to be performed by PLCs. Modern drives allow each module or process to operate almost autonomously, while at the same time integrating with the overall processes for sequencing Industry 4.0 data and safety functions via open yet secure communication networks. In addition, having an intelligent motion controller embedded in each networked drive represents a more cost-effective solution than employing a standalone PLC. A further disadvantage with a PLC-based system is that high- performance networks are required to handle the necessary motion control. Instead, by letting an intelligent drive do the work, control is given to the actual elements being run, thus enhancing performance. For example, the Pump Genius process control software is a customisable feature of WEG VSDs which manages and monitors up to 6 pumps in a coordinated system. Designed to minimise downtime and maximise energy savings, the software provides control and protection as well as management of cycle hours and master and slave designation. It also monitors and controls system pressure and flow with available faults and alarms referencing low and high set points. MOST PUMP USERS OPT FOR EITHER A VSD OR SOFT STARTER. WHILE THE LATTER CAN REDUCE KNOWN EFFECTS SUCH AS WATER HAMMERING DUE TO PRESSURE SURGE, A VSD CAN DELIVER THE SAME OUTCOME, BUT WITH THE ADDED ADVANTAGE OF PROVIDING COMPLETE PUMP SPEED CONTROL DURING RUN MODE. Marek Lukaszczyk, European and Middle East marketing manager at WEG. [Representational image] LAUNCH 24 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com Sanjeevv Bhatia, the CEO of Netix Global BV, speaks about the “Android” approach to building automation – a Brownfi eld Revolution in the making T he Middle East’s digital transformation in property operations has been exceptional in recent years. This boils down to increasing consensus between all stakeholders — occupants, owners, FM operators, vendors, OEMs, and developers — on the ability of technology and automation to increase efficiencies, productivity, savings, and sustainable outcomes. But the same industry has been riddled with legacy, vendor-locked building management systems, that are complicated, inflexible, closed and make even a minor adjustment or upgrade, an uphill task. Against this backdrop, Netix Global BV, a progressive building automation solutions provider, has enjoyed success with its innovative “android” approach to building management systems - a vendor-neutral, open-protocol, plug and play model, that allows real estate owners the flexibility to optimise or upgrade their existing systems, without the worry of vendor lock-ins, massive fees, or expensive system overhauls. It ANDROID BUILDINGS is this experience, knowledge, success and expertise that it wishes to now share with the larger region in the form of Netix Novus, a partner program that aims to empower facility managers and building owners across the Middle East, with intelligent & flexible software and hardware tools for optimal building operations and management. Set to be launched in September this year, at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, the Netix Novus program already boasts early protagonists, who have realised benefits using the model. Facilities Management Middle East spoke with Sanjeevv Bhatia, the CEO of Netix Global BV and the chairman of its parent company, SB Group International, to break down the business case for Netix Novus and the gaps that it aims to bridge. WHAT ARE THE MOTIVATING FACTORS BEHIND THE LAUNCH OF NETIX NOVUS? What we are attempting to do with Netix Novus, is something big that has not been attempted before – a Brownfield Revolution – creating an open-protocol universe/eco-system of software and hardware tools for optimal building management. The building automation systems industry amounts to AED1bn+ in the UAE alone and AED10bn+ within the Middle East, including maintenance & upgrades of buildings in service, retrofits, new construction and more. And an AED1tr industry globally, of installed base alone, not counting new construction. However, despite the size and value of the industry, it continues to be a disorganised sector, still highly dependent and locked-in to only a few legacy players, more so in the Middle East. With our years of experience operating in the Middle East and globally, we have developed a deep understanding of the problems faced by building operations teams and building owners, as well as the challenges that legacy, vendor- locked BMS present to building owners. The truth is, that even though real estate operations and automation have benefited from a greater focus on digital transformation in recent years, building owners & FM’s still struggle with LAUNCHLAUNCH August 2021 25www.fm-middleeast.com complicated & OEM-led BMS, as well as siloed, multi-protocol systems across their building portfolios. Against this landscape, our open- protocol, vendor-neutral model came as a breath of fresh air that the industry was desperate for – it uncomplicated building management; allowed different systems to talk to each other seamlessly; helped optimise existing BMS performance to deliver significant energy savings; provided building owners with a single- view of their portfolio performance; made maintenance, upgrades and even high-customisation, an easy task. So lesser cost of service, more savings, flexible systems and better performance. A win-win for all. And the timely need for such a model was evident in the adoption success our solution enjoyed – including industry leading brand names like DAMAC, Emaar and Mazaya. Given our experience and knowledge as well as our success with a dynamic solution that the industry needed, we recognised an opportunity to create a broader impact and to organise an unorganised market. This led to the development of the Netix Novus Partner Program. Our primary focus was geared towards enabling the Brownfield Revolution in real estate, to overcome long-standing gaps inhibiting greater efficiencies, savings, and civic outcomes. IS THE TIMING RIGHT FOR SUCH A PROGRAM? IS THE INDUSTRY READY FOR IT? The timing couldn’t be better. The industry is ripe for transformation as they look at accelerated post- pandemic recovery, changed customer expectations, sustainability regulations and ROI pressures. And while most old buildings boast a so-called, state- of-the-art BMS, majority building owners have been realising, more so during the pandemic, just how obsolete, complicated and inefficient these systems are. FM operators and building owners are losing value, time and cost between multi-vendor engagements, reactive maintenance activities, and painstaking manual processes. So Netix Novus is the answer - a partner program that leverages our expertise and success with the open-protocol model, and empowers property owners, across the region, and eventually the globe, to manage their buildings effectively, efficiently, seamlessly and profitably. HOW IS THE EARLY RESPONSE TO THE PROGRAM? The initial response to the Netix Novus Partner Program has been overwhelming. Industry stalwarts across geographical lines are eager to join the program, with strong response coming from the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and India. We are currently in advanced discussions with a leading developer from Oman, for the implementation of the program across their 450 properties. In fact the success from the implementation of Netix’s solutions in projects handled by ODS Global, a Dubai based company with a strong connected buildings, smart cities, sustainability and energy efficiency focus, led them to signing up as the first Platinum Partner under the program. Netix’s retrofit solutions enabled ODS Global to avoid replacing the entire system and help Mazaya save 75% of costs. Netix's IoT and AI-based open protocol solutions also played a crucial role in ODS Global being awarded contracts for 19 vertical communities, by Emaar, across Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek Harbour; a three year maintenance contract for the building automation systems of 24 DAMAC Properties towers; the upgrade and maintenance of 3 Mazaya Towers' buildings; and system integration projects at the Jafza Convention Centre, the BVLGARI Resort in Jumeirah Bay, the Pullman Hotel, and the Emirates Airlines Staff Accommodation in Dubai We are seeing that potential partners are particularly drawn towards our recently-developed Netix Konnect Intelligent Command & Control Center (iICCC), which is a one-stop-shop solution to a wide array of challenges being faced by modern property operations and maintenance. We have already built two of these, one in Dubai and the other in India, and new ones are being built in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and the Netherlands. Sanjeevv Bhatia, CEO of Netix Global BV. The Netix Novus program logo. OPEN-PROTOCOL AND FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS OFFER THE ONLY PROGRESSIVE SOLUTION TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT. REAL ESTATE 26 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com Sustainable buildings and how where you live can reduce your carbon footprint By Madhav Dhar, co-founder and COO, ZāZEN Property Development UNDERSTANDING SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGSREAL ESTATE August 2021 27www.fm-middleeast.com A s environmental awareness is increasingly becoming a ruling factor in decision- making within many of the world’s largest organizations, companies and leaders are facing heavy pressure from different stakeholders, including the government and potential buyers, to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute positively to the environment. Within the real estate sector, organizations must integrate sustainability into their plans from the get-go. The growing impact of global warming, climate change, waste and air pollution have long become impossible to ignore with experts trying to find more eco-friendly ways to do business and “go green”. For real estate developers, it is first and foremost an exercise in educating key stakeholders. Balancing design and facilities with sustainability, within a development, is not easy. Consumers may love sustainable developments but are mostly unwilling to create a home in a building that is not visually and practically appealing. Once that balance is met and the cost of entry is weighed against the overall brand and bottom-line benefits, it is an easier sell not only to the stakeholders but subsequently to the end-user. Managing and reducing carbon footprints as part of a low carbon strategy, with its inherent cost benefits and revenue opportunities, is increasingly important in building design. Building green is one of the best strategies to modulate negative climate change because the technology to make substantial reductions in energy and CO 2 Madhav Dhar, co-founder and COO, ZāZEN Property Development. BALANCING DESIGN AND FACILITIES WITH SUSTAINABILITY, WITHIN A DEVELOPMENT, IS NOT EASY. REAL ESTATE 28 August 2021www.fm-middleeast.com emissions already exists and is not prohibitively expensive. Green buildings are integrating eco-friendly concepts into building development and operations, to improve environmental sustainability. At ZãZEN One, the first project by ZãZEN Properties, this is a topic close to the heart and one we see as critical to the future of a sustainable Dubai. Trakhees LEED Green Building Certified, ZãZEN One, focuses on key components to offer sustainable residences and is encouraging other developers to follow suit, helping end- users reduce their carbon footprint daily. Here are three simple ways living in a sustainable building, like ZãZEN One, can help achieve this: WATER MANAGEMENT A major factor contributing to the carbon footprint of a building is the amount of energy expended to supply, treat and use its water. Water-oriented strategies significantly reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Designing for water conservation, efficiency and reuse are among the largest and most cost-effective energy and carbon reduction strategies available. Through low-flow water fixtures, water-efficient landscaping and drip irrigation systems, a property development can reduce its water consumption in dramatic quantities. Through such practices, ZãZEN One will achieve an approximate 33% annual reduction in water usage. WASTE MANAGEMENT The seven components of the Green Building concept influence and support one another. Responsible waste management is one of the keys to creating an energy-efficient environment. People often ignore the fact that energy resources, human resources, time, technology and money are often needed to manage waste optimally so as not to pollute the environment. Some waste is even categorized as difficult to be recycled, thus increasing the chance that the waste will end up at the landfill or be accidentally released into the ocean. Through the early development of a Launched in 2018, ZāZEN Properties is building unique residential developments in established communities of Dubai.REAL ESTATE August 2021 29www.fm-middleeast.com construction waste management plan, a developer is able to incorporate strict guidelines in the tender requirements for potential contractors to follow. This should include the most simple step of making the appropriate waste and recycling bins available throughout the construction process. ENERGY MANAGEMENT Everything down to your exterior walls, roof and glazing should be designed to be as efficient as possible to allow for less heat transfer, and therefore require less energy for cooling throughout the year. Similarly, efficient HVAC systems and thermostat controls should be considered in the design process. Even by simply using an efficient, low-wattage lighting system that is integrated into your developments, significantly reduces the electricity required to run the building on an annual basis. Developers shouldn’t neglect exterior lights and common areas when planning their properties, as using motion sensors and switch timers for daylight times can have a massive impact on monthly electricity bills. A building's carbon footprint can be reduced by sourcing its operational energy from environmentally responsible sources, or by generating renewable energy on-site. Harnessing solar energy is a component in achieving this within real estate developments. ZãZEN One has integrated solar panels across the development, which aims to generate approximately 223,550 kWh of power annually, which is about 25% of the estimated energy a building of this size will likely consume over the same time period. This saves the building as much as AED 250,000 on its annual power bill. From a developer’s perspective, this allows you to offer your end-users a lower service charge, adding even further value to their living experience. From a holistic perspective, all of the aforementioned factors contribute to an annual CO 2 reduction. For ZãZEN One, these aspects alone will save a whopping 440 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. Implementing sustainable practices from the get-go will play a big role in your company’s environmental, social and economic impact, and leading with a sustainable mindset will help in more ways than one. To learn more about Trakhees Green Building Certification, visit www.trakhees.ae. About Zā ZEN Properties Launched in 2018, ZāZEN Properties is building unique residential developments in established communities of Dubai, catering to the mid-market segment consumer and providing a ‘community within a building.’ Its projects are built with sustainability in mind, with access to ample lush, open spaces and solar power, reducing the building’s energy consumption. Developers shouldn’t neglect exterior lights and common areas when planning their properties.Next >