Green for life

As the Middle East acts to shed its reputation for a lack of environmental awareness, fmME talks to the innovators who understand the value of facilities management professionals in safe-guarding the planet for future generations

Much as the United Kingdom had to move from awareness to action when labelled the ‘dirty man of Europe’ for the poor ecological state of its coastline, the Middle East is now taking its own actions to address its lack of solid environmental credentials.

The facilities management sector is at the fulcrum of this environmental awakening in the region. “We’ve found FM consultants to be hugely supportive,” says Graham Bell, Envac Abu Dhabi president. “For example, they understand that automated systems reduce the need for manpower in removing waste from chute rooms to the periphery, and the attendant removal logistics. Developers, building owners and residents are now starting to listen to their advice.”

Envac has installed subterranean automated sustainable waste collection systems from North Korea to Sweden. “The cultures are very different,” says Bell, “but the overriding FM aim is the same, whichever country or continent you operate in: to provide residential and commercial districts and their populous with environmentally appropriate solutions for the collection and transportation of waste and recycling products.”

The Middle East differs from Europe and Asia as its more developed regions such as UAE, KSA and Qatar are maturing fast due to the amount of continuing construction, new projects coming online and the strong demand from municipalities for retro-fit, he continues.

“So what I find gratifying from an environmental stand point, is to see governmental directives yielding a tangible change in a project’s environmental ethos. This is a turning point signaling a change in attitude and responsibility. It means the market is maturing.”

Data rich transparency

With the onset of owner association law, whereby residents have the power to award FM contracts, the ability to produce transparent costings will be a key differentiator in the decision making process, and add to a building’s eco-credentials.

However, to some building cleaning may seem an additional expense and one that is not always measurable. “To an extent,” says Sharbel Kordahi, director, business unit professional, Kärcher Middle East. “If you operate a facility in the healthcare or catering sector for example, then of course hygiene is paramount and cleaning therefore a justifiable and needed cost.

“However, if you’re a resident counting the pennies, expenditure on keeping communal areas clean many not be a priority. Either way, if an FM can present transparent, data rich service charge modeling as a billing service, or at tender, it’s going to be a powerful tool in your relationship armoury or in winning a contract.

Kärcher’s software system optimises manual cleaning sequences, enabling facilities managers to gather data relating to labour, comestibles used and performance, calculating exact costs. “This system can only improve service delivery, now the benchmark in the Middle East.”

FM initiative

Imdaad, the facilities management division of Dubai World, has been spreading its environmental message through its Beati campaign. The initiative is a collaboration with Dubai Government’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and is aimed squarely at school children in the emirate through extra curricular eco-activities.

“It’s vital we tackle the issue of recycling,” says Mahmood Rasheed, executive director Imdaad.

“It’s a challenge to teach the older generation the importance of disposing of waste responsibly, which is why we are focusing on the next generation – school children. They are eager to learn and if we can educate them about the importance of environmental sustainability, and the fact it starts at home, we can look forward to a sustainable future.”

Initially Beati is targeting schools in Dubai, although there are plans to role it out across the UAE in stages.

The programme includes practical educational activities, quiz competitions and educatifilms on subjects related to the environment, with particular stress on managing waste.

Future generations

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) signed a four-year sponsorship agreement with BP in September to support the launch of its new Al Madaris Al Mustadama (Sustainable Schools) Initiative.

Through Al Madaris Al Mustadam, EAD will help schools in the emirate to carry out green audits and find ways to reduce their ecological footprint. Over the five year course of the scheme, schools will have moved from awareness to action through concrete results.

“Abu Dhabi is developing fast and this is impacting our environment. An environmentally aware society is an expected outcome that we share with the Abu Dhabi Executive Council,”
says HE Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general, EAD.

“We all want our future generation to become environmentally responsible citizens of the world. This initiative has become a reality thanks to the collaboration between Abu Dhabi Emirate’s Education Zones, Abu Dhabi Education Council and to the financial support from BP,” Al Mansouri points out.

“One of the keys to achieving environmental sustainability is through education,” says Fozeya Al Mahmoud, manager of Environmental Education Department, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). “This initiative will address the entire school including students, their parents, teachers and administrative officials, and is mandatory. Moreover, it is in line with best practice in environmental education globally.”

Moving forward, once the project is underway, EAD will link Al Madaris Al Mustadam with similar international initiatives to share experiences and share best practice.

Retrofitting participating schools with the latest energy and water saving technologies to help meet targets, will also be considered.

Jumeirah Beach Residence

No of Apts: 6,790
Hotels: 4/1,500 Rooms
(yet to be functional)
Retail: Approx 700,000 Sqft
Current Waste Collection: 18 - 20 Tons per day
Total Capacity of JBR: 50 Tons per day