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FM Expo report reveals top challenges in the facilities management industry

 
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15 Oct 2012

Energy management legislation and the shift towards efficient lighting are the top two issues the facilities management (FM) industry in the region has to contend with most regularly, according to a report by Zawya commissioned by FM EXPO 2012, the region’s leading event for the facilities management industry.

Facilities managers are constantly being faced with the challenge of meeting energy management legislation and adhere to incentive schemes set by utility providers, causing them to have to think significantly ahead as it becomes more costly to update FM systems in aged buildings. Additionally, due to the recent ban of incandescent lamps, regional FM personnel have sought energy conservation through compact florescent lamps (CFPs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Over the past 10 years, the Middle East has witnessed a rapid increase in building developments and construction activity. Due to the region’s continuous dependency on oil as a primary source of energy, and its depleting resources, the region has been in search of new ways to conserve energy and work towards sustainability.

Clarifying a common misconception of green FM systems, David Thompson, event manager of FM EXPO 2012 said, “Sustainable FM solutions may seem costly in the short-term, however, it has become evident that companies are opting in to greener systems to reap their long-term benefits. LEDs can last up to 42 times longer than the average incandescent light while consuming only a tiny percentage of power.”

Paving the way towards a more sustainable future is part of the educational programme available at FM EXPO 2012 from 5 – 8 November, which will help shape and regulate the regional FM industry, with speakers including Naser Al Marzooqi, head of facilities management,City Zone, Masdar City; and Cathy Yang, vice president, developer and owener, Taipei Financial Centre Corporation.. “Creating environmentally conscious professional standards is critical in the region if facility managers are to identify ways to add value to their organization and build cost-effective solutions for the long-run,” added Thompson.

The FM Lecture Theatre and Innovation Arena, part of FM EXPO 2012, will host free-to-attend seminars on a range of industry topics, including sustainability through FM and meeting social and environmental standards set globally. The International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) from the USA will offer certified training courses on site, and returning for the third year, two pre-even workshops covering service level agreements and the power of social media in FM.

FM EXPO will take place alongside The Big 5, PMV Live and Middle East Concrete at Dubai World Trade Centre, from the 5-8 November, 2012. For further information, please visit www.fm-expo.com.

FM Expo report reveals top challenges in the facilities management industry



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