< Previous10 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com UPDATE STAT ATTACK Offi ces with higher LEED rating command higher rental rates with premiums up to 33% in the UAE, according to CBRE’s latest UAE Sustainability Report 2023. Currently, LEED-certifi ed developments in Abu Dhabi’s offi ce market account for 50.3% of the total gross leasable area (GLA) of institutional-grade buildings that CBRE tracks. This amounts to a total of 445,649 square metres. In Dubai, some 73.1% of the assets we have identifi ed as LEED-Gold and above were accredited from 2020 onwards. Currently, 23.7% of the total gross leasable area of assets that CBRE monitors are LEED-certifi ed, reaching a total of 12.2 million square feet of LEED-accredited space. The average occupancy rate of these assets, as of Q3 2023, stood at 96.2%, up from 91.1%, the previous year. 33% 445,649 square metres 12.2 million square feet 96.2% AIR DUCT CLEANING A/C TESTING, ADJUSTING & BALANCING SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE CHILLER ENDURANCE IAQ TESTING FOLLOW US ON Contact us on 04 880 46 70 info@epsco-intl.com www.epsco-intl.com FAÇADE CLEANING & INSPECTION Excellence Through Quality!!12 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com NEWS Imdaad, a Dubai-based group of companies that provides integrated, sustainable Facilities Management (FM) services that enhance the operational effi ciencies of physical assets, has entered into a strategic partnership with Talisen Technologies to develop new data-enabled Smart Building solutions that optimise energy consumption and improve occupant comfort for the built environment. Imdaad’s clients and partners will be able to take advantage of this partnership in gaining easy access to a truly integrated facilities management services that off ers latest technologies and superior quality of service. The agreement was signed by Imtedaad, a business unit of Imdaad that focuses on cost-eff ective and sustainable energy management. As part of the collaboration, Imtedaad will be able to utilise Talisen’s Enterprise Sustainability Platform (ESP) to develop and deploy innovative solutions that facilitate superior energy management leveraging IoT and advanced data analytics. Following the conclusion of global climate conference COP28, business solutions provider Transguard Group revealed that its security division was exclusively contracted for security services at the event. “Working with Dubai Police, National Service and the UN Security Team, Transguard Group Security Services (TGSS) trained over 2,000 SIRA-licensed guards to assist in providing the highest level of protection for those attending this prestigious and important conference, including more than 140 heads of state,” explained Rabie Atieh, CEO, Transguard Group. Senior government leaders from multiple countries, more than 5,000 media professionals and over 70,000 other participants were also in attendance. COP28 was divided into two Zones: Blue, The agreement was signed by Imtedaad, a business unit of Imdaad that focuses on cost- eff ective and sustainable energy management Transguard Group Security Services provided the necessary security professionals for the two zones at COP28 in Dubai Imdaad enters into strategic partnership with Talisen Technologies Transguard Group’s security division was exclusively contracted for COP28 event The core of the solution off ering is a unique value proposition of Command Control Center as a Service (CCaaS). The packaged solutions will encompass various aspects, including energy monitoring and conservation, automated utility bill validation, data-driven fault detection and diagnostics and more. The partnership with Talisen off ers wide- ranging advantages to Imdaad's continuous initiatives in human resource development, technology innovation, revenue growth, which was managed by the United Nations and designed to accommodate dignitaries; and Green, which was established for guests of Blue Zone attendees, NGOs, and the general public. TGSS provided the necessary security professionals for both Zones. “Transguard has always put a premium on training and to fulfi l the requirements of COP28 we accelerated and expanded Imtedaad will utilise Talisen’s Enterprise Sustainability Platform Transguard security at the COP28 event operational effi ciency, and sustainability. Imdaad’s access to Talisen's expertise and technology framework will empower its workforce through knowledge-sharing and upskilling. The company also stands to gain in terms of better leveraging the potential of artifi cial intelligence and machine learning to analyse energy usage patterns, detect equipment faults, and off er predictive insights for future technological solutions. Mahmood Rasheed, COO, Imdaad said: “The collaboration between Imtedaad and Talisen Technologies underscores our commitment to advancing innovation and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry. Beyond strengthening our technological capabilities and operational effi ciencies, this partnership will be instrumental in solidifying our sustained leadership in the FM industry by consistently introducing innovative, sustainable solutions. The shared objectives of Imdaad and Talisen hold promising opportunities for both.” this programme,” stated Tim Mundell, Chief Security Offi cer, Transguard Group. “For example, our collaboration with Dubai Police facilitated the training of 300 to 400 guards per week in the months leading up to the event, an education that will have a profound and positive impact on our Security contracts long after COP28 is over. “In addition, the guards working at the event were selected based on their exemplary performance, knowledge and time served in the security fi eld. We cannot overstate our gratitude for our clients – including Nakheel, Emaar and others – for their fl exibility in allowing these best-in-class security guards to be seconded to this landmark event.” COP28 was held from 30 November to 12 December 2023 at Expo City Dubai.ƁǵƁƀƀɒ #ŒêîÅîĸîċã ÆĔĊĥ´ċîÓĮ Ƅƀɒ #ŒêîÅîĸîċã ÆĔľċĸĨîÓĮ tĨĔÌľÆĸĮ ȻĮÓĨŌîÆÓĮ Ƃƀǵƀƀƀɒ ƅƅǵƀƀƀɒ #ŒĥÓÆĸÓÌ ´ĸĸÓċÌÓÓĮ ZÓĸōĔĨāǴľîĄÌǴ QǴ Ȁ>3ƅ}> êÓĄ´ĨãÓĮĸÆĔċĮĸĨľÆĸîĔċÓŌÓċĸ îċ}´ľÌîĨ´Åî´ ĔȊĄĔÆ´ĸÓÌōîĸêǶ ÅîãƅÆĔċĮĸĨľÆĸĮ´ľÌîǴÆĔĊ ƂƆȋƂƉ2ÓÅĨľ´ĨœƂƀƂƄǴwÌê2ĨĔċĸ#ŒêîÅîĸîĔċȻĔċâÓĨÓċÆÓÓċĸÓĨ wÓãîĮĸÓĨ ĸĔ´ĸĸÓċÌ14 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com SITE UPDATE Veolia’s biogas-to-energy plant is the fi rst of its kind in Dubai that uses biogas to produce green energy Veeoolliia’ss bbiioogas-to-energy pllant is the fi rstt off its kkiinndd iin DDubbaaii tthat ELECTRIFYING AMBITIONS D ubai Municipality’s advanced plant for power generation from biogas at Warsan is under a built, operate and transfer model. The fi rst of its kind project in Dubai, using biogas to produce green energy, is implemented through a public-private partnership between Dubai Municipality and Veolia, a global French fi rm in water, energy and environment. Pascal Grante, CEO, Veolia Near & Middle East, says: “This project’s scope is a build-operate-transfer (BOT). We’ve been called by Dubai Municipality to collect the biogas from the digester. We will operate this plant during a period of 25 years. At the end of 25 years, the ownership will be transferred to Dubai Municipality.” The project aims to reduce the annual operating costs of the Warsan Sewage Treatment Plant by using the energy generated from biogas, the by-product from wastewater treatment, and utilising it in the operation of the plant itself. Dubai’s sewerage system will support the plant. The plant has a production capacity of 45,000 GW. Grante says: “It means that the plant is working almost autonomous of energy. We could increase the number of motors to enable the wastewater treatment plant to be fully energy autonomous.” “We aim at being the world leader of ecological transformation, which means that our objective is to produce green energy wherever we are, through waste, sludge, or water. We are also implementing energy effi ciency. We are in a partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, Pascal Grante, CEO, Veolia Near & Middle East where we are manage loads and hotels, optimising energy consumption.” Talking about specifi c facilities management strategies to ensure the longevity of the whole plant operation, Grante says: “Our aim is to have reliability of assets. Through reliability of the assets, we will have availability of the resource. The resource being electricity. Veolia has developed maintenance programmes such as preventive maintenance programme that ensures reliability 365 days a year, 24/7.” Grante says that the key challenges is “to make sure that methane is available from the wastewater. It will condition the production of energy. Apart from that there is no surprise at all because we have to make sure that this plant is run as per compliance procedures and methodology”. The plant boast more than 300 sensors for monitoring the temperature and the pressure. It also has a leak detection system where it checks the impact of its activities on the environment. This is in all the facilities of Veolia. Grante says: “On the stack of the chimneys, we have sensors monitoring the pollution, and the pollution is checked in real time.” Talking about Veolia’s collaboration with Dubai Municipality, Grante says: “We have been involved with Dubai Municipality for a much longer time. We’ve done a lot of things with water and waste. So with Dubai Municipality, there is a wide range of opportunity in sustainable development and in ecological transformation, which is our job. This is why we’ve been off ered this plant opportunity.” FUTURE FOCUS FM executives reveal their fi rm’s priorities and objectives this year 16 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com COVER STORYCOVER STORY January 2024 17 www.fm-middleeast.com18 January 2024www.fm-middleeast.com I n the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management, where seamless operations and cutting-edge solutions converge, the year 2024 in the Middle East region unfolds as a pivotal chapter. The heartbeat of innovation resonates through the corridors of executive boardrooms, where FM leaders unveil their fi rms’ strategic blueprints. Against the backdrop of technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, these executives navigate the complexities of a dynamic industry, setting the stage for a transformative journey that will redefi ne the very fabric of facilities management in the region. As the curtains rise on this narrative, we delve into the minds of these visionaries, exploring their priorities, objectives, and the driving forces that propel their organisations forward. Beginning the conversation is Sangeetha Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Amantra FM, who says: “The openness to sustainability transition among real estate owners and decision-makers is an opportunity for us to drive energy effi ciency in buildings. This window of opportunity will only grow as more research related to buildings’ outsized energy and carbon footprint surfaces. Fortunately, thanks to the timely emergence of IoT and cloud- enabled solutions, which can optimise energy consumption, enhance asset performances, and unlock savings through proactive maintenance, all stakeholders are incentivised to make the sustainability transition. Our recent partnership with AtmosAir, a global leader in solutions for healthier indoor air, takes after that development. Amantra FM is well- equipped to be the custodian of regional real estate owners’ sustainability pursuits.” Karthikeyan Ragothaman, General Manager of bfm, says that the major evolving FM industry trend in the UAE is favouring a shift from traditional inputs- based contracts to less prescriptive, performance-based agreements, presenting a signifi cant opportunity for bfm. The company’s recent strategic restructure, including the introduction of FM fi rms are aligning with UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target COVER STORY Stuart Harrison, CEO, EmrillJanuary 2024 19 www.fm-middleeast.com COVER STORY a new business model and centralised control centre with vehicle-based mobile teams, has eff ectively streamlined operations, signifi cantly lowering the company’s cost base. Additionally, the incorporation of AI- driven facilities management technology has not only generated substantial energy cost savings for bfm but positions the company as a forward-thinking leader in adapting to the changing landscape of facilities management contracts. Ragothaman adds: “bfm is arguably one of the most well positioned FM companies in the UAE to benefi t from the growing trend towards performance- based FM contracts, which tend to be more competitive on contract value when compared to traditional input-based contracts, presenting a signifi cant market advantage for bfm and a key diff erentiator compared to its rivals.” Contributing to the conversation from a waste management perspective is John Grainger, COO of Dulsco Environment, who says that the primary opportunity for its business over the next 12 months lies in the expansion of Dulsco’s treatment facilities with the launch of new facilities, reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive environmental solutions for its customers’ growing waste management needs. He says: “With the continuous growth of urban populations, the demand for sustainable waste management services is expected to rise signifi cantly, presenting an excellent chance for us to off er more sustainable waste minimisation and diversion strategies. “Our focus will be on delivering high- quality waste management services to our customers, ensuring transparency, actively contributing to their waste diversion and carbon reduction strategies, and aligning with UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 target and the broader regional ambitions. This strategic move not only positions us as a leading provider in the industry but also highlights our dedication to supporting environmental sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of the market.” Speaking broadly, Stuart Harrison, Chief Executive Offi cer of Emrill, reveals that the primary challenge that the fi rm and other global facilities management providers face are economic pressures and their impact on clients’ budgets. Harrison says: “Global market conditions require clients to streamline costs and reduce budgets whilst still receiving the same world-class, industry-standard level of service delivery. “As infl ation rates and interest rates continue to rise worldwide, clients must fi nd more innovative and cost-effi cient ways to operate. Clients may identify areas within their business where they can economise and recover revenue due to disruptions in the supply chain and rising prices.” Clients’ budgetary constraints have impacted and will continue to impact Emrill, he reveals. He says: “As a top-tier service provider, Emrill has earned a reputation for delivering outstanding services that adhere to the most stringent international standards. Whilst customers face their own fi nancial challenges, there may be an inclination to explore more cost-eff ective service providers. Emrill’s challenge is educating clients that this may be a misleading saving, as cheaper services often result in lower quality standards and can lead to performance and operational challenges.” Andreas Hadjioannou, Managing Director at Virtual IT, reveals: “A net zero future is upon us and digital technologies are now in place to help as achieve this Sangeetha Balakrishna, Founder, Amantra FM objective. The performance of our buildings, delivery of services and the productivity and wellbeing of building users depends on our ability to optimise the workplace and other built environments based on actual performance data. As Virtual IT our focus for 2024 is to broaden our knowledge and continue to provide solutions that combine integrated workplace services, asset, maintenance and energy data with ‘business processes’ within an integrated Field Services Management solutions. At Virtual IT we believe that such solutions are a key precondition for identifying and executing on improvement opportunities, whether these are cost effi ciency or experience-based quality improvement initiatives.” Prabhu Ramachandran, CEO & Co- founder of Facilio, giving a bit of last year’s highlight, says: “In 2023, we saw the consolidation that happened in the property operations space and the signifi cant shift The openness to sustainability transition among real estate owners and decision-makers is an opportunity for us to drive energy effi ciency in buildings Sangeetha Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Amantra FM Nigel Wright, MD, Musanadah FMNext >