Three Cheers: Winners of FmME awards 2010

Sarah Blackman , June 6th, 2010

The third annual Facilities Management Middle East Awards took place in Dubai this month with over 250 figureheads from the industry in attendance.

Hosted at the Park Hyatt Hotel, the ceremony paid tribute to organisations who have inspired and excelled, plus individuals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty over the last 12 months.

Also recognised were companies who have implemented best practice in health and safety and contributed towards creating a sustainable environment through various initiatives.

This year has been challenging for many industries affected by the financial crisis, but for the facilities management sector, countless opportunities have been created.

As construction has slowed down, professionals have had time to reflect on the work they have done over the past few years and learn from their mistakes. Developers have realised that if they want their buildings to last, then they have to take care of them, through building management and maintenance.

As such, facility managers have stepped in, new technologies have been launched and various solutions have been created to meet this new demand. In the face of so many obstacles, the FM sector has come out on top.

Hundreds of FM companies across the Middle East put their work forward for an FmME award this year from IT experts to sanitation specialists and waste managers.

Companies which are brand new to the FmME awards also entered, and showed interest in categories such as the health and safety initiative of the year, sustainability initiative of the year and overall FM company of the year, awards which were hugely popular among candidates.

There were 14 award categories in total, covering the entire spectrum of the industry.

People and companies were judged on their innovation, initiative and ability to demonstrate a high standard of work.

The judging panel consisted of independent consultant Mick Dalton, Wasl Facilities Management Department general manager Mohammed Khoory and independent consultant Alan Millin.

“The event is important because it’s one of a kind. And it’s important to have such events, which recognise the talent pool of the FM industry,” said Khoory.

Dalton added: “Those that entered were of a good standard and this shows how the industry is developing and growing across the UAE.”

The Winners

Award: Education and development initiative
Winner: Emaar Community Management

In a bid to secure the future of the environment through FM initiatives, the judges looked for ongoing promotion of education and training initiatives and information dissemination vital to the ongoing development of the industry.

Emaar Community Management proved it was a worthy candidate for the award by taking active steps to reach out to its communities. Its Community Clean-up Campaign was held at Emirates Living, a cluster of townhouses and independent villas consisting of more than 8500 units, and ran for three weeks, starting from November 20 last year.

The first week of the campaign focused on reminding residents to drive safely by abiding with speed limits and refraining from wrongful parking. The second week was dedicated to educating residents on proper waste disposal, pet waste management and recycling in order to ensure the environment is protected.

Emaar promoted safety and security in the final week to create awareness about specific procedures. The judges noted that the winner had initiated a campaign that not only helped maintain the community but also, by educating the residents, helped them keep their community service charges under control.

Emaar Community Management was formed in 2006 to assist home owners and their representatives in managing community affairs across Emaar Properties.

The company focuses on four primary areas; management of the communities - assisting in the management of communities to ensure the efficiency and economy to the operations; budget preparation - accounting of all financial activity of the community and assisting the committees in annual service fee budget preparation; liaison services - liaising between Emaar, facilities service providers and home owners; and fostering community spirit and development - organising community building events, creating awareness campaigns and publishing community newsletters and directories.

WINNER: comment
It’s been a great year and we’ve achieved a lot for the community. We’ve always promised a ‘lifestyle’ and it’s been important to show this to homeowners.
Senior director Jeevan D’Mello

Category: shortlist

* Imdaad
* Masdar Institute
* Emaar Community management

Award: Cleaning service provider
Winner: Smashing! Cleaning Services

In order to win an FmME award in this category, a contractor or supplier must have excelled in providing cleaning services for a significant project, and Smashing Cleaning services did just that.

The company, which offers HVAC system cleaning, high pressure external building wash, cleaning of windows and skylights and deep steam cleaning, among other services, bagged the cleaning contract for the Formula 1 Yas Marina project last year and completed the work in just 21 days before the first grand prix race was held.

Smashing also undertook additional works at no extra cost and received a “fantastic referral letter” from the client on the project, Aldar, according to Smashing general manager James Day.

The letter stated: “Your professionalism, dedication, knowledge and experience were evident throughout the time you were with us and your team worked tirelessly through what can only be described as difficult circumstances.”

Independent FM consultant and judge on the FmME Awards panel commented on the reason for the company’s success: “Smashing cleaning excels in its approach and leads the way in many aspects of cleaning as a specialist cleaning service provider. The [F1] project award demonstrates their capability and flexibility.” A+ Securities and Cleaning Services was commended for its work on the Entrepreneur Business Village a facility located in Dubai, built by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, but there can only be one winner.

WINNER: comment
I think it’s all about doing the little extra things for the client. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a big job for us. It went from a total mess of a building sit to a well presented venue.
Managing partner Leny Day

Category: shortlist

* Smashing! Cleaning Services
* A+ Securities and Cleaning Services
* Megarme

Award: FM Consultancy
Winner: Mace Macro

Mace Macro picked up one of the most sought after FM awards at this year’s event because of the scope of work it carried out for the Government of Jordan. “Mace Macro once again showed how it works to ensure best practice facilities management is put into place,” explained judge Mick Dalton.

In 2009, the Executive Privatisation Commission required the firm to conduct a review of over 10,000 government buildings, which have been poorly managed. Macro then proposed strategy, policies and organisation for future FM delivery in the region.

In addition, the company provided direction for outsourcing all or part of FM services, identified steps to improve public services through well maintained government buildings and revealed potential for significant cost savings and efficiencies.

In a statement, Executive Privatisation Commission chairman Abdel Rahman El Khatib thanked the consultant for its efforts: “The consultancy work Macro did is likely to become the foundation of Jordan’s future FM industry.”

Mace Macro also took home the FM Consultancy Award this time last year because of its engagement with the property management department of the King Abdullah Economic City in June 2008. The company provided a range of FM consultancy support related to establishing the organisational set up for the operational services to the project.

Judges looked for an array of evidence, including cost savings, best practice and FM strategy. The winner showed all these and more and impressed the panel with numerous case studies.

WINNER: comment
Winning for the third year in a row, we’re are very pleased. Thanks go to all at Mace as they made it work, as well as our clients for their faith in us.

Category: shortlist

* Mace Macro
* Ginger Group
* Reliance Facilities Management
* Thiess Service Middle East
* Langmead Associates

Award: MEP Service provider
Winner: Al Shirawi US Chillers

Judges looked for evidence of innovative MEP service provisions, excellent customer and client relationships and environmental and cost savings when deciding which company should win the MEP award this year.

Al Shirawi US Chillers clearly met these criteria by reducing CO2 emissions by over 3000 tonnes, and saving 14 million gallons of water and 3.68 million KWh of electricity in the UAE last year.

The company achieved these savings by installing a non-chemical water treatment technology into a Palm District Cooling (PDC) plant. The system has been in operation for over one year and PDC is in the process of placing orders to have the technology installed in six other plants.

In addition to eliminating all chemical usage, this technology has allowed PDC to increase the cooling tower cycles of concentration, thus substantially reducing water requirements and associated water cost. It has decreased the carbon emissions associated with the water production and distribution, allowing PDC to earn LEED points.

Last year, US Chillers also developed Condenser Air Pre-Cooler systems, which help air cooled chillers save money by reducing entering condenser air. All systems are designed, engineered and manufactured to attach directly to the condenser section of air cooled chillers.

The pre-cooler is designed to operate by utilising the airflow from the condenser fan of the existing air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment, relying entirely on the evaporation of water.

As water passes downward through the media, the air velocity of the condenser fan causes some of the water to evaporate, ultimately cooling the air before it reaches the condenser coil.

Judges commended the scale and ingenuity of the projects worked on by Drake & Scull, but the winning entry demonstrated how it has added value to projects by supporting everything from district cooling plants, to FM companies and their clients.

WINNER: comment
I’m very proud that we won. It’s a challenging environment but we are well placed.

Category: shortlist

* AL Shirawi US Chillers
* Drake & Scull

Award: Health and Safety Initiative
Winner: Drydocks World

It was a unanimous decision made by the judging panel to present Drydocks World with the Health and Safety Initiative award this year for the reason that it made notable and verifiable improvements in health and safety track records.

The company partnered with clients to implement initiatives such as programme management of comprehensive health and safety framework, enrolment of FM staff in online and health and safety training programmes and participation of facilities management staff in HSE cross functional teams e.g. emergency response teams.

It also conducted HSE perception surveys to identify areas of improvements, determine alternate approaches and enhance employee participation. As a result, 1 million man hours were worked without lost time injuries in three separate facilities – one in Qatar and two in the UAE. It also achieved 100% health and safety compliance at all site.

“Drydocks World has led the way with its health and safety management approach, not only by ensuring health and safety is engaged but auditing and training and a real first class approach which most can only aspire to follow,” said judge Mick Dalton. And, judge Alan Millin added: “Drydocks World came out as a clear winner when measured against the award criteria.”

This year’s awards marked the third straight win for Drydocks World in this category. Last year, it was recognised for being the only entrant certified by the British Safety Council.

WINNER: comment
It’s excellent for us. We are endeavouring to improve systems, which is vital in a high standard environment such as ships.

Category: shortlist

* Drydocks World
* Reliance Facilities Management
* Dulsco
* Emaar Community Management

Award: Innovative use of IT in FM
Winner: Parks and Recreational Facilities Directorate of Abu Dhabi Municipality

Parks and Recreational Facilities Directorate (PRFD) walked away with the IT in FM award this year for showcasing technical excellence, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.

The company has designed the Computerised Maintenance Management System, which incorporates the more common functions of IT systems with innovative ideas such as direct irrigation monitoring.

The systems are designed to ensure asset life, reduce operation and maintenance costs, standardise asset management practices, track operation and maintenance contractors’ performance, help manage reporting and payments process and conserve water and electricity.

These systems will provide desktop and mobile connectivity for operation and maintenance contractors and will also be interfaced with geographic information system for online identification of location etc. When explaining why PRFD won the FmME award, Mick Dalton said: “The winner shows how a public service can use IT to manage its assets. The Parks and Recreational Directorate of Abu Dhabi stood out this year in advancing the use of IT in FM by demonstrating best use of supervisory control and data acquisition and technology.”

WINNER: comment
It was a real push to get our project off the ground but we had the confidence from our management that it was a worthwhile project. The award is justification for that confidence.
Engineer Hussain Al Saeedi

Category: shortlist

* Parks and Recreational Facilities
* Mace Macro International
* Emaar Community managemen

Award: FM of the year
Winner: Jawed Khan, Idama Facilities Services

There were several strong candidates hoping to bag the FM of the year award this year, but the winner stood out for his initiatives, which have saved AED30 million through energy conservation. Jawed Khan joined Idama in 2004 and is now responsible for overall delivery of contracted service level agreements for FM services across Tecom Free Zone in Dubai.

His role involves managing services and processes that support the core business of the organisation and to ensure it has the most suitable working environment for its employees and their activities.

In April, Khan put together a weekly schedule, which would result in high energy savings. As part of the schedule, the Idama cleaning crew were asked to turn off lights in occupied areas after cleaning up, HLV fixtures in elevator lobbies were selected to be turned off and all under water lights were permanently switched off. Khan also started initiatives such as recycling programmes and an ‘earth watch’ day.

He was recommended for the award in an online submission, which said: “He [Khan] always focuses on using best business practice to improve efficiency, by reducing operating costs whilst increasing productivity. He has proven to be an outstanding team player, organising and facilitating continued team management to achieve remarkable service delivery. He always displays exemplary character and achieves ‘best in class’ corporate targets.”

WINNER: comment
I can’t believe it – but I can’t take all the credit. The team worked very hard, and this award belongs to them too – it has been a real team effort. I’m really excited about winning.
Senior account manager Jawed Khan

category: shortlist

* Mark Richardson, Multiplex Services
* Martyn Potter, Masdar Institute of Science & Tech
* Mick Redmond, Thiess Services Middle East
* Solai Subramanian, Imdaad
* Ian Kennedy, Brookfield Multiplex Services
* Jawed Khan, Idama Facilities Services

Award: Overall FM Company
Winner: Imdaad

The overall FM company award category proved popular among candidates and attracted many strong nominations. The winning company, Imdaad, was commended for its flagship projects, service record and ability to secure new business.

Contracts under Imdaad’s belt include Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone; The Gardens, a residential community comprising 129 low-rise buildings; Dragon Mart in International City, Dubai; The Legends, a development in Dubailand; and Ibn Battuta Mall, which is also located in Dubai.

The firm’s main services include waste management, cleaning and pest control, but it also offers maintenance of fire-fighting equipment and operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems.

The firms’ long list of clients are Nakheel, Aldar Properties, Drydocks World, Etisalat and Engineers Office. The company also has a dedicated HSE department, which train staff to achieve better results through the implementation of safe systems at work and develops positive safety culture.

Imdaad has been able to showcase good customer feedback and has exhibited a partnership approach to its business, which offers a breadth of outsourced services, and conforms to the highest certified international standards. Congratulating the company on its win, judge Mick Dalton said: “Imdaad’s entry shows it has won new business in FM and done a great job for their clients. Great work.”

WINNER: comment
We’ve been in facilities management for three years and this is just the beginning. We’ve been recognised as the best company in the region – now we hope to become the best in the world.
CEO Jamal Lootah

Category: shortlist

* Mace Macro International
* Thiess Services Middle East
* Able Facilities Management
* Idama Facilities Management
* Imdaad
* Cofely Besix Farnex Avireal

Award: Young Middle East FM of the year
Winner: Naganandh Muthulakshmanan, Emaar Properties

In this category, the judges noted that all shortlisted candidates had made a positive contribution to their companies, but it was Naganandh Muthulakshmanan who stood out as the winner for his ability to demonstrate a positive attitude toward service while keeping costs at an optimal level.

“Nag has taken over Dubai Marina since May 2009. He has done wonders with the communities in terms of technical resolutions, cost savings, budgeting and getting the service providers to deliver results. I’m pleased with his performance and wish to give him further responsibilities in the future,” commented Emaar Community management senior director Jeevan D’Mello.

Muthulakshmanan has been working at Emaar for 17 months and, within the first five months of his employment, he achieved a cost saving of US $299,470 (AED1.1 million) to the Dubai Marina through reallocation of utility charges and implementation of cost and energy saving measures.

Last year, he also assisted the contracts team to negotiate a reduction of $454,650 with service providers. In his nomination, his employer highly recommended him for this year’s FmME award: “His ability to motivate his team has resulted in a significant increase in productivity.

All these efforts paved the way for lower service fees in 2010 for all communities in Dubai Marina (when compared to 2009). Simply put – he is passionately committed to exploring anything and everything that helps to operate the communities in the best way possible at the lowest cost.”

WINNER: comment
I’m excited. It’s been such a good year so far for the company and things are really moving in the right direction. It’s really nice that our work has been recognised.
Assistant manager Naganandh Muthulakshmanan

Category: shortlist

* Naganandh Muthulakshmanan,
* Emaar Properties
* Bryan Monds, Al Shirawi US Chillers
* Linda Engstrom, Emaar

Award: Sustainability Initiative of the year
Winner: Drydocks World

Drydocks World was the only nominee to take home two gongs at the FmME Awards 2010 and the company was particularly proud of being recognised for its sustainable initiatives. This award acknowledged the company’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint through corporate social responsibility, energy and water reduction, recycling or procurement practices, and thereby contributing to a better quality of life for all.

Over the last year, Drydocks implemented major environmental initiatives including an energy management system, which effectively monitored and managed the power supply being fed to Drydocks’ shipyard. The introduction of pressure reducing valves also led to direct savings in water (around 9%).

They were implemented at a cost US $29,000, but were paid for in savings within just three months. In addition, the company recycled copper slag (an abrasive blasting material used to prepare surfaces, such as a ship’s hull) in line with its objective of disposing zero waste to landfills. Furthermore, refrigerant gas recovery units were introduced last year to ensure that refrigerant gases used within cooling systems were not purged directly into the atmosphere.

Instead, these are now stored in cylinders, filtered and reused. Member of the FmME Alan Millin commented on Drydocks’ win: “[Drydocks had a] strong submission with costs, paybacks and benefits clearly noted.”

WINNER: comment
It’s been a good year with many innovations, including the implementation of six steps for sustainability.
Manager Dilip Advani

Category: shortlist

* TerraVerde
* Al Shirawi
* Drydocks World
* Masdar Institute
* TDIC
* Tadweer Waste Management
* Imdaad

Award: Sanitation and waste management
Winner: Thiess Services Middle East

Thiess Services Middle East (TSME) showed that it was a deserved winner at the FmME awards 2010 by demonstrating that it has showcased innovative solutions and services for the critical area of sanitation and waste management. The company has also implemented waste strategies across the UAE since it was established in the UAE in 2008.

Specifically, TSME has successfully recycled more than 25,000 tonnes of material destined for landfill. All construction and demolition waste is taken to the TSME Material Recovery Facility where wood, metal, plastic, cardboard/paper are extracted. Remaining materials are then transferred to its crushing operation where aggregate is produced to engineering specifications for re-use in construction projects.

The company said in its online submission that its facility delivers the following environmental benefits; reduced haulage miles, reduced environmental impacts associated with aggregate production and reduced fly tipping. TSME has also implemented office recycling schemes for clients, ensuring resources, such as plastic, paper, glass and cans are recycled.

WINNER: comment
We’re very small, but very aggressive in our approach but we couldn’t have established ourselves any other way. It [the award] shows that hard work, dedication and loyalty pays off.
Waste services manager Steve Patterson

Category: shortlist

* Mil-tek Middle East
* Thiess Services Middle East
* Dulsco
* Tadwee Waste Treatment
* Imdaad

Award: Security service provider
Winner: Gulf Fidelity Security Services

Gulf Fidelity Security Services’ (GFSS) most challenging project began in 2009 when it was invited to reduce the overall cost of security, whilst at the same time, increase security efficiency of over 50 sites owned by the Al Tayer Group (ATG).

The company had to show ATG that it could provide services such as recruitment, training, site operating procedures, supervision and key performance indicators.

GFSS was able to save the client money by adding barriers and equipment to sites, thus reducing the number of security guards needed to man various locations. It was this project which led the company to deservedly win an FmME award, explained Mick Dalton: “Gulf Fidelity has demonstrated excellence in security and clearly supporting Dubai police and clients professionally.”

Judges commended the winner for showcasing the difference between simply having a man on guard duty and actually providing security. The winner also impressed the judges through its ability to balance manpower and technology to produce optimum security levels.

Launched in October 2006, GFSS is a joint venture between Kamber International Trading and now employs over 1000 security guards who have gone under extensive training based on their locations. It is currently well established in the retail and real estate sector and is expanding into other industries.

WINNER: comment
We were rather surprised. It’s the second time in three years we’ve won. We pay a lot of attention to matching people’s traits to specific sites.
Managing director Pieter Botha

Category: shortlist

* Gulf Fidelity Security Services
* World Security

Award: Green FM Contractor of the year
Winner: Reliance Facilities Management

This year’s green FM contractor award winner demonstrated to the judging panel how a good FM company can save energy at a client’s site by using simple low-cost techniques, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.

Such techniques included energy conservation in HVAC, reduction of light usage through light sensors and eco friendly CFL lamps, discontinuation of paper cups by replacing them with mugs and glasses and switching off 50% of elevators after office hours in the UAE’s General Electric Corporate Offices and the Qatar and Business Central Towers.

Reliance also recycled waste paper through eco-friendly shredding and saved the equivalent of 74 trees for General Electric Corportate Offices in 2009.

The company offers property management, including building management systems, fire fighting solutions, and plumbing and water treatment plants; soft services, such as cleaning and pest control; risk management - security and safety and insurance management; and administration services including tennant billing, parking management and planning and budgeting. Key projects the company has worked on include Welcare Hospital in Dubai and the Standard Chartered Bank.

WINNER: comment
I didn’t expect this at all, it’s most unexpected – but a real honour.
CEO Dilip Khatwani

Category: shortlist

* Mil-tek Middle East
* Reliance Facilities Management
* Thiess Services Middle East

Award: Landscaping contractor of the year
Winner: Deffufa Décor

Deffufa Décor provides design, execution and maintenance for projects including high rise buildings, parks, roads, bridges, roundabouts and schools. The company was named landscaping contractor of the year because of its ability to minimise water consumption by using plants with minimal water requirement, implementing appropriate irrigation systems and introducing water retaining additives.

“Deffufa Décor has an excellent team and has delivered very good services at multiple sites,” commented judge Mohammed Khoory. The conservation of natural resources was a key entry criterion for the award, and judges also looked for a cost-effective, sustainable and good looking landscape. In its online submission, Deffufa stated: “We provide our clients with cost effective solutions with great consideration to the environment. We try our best to minimise water consumption and we are keen to be environmentally friendly.”

The company also prioritises safety by sending notices to tenants to warn them when maintenance is going on. The judging panel commended the landscaping firm for its ability to maintain quality services and win contracts on prestigious projects. Deffufa Décor has been recognised by clients such as DREC, Emirates Airlines, Ministry of Interior, the RTA, Al Jaber Group, others.

WINNER: comment
It’s our quality, cost efficiency and sustainability that make us stand out. We love what we do.
Director Samira Fahim

Category: shortlist

* Deffufa Décor
* TerraVerde
* Proscape