Farnek ‘LEEDs’ Burj Khalifa to prestigious international sustainability award

Farnek ‘LEEDs’ Burj Khalifa to prestigious international sustainability award

Leading UAE-based total FM company plays pivotal role in ensuring world’s tallest building achieves LEED Platinum Certification

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 March 2024: Through its sustainability and consultancy division, leading UAE-based smart and green total FM company Farnek, has enabled the Burj Khalifa to achieve LEED O+M Platinum Certification, the optimum international standard for the operation and maintenance of green buildings.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek commented, “This outstanding achievement clearly demonstrates owner and operator Emaar Properties’ commitment to sustainable practices and cements the Burj Khalifa’s enviable reputation as a global sustainable landmark, aligned with the UAE’s net-zero 2050 strategy.

“Buildings are responsible for 40% of global energy carbon emissions and are routinely recognised as a critical sector in tackling climate change. LEED-certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25% less energy, 11% less water and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.”

The programme provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building strategies. LEED projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative design to human health to material use.

LEED, buildings and communities not only save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people, it is critical to addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience, and supporting more equitable communities.

“LEED certification is the ultimate recognition of global green building leadership, signaling that a building has undergone rigorous third-party verification and meets the highest green standards,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC.

“By prioritising sustainability, the Burj Khalifa is leading the way and helping the USGBC continue towards our goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation,” he added.

Farnek provided specialised LEED consultancy services, complying with LEED O+M standards, facilitating the demanding certification process and attainment of the prestigious platinum certification for Burj Khalifa, which at 828 metres high, is the world’s tallest building.

The key initiatives undertaken included energy and water performance, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site management, effective transit connectivity waste management and sustainable sourcing.

“The LEED O+M certification places a strong emphasis on sustainable operations. Farnek has been providing FM services for Burj Khalifa for over a decade now and significantly contributed to its sustainability performance by implementing top-tier green building practices and sustainable operational strategies,” said Muna Al Nahdi, head of sustainability and consultancy at Farnek.

“The Burj Khalifa’s sustainability performance was already commendable, and this became evident when it scored highly and achieved platinum certification, after being benchmarked against local and international standards through the LEED rating system.

“This exceptional performance is particularly notable in areas such as energy and water efficiency and indoor air quality. We initiated the consultancy process and efficiently completed the required documentation to meet LEED requirements within just six months.

“This accomplishment was facilitated by our extensive expertise in LEED consultancy and the active involvement of our FM team. This acknowledgment underscores the significance of Farnek’s innovative and eco-conscious FM practices, which transforms ordinary structures into sustainable buildings.”

In terms of energy performance, Farnek employed cutting-edge energy management and optimisation strategies such as implementing smart building technologies, the use of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems and in addition to continuous monitoring and measurement, carried out regular audits to identify and address areas for improvement.

Water consumption was also monitored to identify opportunities for conservation, by installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances, implementing landscaping practices that minimise water usage and by diverting condensate water for irrigation purposes.

The Burj Khalifa provides a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for residents and visitors, by utilising measures such as efficient ventilation systems and controlling and monitoring indoor air quality and enhanced thermal comfort and light levels, that improve productivity, health and well-being.


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About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management services to across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

For more information, please log on to www.farnek.com

About the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to transforming how buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create thriving, healthy, equitable and resilient places that advance human and environmental wellbeing. USGBC leads market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools, and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

For more information, please log on to www.usgbc.org

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Pullman Dubai JLT awarded global sustainability certification

Five-star Dubai hotel achieves Green Globe certification for sustainable management and compliance with international best practic

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 March 2024: The Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers Hotel, has been awarded its first Green Globe certification, a premier worldwide certification and improvement programme developed especially for the travel and tourism industry.

The hotel’s management team ensured that the property complied with or exceeded, more than 380 rigorous sustainability indicators, during an independent audit and assessment by Green Globe’s preferred partner in the Middle East, UAE-based, sustainability consultancy Farnek.

Initially, Farnek’s dedicated consultancy and auditing teams supported the hotel’s management team, explaining the criteria set by Green Globe. In addition, Farnek also developed a sustainability plan for the hotel, that aligned not only with Green Globe requirements but also with the ACCOR group’s sustainability goals.

The hotel met criteria such as implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing water consumption, practicing waste management and recycling, supporting local communities, high levels of guest satisfaction, promoting sustainable tourism and overall sustainable operations and management.

Sushanth Nambiar, Cluster General Manager said, “We are proud to have been awarded the prestigious Green Globe certification, reflecting our commitment and continued efforts to reduce our impact on the environment, by implementing a range of measurable sustainability initiatives.

“We have set and will continually review our energy, water and waste performance against a host of exceptionally high operational standards. Our Green Globe certification is an independent endorsement of our efforts, which contributes positively towards the UAE’s transition towards a greener economy and its net zero ambitions.”

The Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers is a five-star hotel, located on Sheikh Zayed Road in the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), offering upscale accommodation in an urban contemporary design. The hotel consists of 354 rooms including 76 suites & apartments, 11 meeting rooms, plus five restaurants and bars. It also has a fully equipped gymnasium, outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a spa, beauty salon and a kids’ play area.

Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy, Farnek, said: “The Pullman JLT Dubai, is clearly socially responsible, determined to follow international best practice, especially when addressing energy and water efficiency, as well as reducing food waste. The hotel’s progressive management team has demonstrated its commitment, not only to the environment, but also to its guests, staff and the local community, placing sustainability at its core,” added Al Nahdi.

Having signed its original partnership agreement with Green Globe in 2009, Farnek has subsequently certified well over 100 hotels and leisure facilities in 38 cities across the MENA region, enabling members to save in excess of 180 million kWh of energy, worth over $20 million and more than two million cubic metres of water valued at approximately $5 million.


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Photo caption: Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy, Farnek presents the Green Globe Certificate to Sushanth Nambiar, Cluster General Manager.

About Green Globe Certification

Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

For information, please log on to www.greenglobe.com

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management services to across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

For more information, please log on to www.farnek.com

Muna alnahdi shares insights about the challenges of managing sustainable supply chains at Expo City Dubai forum

Farnek expert shares insights about the challenges of managing sustainable supply chains at the Expo City Dubai forum

Dubai, UAE, Thursday 7th March 2024: Muna Al Nahdi, head of sustainability & consultancy at UAE-based smart & green FM company Farnek, was invited recently to address delegates, comprising of leading figures in sustainable urban design, at the ‘Sustainable Cities in Action Forum 2024, held at Expo City Dubai.

During a conference session dedicated to designing an ESG-compliant supply chain, Al Nahdi delivered a presentation entitled ‘Supply Chain Transformation: ECD Compliance & Farnek’s Sustainability Journey’ and in addition to a subsequent panel session, she illustrated the challenges faced as a vendor for Expo City Dubai and adhering to its sustainable procurement principles.

Al Nahdi shared Farnek’s own journey towards sustainability and its procurement strategies, the latest key industry trends and commented on the maturity of the region and its ability to implement these strategies.

During the panel discussion Al Nahdi also commented on the specific challenges of sustainability and green procurement, such as financial and commercial commitments, efficiency and managing green supply chains.

“We understand sustainability is a journey that requires true collaboration. Today, we stand poised to establish ourselves as a pioneering smart and green FM company by fostering partnerships with our suppliers and clients, as this is essential for transforming the market and advancing sustainability.

“While challenges abound, we believe in our ability to overcome them through innovation, unwavering commitment, and collaborative efforts,” said Al Nahdi.

Addressing over 500 decision-makers and influencers in sustainable urban development, over two days, ‘Sustainable Cities in Action 2024’ was designed to bring together stakeholders to make cities more prosperous, equitable, low carbon and climate resilient.

A combination of population growth, a changing climate and ever-more complex city ecosystems heightens the need for positive change and transformation in urban landscapes.

With a particular focus on the MEASA region, the aim of the forum, was to unite urban visionaries, to find sustainable solutions addressing the challenges in their own cities, while exploring the opportunities those strategies and innovations present beyond the region.


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About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

zohaib-azhar-head-of-operations-hitches-glitches

Hitches & Glitches launches dedicated Kitchen App

The app is specifically designed to improve operational efficiency and lifespan of commercial kitchen equipment – 90% of kitchen assets have no dedicated maintenance record .


Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7 February 2024: Dubai-based innovative and technology-driven home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), part of the Farnek Group, has launched a dedicated mobile application, that is specifically designed to improve the uptime and lifespan of commercial kitchen equipment.

Busy restaurants cannot afford any downtime in their kitchens, especially during high demand periods. If a particular appliance does fail, it is critical for the restaurant manager and the chef, to have it back in service as soon as possible.

So, H&G decided to develop a kitchen application because generally the market currently uses many Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM), applications which were originally designed for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) asset management. However, there was no specific application for individual kitchen appliances and other assets.

“We found that 90% of assets in commercial kitchens did not have an individual maintenance record, making it extremely difficult to ascertain how long a particular appliance has been in service and virtually impossible to predict how efficiently it would perform in the future.

“With this new mobile application, maintenance teams can create a maintenance record for each individual appliance or asset. Over time this will identify the number and frequency of asset failure so that predictive, preventative and corrective maintenance schedules can be set up. Similar assets can also be benchmarked,” said Zohaib Azhar, Associate Director at Hitches & Glitches.

H&G maintenance teams will now be able to assess the life expectancy of kitchen assets and identify any under maintenance as well as over maintenance scheduling. That will help restaurant owners and managers to reduce capital expenditure, as assets will have a longer life expectancy with regular maintenance and save money on urgent call outs.

Furthermore, restaurant managers can work out the actual cost of a particular asset over its working life. So, a cheaper brand can be compared with say a more expensive brand, then add in the maintenance costs to see which model was more cost-efficient.

Currently H&G has multiple Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC) covering kitchens in hospitals, universities, independent restaurants, hotels and specialist retail confectionary outlets.

“What really sets this app apart from anything else on the market is that we have created specific kitchen equipment problem codes for all critical assets, every issue has a call out priority level to attend, contain and rectify an asset failure. Customers can track the time stamp on the work order, which can be attached to before and after images,” added Azhar.

For more information, please visit www.hitchesglitches.com.


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About Hitches and Glitches

Hitches & Glitches is a technology-led office and home maintenance business, and its vision statement is to become the ultimate provider of sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance services throughout the UAE. It strives to deliver excellence in home maintenance services with a focus on quality, value and sustainable best practice while being led by innovative technology, which exceeds the expectations of our customers.

farnek-team-celebration

Farnek wins contracts valued at AED 607 million in 2023

  • Market-leading FM company secures over 300 new and retained contracts throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Northern Emirates
  • Additional 2,500 staff mobilised across industry sectors such as energy, aviation, hospitality, retail & residential real estate

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 31 January 2024: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has achieved record sales revenue, securing a host of new and retained contracts, valued at more than AED 607 million, over the course of 2023.

In total during 2023, Farnek was awarded more than 300 contracts, an average of 25 every month and overall, more than 2,500 additional members of staff have been mobilised to sites across the UAE.

According to Markus Oberlin, Farnek CEO, the record amount of contract wins, is a result of Farnek successful business strategy, which focuses on innovative, technology-driven and sustainable FM solutions.

“This culminated in winning the Expo City contract for hard and soft FM services and our successful management of the COP28 event. We also managed to increase our market share in Abu Dhabi with new contract wins such as ADNOC, the MiZa neighbourhood and ENEC and we continued to manage the facilities for the F1 Grand Prix.”

Farnek services a wide range of industry sectors such as energy, security, aviation, hospitality, retail and residential property. The scope of work includes a considerable number of contracts for total facilities management (TFM) as well as dedicated hard and soft services such as MEP, cleaning, maintenance, security and housekeeping appointments, amongst others.

“Our hospitality division has been particularly successful; we have grown our business in this sector by 268% over the past 12 months. We have been awarded contracts for housekeeping, maintenance and security from SLS Residences in Dubai’s Business Bay, the five-star Sofitel The Palm and the luxury Anantara properties on the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands,” he said.

Other new business development highlights last year included providing hard and soft FM support at Dubai airport, a hard services contract for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, TFM for Dubai-based aviation services company ExecuJet as well as the Dubai Police.

Farnek’s home maintenance company Hitches & Glitches, secured a significant contract with Emaar Hospitality to manage back of door services, for 14 Emaar Residence Towers featuring more than 7,000 apartments.

“Our sustainability team was also awarded a contract from the Higher Colleges of Technology to develop a roadmap towards net zero. In addition, our technology services company HITEK, which provides smart FM solutions, obtained a contract from the five-star Hotel Vals in Switzerland, to digitise the hotel’s processes and implement HITEK’s groundbreaking FLEXIGUEST software,” commented Oberlin.

Farnek also renewed its MEP hard services contract with Burj Khalifa – “That has to be the ultimate commercial reference, providing maintenance for the tallest building in the world, which we have done effectively since 2010!” said Oberlin.

Looking ahead, Farnek is continuing its strategic approach to new business acquisition. “We have set an aggressive but realistic target of 20% growth in 2024, which will undoubtedly consolidate our market position,” he added.


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Photo caption: Farnek’s team at COP28

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

markus-oberlin-ceo-farnek

Top FM trends to emerge from COP28

As world leaders gathered in the UAE in December to tackle climate change at COP28, the decisions and commitments made at this landmark global event are likely to have an impact on various sectors across the country.

Facilities management plays a crucial role in ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings and other infrastructure and is, therefore, likely to be one of the main industries under the spotlight.

Markus Oberlin, CEO of UAE-based Farnek, who ranked third in FM Middle East’s 2023 FM Power 50 shares his predictions for the top industry trends for 2024 following COP28.

1. Stricter Environmental Regulations

If COP28 results in the introduction of stricter environmental regulations, FM will have to adjust its practices to comply with these new standards. Changes may involve adopting a greater variety of energy-efficient measures, such as reducing waste, using sustainable materials, and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Additionally, FM will need to invest in new technologies and equipment to help monitor and manage energy consumption more accurately and efficiently.

2. Increased Demand for Green Buildings

To promote sustainable building practices, there will be a more concerted effort to encourage the adoption of green building certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the implementation of sustainable hospitality operational practices and standards such as Green Globe. These certifications and practices can help reduce the environmental impact of buildings and promote the use of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials. By prioritising these initiatives, the industry can work towards a more sustainable future for our built environment.

3. Focus on Renewable Energy

During the final week of COP28, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the world’s largest solar project in Dubai. Following this development, it is expected that there will be an increased focus on the adoption of solar and other renewable energy technologies in building operations and maintenance nationwide. This shift towards renewable energy sources will undoubtedly impact the FM industry, with more emphasis placed on incorporating these technologies into building operations and maintenance.

4. Enhanced Reporting Requirements

Accountability will play a crucial role, and COP28 might result in more comprehensive reporting requirements for energy usage, carbon footprint, and sustainability efforts. FM will have to meticulously track and report these metrics using systems like POWERTEK, which is our in-house comprehensive solution for monitoring energy consumption and trends, as well as flagging any irregularities. Similarly, our state-of-the-art online carbon footprint calculation tool, CARBONTEK, measures and analyses carbon emissions, identifying specific hotspots, and supporting businesses on their journey towards achieving net zero.

5. Technological Innovations

The conference will undoubtedly encourage more widespread use of new technologies for energy management, building automation, and efficient resource use. FM professionals will need to stay abreast of these technologies and integrate them effectively. In addition to POWERTEK and CARBONTEK, our BMSTEK building management solution, focuses on intelligent, energy-centric maintenance for smart buildings and provides a flexible, scalable platform that can seamlessly connect to any asset or branded Building Management System (BMS). Moreover, IoT is among the many technologies that are transforming the way in which facilities are now managed.

6. Training and Skill Development

As the world is constantly evolving and new standards and technologies are being introduced, it is imperative for FM practitioners to keep themselves updated with the latest advancements. This is where the need for enhanced training and skill development comes in. The FM industry will require its workforce to have in-depth knowledge of new energy-efficient technologies, and the ability to implement sustainable practices that are in line with the latest industry standards. To stay ahead of the curve, ongoing training and skill development will become increasingly important, as it will not only ensure that facilities are managed efficiently but also help organisations achieve their sustainability goals.

7. Financial Incentives and Support

Governments may offer financial incentives, such as tax benefits, for companies that adopt sustainable practices in FM. By reducing their carbon footprint, minimising waste, and conserving energy and resources, businesses can not only contribute to a healthier and cleaner environment but also benefit from significant cost savings in the long run. Therefore, it is a win-win situation for both businesses and the environment

8. Public Perception and Corporate Responsibility

As public awareness of climate issues grows, there is a greater expectation for corporations to play their part in protecting the environment. This will require companies to adopt new strategies and technologies that prioritise environmental responsibility, reduce waste, and minimise their carbon footprint. As we head into 2024, the growing conversation around climate change demands a proactive and holistic approach from corporations, urging them to not only comply with existing environmental regulations but to actively seek out and implement novel solutions that contribute positively to the wider environment.

Farnek signs accord with UAE Alliance for Climate Action

Farnek signs accord with UAE Alliance for Climate Action to ‘lead the future of road transport in the UAE’

Farnek, a leader in sustainable facilities management and environmental solutions, has signed a groundbreaking initiative with the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA) to accelerate the transition to green transportation alternatives and reduce transport emissions in the country. The UACA’s Road2.0 initiative aims to implement and validate science-based carbon emissions reduction targets in the near-term and long-term to achieve the UAE’s “Net-Zero North Star” goal.

As an initial signatory, Farnek will deploy commercial Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) into business operations to reduce emissions in the short and medium term. Over time, the UAE ecology will benefit from the integration of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) within commercial fleets, which will play an essential role in reducing emissions associated with the transport sector.

Currently, commercial road transport accounts for more than 10% of the UAE’s overall emissions, and Road2.0 aims to unite stakeholders to support the Net Zero Strategic Initiative 2050 and Demand Side Management Strategy 2050 (Green Mobility Programme) by accelerating the decarbonization of road transport. Markus Oberlin, Farnek CEO, emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility within the business community.

Other distinguished signatories of the Road2.0 initiative include Talabat and Unilever Gulf FZE, two industry giants that are committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices. The signing ceremony, held at expocity Green Zone, was attended by 15 signatories at the forefront of transport in the UAE and represents an important step towards realizing the decarbonized society envisioned by the Paris Agreement and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Farnek’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices highlights its leadership in sustainable facilities management and environmental solutions. The signing of this groundbreaking programme represents the latest step in Farnek’s commitment to net zero by 2050.

Caption: Markus Oberlin with Laila Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF after the signing ceremony.

Website: www.emiratescarbon.com

farnek-intern-develops-solar-powered-buggy

Farnek intern develops Solar-powered Buggy for COP28 visitors to Expo City Dubai

Mohamed Zayan, an intern at smart and green total facilities management company Farnek, has unveiled an innovative project that involved retrofitting a buggy, with photovoltaic panels that harness solar energy, to charge the buggy’s battery.

This solar-powered buggy will be operated in Expo City Dubai, showcasing Farnek’s commitment and alignment with Expo City Dubai’s sustainability goals, as well as COP28 ‘energy transition’ objectives.

According to Zayan, who is currently studying for his Master’s in Energy & Sustainable development from a UK-based De Montfort University in Dubai, “Quite apart from the energy savings, the project will encourage other students to embrace projects related to renewable energy.”

Farnek has estimated that the solar panels will produce around 735 kWh/year which helps to offset approximately 18% of the energy required to charge the buggy’s batteries at charging stations and should reduce around 330kg CO2e carbon emissions per annum.

Stress analysis of the structure was carried out using SAP2000 software to check the integrity of the buggy’s roof and supporting struts, considering design parameters such as speed as well as static and dynamic loads. PV Panels are not directly fixed to the buggy structure but rather are integrated into a dedicated, custom-made, light-weight frame to improve strength without adding any noteworthy load to the buggy.

Safety has been considered in the design, through a solar charge controller, integrated into the solar circuitry, which prevents any over or undercharging of the battery. The electrical and structural design of this project is flexible enough to add more PV modules in the future to increase solar production and hence offset even more fossil-based energy.


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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Photo caption: (L-R) Mohamed Zayan, Ahmed Ali Agha, Farnek’s Senior Manager for Net Zero at Expo City, and Derek Ford, General Manager, Farnek Expo City FM, present the solar buggy during COP28.

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

Muna AlNahdi

Farnek obtains full ESCO Accreditation from Dubai’s RSB ahead of COP28

ESCO scheme recognises companies which have qualified personnel, robust financial status & a successful track record of delivering energy saving projects in Dubai – Farnek welcomes timely achievement.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 27 November 2023: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management company Farnek has been granted full accreditation as an Energy Services Company (ESCO) from Dubai’s Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau (RSB).

The RSB was established in 2010 and works under the auspices of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, developing and administering frameworks to encourage greater energy efficiency in buildings. The ESCO accreditation scheme is designed to build trust and make the process smoother for accredited entities and their clients.

Previously an accredited energy auditor with RSB, Farnek was given full ESCO accreditation due to its proven track record of Energy Performance Contract (EPC) projects in the UAE.

“This is a very timely achievement, with COP28 almost upon us. Our accreditation is a result of the successful implementation of various ESCO projects, which have so far generated millions of kWh savings in electricity consumption.

“Obtaining full accreditation serves as a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with evolving international standards and best practices and our ethical conduct, delivering high-quality energy efficiency solutions.” said Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy, Farnek.

ESCOs differ from other companies that offer energy-efficiency improvements in that they use a performance-based contracting methodology. When an ESCO is engaged for a project, financial compensation is directly linked to the actual energy and cost savings achieved.

ESCOs help building owners identify how they can improve energy use and deliver the savings identified. Energy efficiency can only be improved if there is information available on the performance of buildings and they are audited for ways to improve energy use.

The RSB has designed two standard contracts which cater for the two main approaches to energy performance contracting: Shared savings, where the ESCO provides the financing, and Guaranteed savings, where the client provides financing.

“We embrace the shared savings model and invest in projects to alleviate the financial burden for our clients.

“Energy is also the primary contributor to carbon emissions and reducing consumption is one of the most effective steps towards decarbonisation and ultimately a net-zero future, particularly for existing built environments.

Our solutions are distinctive, characterised by a commitment to challenging norms, innovating, implementing best engineering practices, and integrating technology—all while prioritising value and our clients’ best interests. We anticipate that this accreditation will foster trust and positive relationships with our clients and the broader business community,” commented Al Nahdi.

For more than two decades, Farnek has been at the forefront of providing energy management services, with a cost-efficient, integrated and data-driven approach. And in line with the UAE’s net-zero commitment, Farnek is also committed to promoting, investing and implementing sustainable solutions throughout its own operations


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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment

Farnek awards top sustainable suppliers

UAE-based smart & green total FM company recognises Schindler & Enviroserve for their commitment to a cleaner environment during annual green supplier awards

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 9 November 2023: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has acknowledged its two top suppliers for their commitment to sustainability and a cleaner environment.

Dubai-headquartered, Schindler MENA which manufactures, installs, maintains and modernises mobility solutions for buildings throughout the region and UAE-based Enviroserve, the only integrated waste recycling hub in the Middle East & Africa, each received 2023 sustainability awards from Markus Oberlin, CEO of Farnek, Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy and Mira Hachem, Director of Procurement, during a ceremony held at Farnek’s offices.

“If Farnek is going to realise its own net zero ambitions, then it is essential that we reduce our Scope 3 emissions, those generated through our procurement process. Suppliers can contribute up to 65% of any organisation’s carbon footprint, so we must encourage, recognise and reward our suppliers through programmes such as our green awards, which is now in its third year,’ said Oberlin.

Farnek’s initiative integrates environmental and social considerations into its procurement process, to bring about a more positive environmental impact, by appreciating and prioritising its suppliers that were exhibiting a similar green commitment.

To achieve this, Farnek began by introducing green principles within its supply chain process, supporting its customers’ eco-consciousness, to create long term valued partnerships, which drive supply chain sustainability.

Farnek then went through a process to determine a sustainable procurement policy, which included evaluation through certain criteria such as:

  • Environmental commitment
  • Carbon reduction commitment
  • Net zero strategy and projects
  • Green products
  • Integrated waste management
  • Health & safety
  • Social commitment & employee welfare
  • Sound governance practices

Suppliers were evaluated throughout a five-stage process, which started with questionnaires being sent to key partners. Once these were completed and returned with supporting documentation, companies were scored, weighting their responses for each criteria. By adopting a progressive rating system, Schindler and Enviroserve both stood out as clear winners, scoring 93 and 85 respectively, ranking them in the highest range, between 75-100.

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Photo caption 1 (L-R): Mira Hachem & Markus Oberlin with Hugo Miguel Ramos – CEO Middle East and North Africa – Schindler Group.

Photo caption 2 (L-R): Markus Oberlin with Stuart Fleming  – Managing Partner – Enviroserve Services LLC

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

How Farnek is providing green FM while adhering to COP28 sustainability guidelines

COP28 (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is a crucial international event that gathers countries, governments, scientists, activists, and stakeholders from around the world to address pressing environmental challenges. Its significance, particularly in the context of sustainability and climate action, cannot be overstated.

Farnek is providing its green FM services for the Expo City Dubai, where COP28 will be held

Markus Oberlin, CEO at Farnek, says that the event comes at a pivotal moment for climate action around the globe. He says: “Through international media reports, most of us are well aware of record global temperatures, as well as unprecedented wildfires, floods, storms and droughts worldwide.”

Markus Oberlin, the CEO of Farnek.

According to experts, such as Chatham House, the UN’s Global Stocktake synthesis report states much more must be done to meet the goals of the landmark Paris Agreement. COP28 presents a critical opportunity for governments to put the world on a more sustainable path.
Oberlin adds: “Vital issues facing negotiators will include implementing the loss and damage fund (established at COP27) and establishing a framework for the Paris Agreement’s global goal on adaptation (GGA). Other issues under the spotlight will include energy transition and food systems transformation, as well as climate finance.”

He says that COP28 is expected to have a significant influence on the UAE and Middle East FM industry. “As previously mentioned, COP28 will lead to increased global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. This will put pressure on facility managers to adopt sustainable practices within their buildings such as energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.

“COP28 discussions often result in promoting green building standards and regulations such as LEED and Green Globe. Facility managers will need to be aware of these updated standards, to ensure that their buildings and processes are compliant. This may include retrofitting older structures to meet new sustainability requirements.

“It is also highly likely that the UAE will review its own net zero strategy still further, with new targets on an accelerated timeline. Facility managers will play a crucial role in helping organisations meet these revised targets by optimising their facilities for energy efficiency and reduced emissions.”

Oberlin believes that COP28 will focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and facility managers may find themselves exploring opportunities for onsite renewable energy generation, such as solar panels. Facility managers will also need to implement effective waste management programs and encourage recycling within their facilities.

To that end, facility management is increasingly relying on data and technology to optimise building operations. “COP28’s influence may encourage the adoption of more advanced technologies for energy management, predictive maintenance, and sustainability monitoring.”
Farnek claims to be one of the first FM companies in the Middle East to unveil its roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, supporting the UAE’s strategic initiative.

Using 2021 as a brline, Farnek consultants identified the scope and boundaries, to accurately measure its carbon footprint. Apart from building performance such as energy and water consumption, Farnek also took into account, employee travel, logistics, purchased good and services, waste disposal, as well as focusing on recycling, renewables and other lower carbon alternatives.

L to R: Javeria Aijaz, Senior Director – Technology & Innovations ICT, Derek Ford, General Manager – Expo City & Business Development, and Muna Alnahdi, Head of Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek, standing at Expo City Dubai

Emission targets were set for each category and applied an initial five-year reduction goal, which is reviewed annually to gauge progress, make adjustments if necessary and disclose the results to be transparent.

Oberlin says: “By the end of 2026, Farnek aims to reduce its electricity, water, refrigerants and fuel consumption by 30%. It will cut its waste by 10% and lower emissions associated with purchased good and services by 5%.”

By 2031, Farnek’s objective is to decrease its emissions in these categories by up to 50% and by 2048 its carbon footprint will have been cut by up to 90% overall.

Oberlin says: “Of course, it is impossible to become carbon neutral by reduction methods alone, so the remaining 10% will be offset by supporting certified carbon offset projects, thereby achieving its net zero target by 2050.”

Talking about Farnek’s energy management solutions, Oberlin says that the firm’s online remote digital platform PowerTEK, was developed by inhouse experts, at Farnek’s innovative digital solutions sister company HITEK.

Farnek’s PowerTEK is an AI and ML-brd intelligent energy analytical platform

PowerTEK is an AI and ML-brd intelligent energy analytical platform brd on energy, waste, carbon statistics and KPIs, fed by live and historical data from IoT, BMS and even manual upload.
PowerTEK supports building owners and managers, through efficient measuring, tracking, monitoring and benchmarking of energy and water consumption as well as waste management. It analyses consumption and waste, with respect to multiple variables that can influence a building’s environmental metrics, which helps to maintain higher operational efficiency and lowering costs. Moreover, the analysis helps to reduce carbon emissions, which are key to navigating any roadmap towards net zero.

Additionally, CarbonTek is a dedicated online carbon footprint calculation tool, which can measure and analyse carbon emissions and identify carbon emission hotspots. The online tool caters to any type of business and has the flexibility to adapt to any operational activity. Developed by Farnek’s inhouse carbon management experts, with support from software developers from sister company HITEK, the digital tool calculates carbon emissions across all three scopes of emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) – a widely used greenhouse gas accounting and reporting standard).
The online solution can also be customised to generate carbon emission reports for industry sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, commercial offices and logistics, according to the type and scope of business operations, accommodating access from multiple users in multiple locations.

Farnek provides a five-step approach from assessment-to-communication throughout the whole process of the net zero journey – training about the net zero concept and climate change; carbon footprint calculation; identifying emissions hotspots and setting reduction targets; preparing a plan for decarbonisation; and finally, monitoring and communicating milestone achievements.
Talking about the challenges towards achieving net zero, Oberlin admits: “No one has truly cracked the code for achieving net-zero emissions. It’s a complex journey that demands a holistic approach, involving various aspects of an organisation and engaging multiple stakeholders. To tackle this challenge, we’ve developed an integrated approach that emphasises strategic planning, operational excellence, and collaboration. While setting targets is a crucial first step, the real challenge lies in turning those targets into concrete actions.”

He lists down the challenges:

  • Understanding and managing emissions
    At the core of Farnek’s journey lies the need for accurate emissions accounting and monitoring. Oberlin says: “Establishing the boundaries for our emissions footprint, acquiring reliable data, and employing the right calculation tools, which is why we developed our proprietary tool, Carbontek.”
  • Prioritisation amidst business growth
    Maintaining a delicate equilibrium between Farnek’s carbon reduction efforts and its business growth remains an enduring challenge. He says: “Presently, we encounter a market that is not fully prepared, marked by constraints in standards, policies, and technology. Nevertheless, we persistently seek innovative solutions that advance our climate objectives without hindrance. “To address existing gaps in the market, we’ve taken the initiative to develop our own in-house technological solutions such as Powertek, which enables monitoring key carbon emissions on real time and monthly basis.”
  • Tailored client engagement
    Clients vary in their understanding and priorities related to net-zero emissions. Some have no targets, while others require support in implementing carbon abatement projects. Farnek adapts its solutions to their needs, offering consultancy, guidance, and project implementation support.
    Giving an example, Oberlin says: “We’ve been providing energy auditing and saving solutions to our clients. This year, we’ve even considered investing in a number of projects through a shared energy saving ESCO contract to facilitate the energy and emissions reduction for our clients. We see our clients as partners and work together to find the best model.”
  • Supplier engagement
    A significant number of Farnek’s suppliers are currently unfamiliar with the concept of net zero emissions. To address this gap in awareness, the firm has launched the Green Supplier Award to motivate its suppliers towards adopting sustainable practices, with a particular focus on net zero commitments and emissions reduction. In the future, Farnek plans to advance its green procurement criteria.
  • Staff education
    Farnek’s staff play a very important role in achieving its net zero targets. The firm has made substantial investment in training and educating its staff, motivating them to embrace sustainable practices.
  • Community involvement
    Oberlin says: “Acknowledging that the journey to net zero requires collective effort, we are deeply involved in climate dialogue, research, and advocacy. We collaborate with organisations such as the UN Global Compact Network, the UAE Alliance for Climate Action, Emirates Green Building Council, and Emirates Environmental Group. Our commitment extends to knowledge sharing, as we host webinars, events, and actively participate in summits and panel discussions to disseminate expertise and promote sustainability.”

Sharing success stories of projects where Farnek’s smart and green FM service has delivered outstanding results, Oberlin says: “Over 15 years ago, we established our sustainability division with a primary mission to assist our clients in achieving their own sustainability objectives. Initially focused on making our FM practices more sustainable, we later expanded our services to encompass sustainability consultancy and solutions. This includes energy management, carbon management, waste management, and green certifications like LEED and Green Globe. Our innovative solutions such as Hotel Optimizer, have benefited over 100 hotels across the Middle East and beyond.”

A standout example of Farnek’s work is the Burj Khalifa, where it has managed for the past decade, contributing to an annual energy reduction of 5% through energy focused operational approach. Despite the intricacies of this iconic building, Farnek also played a pivotal role as the primary LEED consultant, instrumental in Burj Khalifa’s LEED certification journey.
Farnek is also providing its green FM services for the Expo City and is supporting the client in achieving their sustainability and net zero goals while adhering to the international standards and the COP28 sustainability guidelines.

Talking about the future trends or innovations in the field of facilities management, Oberlin says that IoT will continue to play a significant role in facilities management. IoT sensors will monitor various aspects of building operations in real-time, including temperature, lighting, occupancy, and equipment status. This data will be used to optimise energy consumption, improve maintenance schedules, and enhance overall building performance.

Additionally, he says that AI and ML algorithms will be used to analyse data from IoT sensors and other sources to make predictive maintenance more efficient, optimise energy usage, and enhance security. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants may also help with occupant requests and building management.

Facility managers will also leverage data analytics to track and report on sustainability metrics. This will enable organisations to set and meet ambitious sustainability goals, reduce waste, and minimise carbon footprints.

Oberlin adds: “Predictive maintenance will become more precise through the use of AI and ML. Facility managers can predict equipment failures and conduct maintenance just in time, reducing downtime and repair costs.”

He also believes that organisations will increasingly seek sustainability certifications such as LEED to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable and healthy building practices.
Facility managers will also work to reduce waste and extend the life of building components through practices like recycling, refurbishing, and repurposing materials.

The other trends Oberlin says are Advanced Security Systems and Blockchain for Transparency. He elaborates: “Integrated security systems will continue to advance, incorporating biometrics, AI-driven surveillance, and access control to ensure both physical and data security, whereas blockchain technology may be used to increase transparency in procurement and supply chain management, ensuring the use of sustainable and ethical materials and services.”

In addition to these trends, including LEED, Farnek along with sister group company HITEK, is already working on AI, IoT, and blockchain to integrate further into its smart solutions.

Farnek expert urges HSE auditors to embrace digitalisation to improve health & safety in the workplace

Ryan Mitchell head of QHSEW at UAE-based total FM company unveils company’s new SAFETEK solution to industry peers at HSE forum in Dubai 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 1st November 2023: Ryan Mitchell, head of Quality, Health, Safety, Excellence and Wellbeing (QHSEW), at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek underscored the importance of digitalisation at the two-day HSE Forum, which opened today (Wednesday 1st) at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Dubai.

Entitled – ‘Revolutionising Health and Safety Auditing through Digitalisation’, the aim of the forum, is to pilot a new era of auditing, leveraging the power of digitalisation, bringing innovative solutions and transformative tools to health and safety auditors. With global trends shifting towards digitalization, the forum is showcasing cutting-edge tools and mobile apps that are set to revolutionise how auditors traditionally operate, as well as exploring the significant benefits that this transformation brings to the HSE auditing community.

Mitchell, along with other panelists, stressed the benefits of digitalisation in HSE and the core areas that a digital mindset could be applied to improve HSE, as well as the issues facing implementation, while examining the solutions to overcome those challenges.

“SAFETEK which was developed in-house by Farnek group company HITEK is a digital safety management tool with the power of automation, which supports organisations that are trying to move from reactive to a more predictive approach.

“Our cloud and mobility-based solution was built specifically to digitalise the auditing process, including reporting, to work towards a safer workplace. SAFETEK includes reporting times and data analysis to provide insights for preventative action,” said Ryan Mitchell, Head of QHSEW at Farnek.

The high profile event attracted speakers representing UAE regulatory bodies such as Engr. Raed Al Marzooqui, Manager of Studies & Systems at Dubai Municipality, Dr. Waddah Ghanem Al Hashmi, Chairman of the Federal Committee for Occupational Safety & Health Fellow & UAE Chapter Advisory, Suzan Al Ghanem, Section Head Organisational Resilience & Business Continuity at the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi and Binu Kalarickan, Director of Health, Safety and Environment at Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority – Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

Other eminent speakers representing ADNOC, DP World, Emirates, Emirates Global Aluminum, DAMAC and Dubai Holding were also present.

SAFETEK’s features include a safety KPI dashboard, which allows users to capture reports in the field, tracks follow up actions, can check the health status of employees, accommodates customised forms and checklists, schedules inspections and audits with notifications, as well as white labelling options and third-party integration.

“SAFETEK reduces downtime and ensures business continuity, which can lead to cost savings for organisations through reduced accidents, better resource allocation, and improved efficiency – not to mention a safer workplace,” added Mitchell.      

At Expo 2020, Mitchell ensured the well-being of Farnek’s onsite workforce, operating within the guidelines set by the Expo committee and several internationally renowned bodies, including the UK’s Health & Safety Executive. He was also part of the team awarded the Gold Card Award at the Taqdeer Awards last year, recognising excellence in worker welfare and HSE.

He holds a Bachelor of Science honours degree from Florida A&M University and is an OSHA certified health & safety inspector. He is also skilled in ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 auditing and a member of CIWFM, MIFMA, and FEMA. He also holds NEBOSH H&S Certification.

For more information, log on to on www.hitekservices.com or www.farnek.com

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Photo caption: Ryan Mitchell, Head of QHSEW at Farnek.

About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

UN Global Compact Network UAE appoints Muna Al Nahdi as board member

Farnek’s head of sustainability to support strategic objectives, organisational risk management, recruitment, and growth of the network

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 25 September 2023: Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy at leading UAE-based, smart and green Facilities Management (FM) company Farnek, has been appointed as a board member of the official Local Network of the UN Global Compact in the UAE.

“We are delighted to welcome Muna as a member of our board and we are looking forward to her involvement and insightful contribution, as we navigate the way forward to a more sustainable future,” commented Joëlle Jammal, Executive Director, Global Compact Network UAE.

As a new board member, Al Nahdi will act as an ambassador for the UAE Local Network of the UN Global Compact and her key responsibilities include, supporting strategic objectives, organisational risk management, recruitment and growth of the network, contributing to its strategic objectives.

Al Nahdi said: “Together with my fellow board members, I am eager to engage with our participants at all levels, to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and support the ten principles of the UN Global Compact.”

New board members are elected by the General Assembly which constitutes the 200+ participating companies of the UAE network, to represent them through until the end of the board’s tenure. Headed by Chairman Eng. Waleed Salman, who is EVP, Business Development & Excellence, DEWA, the UAE board is comprised of members from a cross-section of the UAE’s business community. 

The GCN-UAE is one of 69 Local Networks around the world that operates through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the UNGC HQ. Each network is self-managed and follows the UN Global Compact mandate, while localising it in the UAE.

Hosted by the World Green Economy Organization and established in 2015, the GCN-UAE works closely with the UNGC HQ to provide opportunities for learning, policy dialogue, and partnerships on the Ten Principles of responsible conduct and the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UNGC’s Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are all-encompassing frameworks designed to achieve a future with social justice at its core, which helps to create dynamic partnerships specifically within the business community to mobilise the required resources and investments, vital to realising the aspirations of the organisation.

The GCN-UAE supports businesses to align their strategies and operations with the Ten Principles and the SDGs. And by ensuring sustained actions on the ground, the GCN-UAE aims to widen the role and the scope of the private sector’s participation, by urging more active incorporation of environmental, social and governance factors into contemporary business processes.

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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Photo caption: Muna Al Nahdi

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors, such as Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

Farnek signs partnership agreement with Neutral Fuels to reduce carbon emissions of its transport fleet

Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has signed a partnership agreement with Dubai headquartered Neutral Fuels to reduce the amount of carbon emissions generated by its transport fleet.

Farnek has made a commitment to transition to Neutral Fuels’ B7 blend biodiesel which saves 6.14% of carbon emissions in comparison to using regular diesel. So, for every 100,000 litres of B7 biodiesel used there is a saving of 21,170 kilograms of CO2e.

“To put that into perspective it is equivalent to the amount of carbon that would be removed from the environment by planting 350 saplings and grown for over a decade,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“It is not feasible for many companies with hundreds of vehicles, travelling thousands of kilometres a day, to replace their transport fleet with electric vehicles. Biofuel is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative,” he added.

Neutral Fuels, which is the largest producer of biofuel in the Gulf region, collects waste cooking oil from local restaurants and kitchens and chemically transforms it into Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (commonly called biodiesel), a commercially viable drop-in replacement for the high carbon footprint fossil fuel normally used in diesel engines.

Neutral Fuels biodiesel is a clean, green renewable fuel which immediately and significantly reduces transport carbon emissions without any engine modifications enabling organisations to reduce their contribution to climate change.

“Our partnership reflects the commitment of both Neutral Fuels and Farnek towards sustainable business practices. It promotes the use of biodiesel, as a clean-burning and renewable substitute for petroleum diesel, is an excellent example of Circular Economy within the UAE, and significantly reduces environmental impact and enhances energy security.

“Together this partnership will further the widespread adoption of biofuels by increasing awareness and encouraging other corporate sustainability initiatives throughout the region,” said Karl W. Feilder, Founder and CTO of Neutral Fuels.

Farnek will use Neutral Fuel’s B7 biofuel which fully complies with the UAE diesel standard UAE S. 477: 2021 in conjunction with its innovative FLEETEK solution, which digitalises the entire fleet management process. It identifies both fleet and driver productivity in real time, using a system-based inventory and digital schedule, which is powered by IoT sensors fitted to the vehicles and connected with Google Maps to enable tracking and navigation for route optimisation.

“This saves fuel, cuts carbon emissions still further, as well as reducing wear and tear on the fleet, prolonging the time between servicing and ultimately its operational life, which all benefit the environment,” added Oberlin.

The agreement also complements Farnek’s net-zero roadmap, which aims to reduce the company’s transportation emissions by up to 50% by 2031.

“To realise our net-zero strategy, we are committed to making responsible decisions, such as implementing low-carbon technologies and resources. This will help to transform our business into a progressive and sustainable model,” commented Muna Al Nahdi, Head of Sustainability & Consultancy at Farnek.

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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Photo caption (Hand Shake – from L-R): Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek and Karl W. Feilder, Founder and CTO, Neutral Fuels.

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

About Neutral Fuels:

Neutral Fuels was founded by cleantech entrepreneur Karl W. Feilder in 2011. The company collects waste cooking oiland transforms it into biofuel, a commercially viable drop-in replacement for the harmful fossil fuel used in diesel engines. Neutral Fuels biodieselis a clean, green renewable fuel which immediately reduces transport carbon emissions, enabling organisations to reduce their contribution to climate change.

From inception to Q2, 2023, the direct actions of Neutral Fuels have resulted in a reduction of more than 54 million kgCO₂e* for its customers, including restaurant chains, truck and bus transportation fleets, hotels, the construction industry, the oil and gas industries, and maritime shipping. Neutral Fuels is the largest producer of biofuel in the Gulf region.

www.neutralfuels.com

HITEK launches innovative ‘snagging module’ for property inspections & handovers

HITEK – a leading UAE-based provider of smart facilities management (FM) solutions, which is part of Farnek group of companies – has added a new ‘snagging’ module to its innovative CAFMTEK platform, which has been designed to make property inspections and handovers more efficient.

“An inspector evaluating the condition of a property, can operate the application from a handheld PC, take a picture and describe the full details of any issue. The reports can be downloaded in pdf & excel format and are designed to pinpoint all snags within a particular area, in the shortest time possible.

“The ability to upload images, asset data and geographic information as part of snagging tasks, enables users to improve intra-team coordination significantly, avoid duplicating effort and optimise service delivery, benefiting all stakeholders,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK.

The innovative tool also enables frontline users to raise snagging tasks remotely, with the ability to tag both asset-related and locational information. Multiple images, including ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots, can be added to each task, as well as detailed descriptions of issues that still need to be rectified.

In addition, there is also an option to close snagging tasks with completion comments. All tasks and their respective status can be tracked and monitored via the CAFMTEK web portal, which is capable of generating multimedia snagging reports to cover any time period, making comparison tasks easier, more flexible and more accountable.

“Typically, a snagging or ‘punch’ list will be prepared and issued by the appropriate certifying authority, such as the architect, contract administrator or managing agent. The faults highlighted in the report should be rectified before any certificate of practical completion can be issued. In most cases, that will involve the main building contractor handing over to the owner, sales managers to the landlord or between outgoing and incoming facilities managers.   

“Our snagging module can identify major as well as minor or even hidden issues quickly, saving time and money by boosting efficiency, increasing productivity and monitoring frontline performance more effectively.

“During our market research we experienced strong demand from developers, landlords, sales & leasing agents, property management & short lets such as holiday home managers.

“We are already working on enhancements to this module, by adding a technical library and an asset condition feature,” added Aijaz.

CAFMTEK is a mobile-enabled, computer-aided facility management (CAFM) platform that provides FM professionals with greater control over managed assets, locations and resources. This innovative software solution delivers real-time information that can be used to streamline maintenance, cleaning, security and a host of other operations.

Built using advanced Software as a Service (SaaS) technology, CAFMTEK provides intuitive business intelligence as well as location, service-level agreement (SLA) and asset management information. Its functionality leverages cloud technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile devices, including smart watches, to facilitate inventory monitoring, asset management, and now, snagging.

HITEK’s analysis shows that the platform has succeeded in reducing manpower costs by up to 17% and utility costs by up to 30%. It has also proven effective in extending asset lifecycles through the digitalisation of service delivery.

If you’d like to learn more about CAFMTEK or arrange a consultation with a HITEK representative, visit www.hitekservices.com/cafmtek.

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For more information, log on to www.hitekservices.com

Photo caption:Javeria Aijaz, managing director of HITEK.

About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

Any FM Company would like to adapt the power of digitalisation, can contact HITEK Services on info@hitekservices.com

HITEK wins first hotel contract in Switzerland for FLEXIGUEST Property Management System

Five-star 7132 Hotel in Vals signs agreement with Dubai-based HITEK to enhance guest experience and improve operational efficiency  

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 July 2023: Innovative digital solutions company HITEK, part of leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) group Farnek, has signed an agreement with the Swiss five-star luxury 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland, to employ its ground-breaking hospitality solution.

FLEXIGUEST Property Management System (PMS), with its state-of-the-art mobility app, which was developed in-house by HITEK’s award-winning solutions architects, will not only digitalise the hotel’s guest journey from the initial reservation through to check out, but it can also interface with the hotel’s property management system (PMS). This offers guests a whole suite of services, from uploading travel documents to ordering limousines, housekeeping, room, and concierge services.

The hospitality platform can also send automated electronic updates and alerts to guests, as well as e-registration documents, e-invoices and e-receipts, all in one convenient space.

“Being a luxury Swiss hotel, we are not only focused on offering our guests an outstanding experience, but we are also focused on sustainability. One notable aspect of FLEXIGUEST is a unique feature that can estimate the carbon emissions generated by any guest during their stay and provide them with a cost, should they wish to offset their carbon footprint,” commented Remo Stoffel, the owner of 7132 Hotel, Vals.  

The 7132 (which was inspired by the town’s postcode) is close to the Alpine hamlet of Vals, in the Canton of Grisons and comprises three properties, the 7132 Hotel, the House of Architects by 7132 and 7132 Glenner.

The 7132 Hotel includes three spa suites and twelve spa deluxe rooms with en-suite steam rooms and deluxe double and single rooms.

Each room comes with unobstructed and stunning views of the Swiss Alps. The top floor is taken up by three penthouse suites measuring 90 square metres each, designed by the celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

The hotel also offers two in-house restaurants, the 7132 Blue Bar, two boardrooms and two meeting rooms for incentives and events. The associated and celebrated 7132 Thermal Baths are accessible directly from the hotel’s spa area.

The House of Architects by 7132 offers guest rooms designed by internationally renowned architects such as Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando and Thom Mayne. The 7132 Glenner, located just one kilometre from the Vals Ski Lift, features a ski school, a restaurant and bar, a hot spring bath, and a spa centre.

Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK, added: “The benefits of FLEXIGUEST to the 7132 Hotel are clear. It will help improve guest satisfaction by providing a seamless pre-arrival and check-in procedure, which will appeal to their high-profile guests.

“In addition, during their stay, they can make any housekeeping, concierge, F&B or spa requests via the app, and because FLEXIGUEST manages secure online payments, guests can settle bills without needing to visit reception to check out, enhancing their comfort, convenience and privacy.

“Moreover, FLEXIGUEST will support a more cost-efficient and sustainable operation,”

The 7132 Hotel is also looking at other sustainability solutions in HITEK’s portfolio, such as PowerTek, a comprehensive and data-driven energy performance monitoring tool that can support hotels with efficient measuring, tracking, monitoring and benchmarking of energy and water consumption and waste management.

PowerTek analyses consumption and waste for multiple variables influencing a hotel’s environmental metrics, such as occupancy, guest nights, number of guest rooms, F&B covers, guest profiles, staff hours, and general weather conditions. This helps hotels to maintain higher operational efficiency, lower costs and the associated carbon emissions.

“Analysing these statistics regularly helps hotels to reduce their carbon emissions, which are key to fulfilling any net zero ambitions, which is integral to our business strategy,” added Stoffel.

Rounding out its impressive green credentials, sister company Farnek is also a preferred partner and auditor for Green Globe, the worldwide sustainability accreditation system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.

For more information, log on to www.hitekservices.com

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About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

For more information, log on to info@hitekservices.com

Farnek awarded FM contracts worth AED 356 million in H1 2023

  • Company underscores market-leading position with a range of new and retained facilities management contracts in sectors such as energy, aviation, hospitality, retail & residential real estate
  • Over 1,450 staff to be mobilised throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the Northern Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 6 July 2023: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has secured a host of new and retained contracts, valued at more than AED 356 million during the first six months of 2023.

In total Farnek has been awarded 69 contracts, an average of eleven every month and overall, more than 1,450 members of staff will be mobilised to sites across the UAE, with 65% of projects located in Dubai, 18% in Abu Dhabi and 17% in the Northern Emirates.

Farnek also services a wide range of industry sectors such as energy, security, aviation, hospitality, retail and residential property. The scope of work includes a considerable number of contracts for total facilities management (TFM) as well as dedicated hard and soft services such as MEP, cleaning, maintenance, security and housekeeping appointments, amongst others.

The company has been particularly successful in the hospitality sector, winning contracts for housekeeping, maintenance and security from SLS Residences in Dubai’s Business Bay, the five-star Sofitel The Palm and the luxury Anantara properties on the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands. In terms of manpower, Farnek has grown its hospitality business by 55% since the start of the year.

Other notable contract wins include cleaning and maintenance at Expo City as well as TFM for Dubai-based aviation services company Execujet as well as the Dubai Police.

However, the most prestigious contract awarded to Farnek has to be the renewal of their three-year MEP hard services contract for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, which it has held since 2010.    

Markus Oberlin, the CEO of Farnek, said: “Farnek has always focused on innovative, technology-driven and sustainable FM solutions. This strategy has supported our business growth and maintained our competitive edge in the market, culminating in these substantial contract wins.”

Muna AlNahdi

Farnek appoints new head of sustainability

Muna AlNahdi to direct sustainability strategy at leading UAE-based total FM company, including carbon, water energy & waste management as well as net zero initiatives

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 June 2023: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has appointed Muna AlNahdi as its new Head of Consultancy & Sustainability, to direct Farnek’s green strategy and net zero plans.

With over 14 years’ experience in the UAE, AlNahdi will lead a multi award-winning team of energy efficiency engineers, auditors and sustainability consultants, who currently work across a number of industry sectors in the UAE including hotels and hospitality, retail, commercial offices and residential properties. 

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said: “Muna has a strong technical background and has successfully delivered a variety of sustainability solutions, particularly energy-efficient retrofit projects.

“Her commercial experience will be invaluable as well. An integral part of her responsibilities will be to present the benefits of our innovative technology solutions which support building managers and owners, to become more operationally and cost efficient, thereby reducing carbon emissions.  

“Muna will also direct our own net zero programme. We have already identified the scope and boundaries, to accurately measure our carbon footprint and set emission targets. By 2026 we aim to reduce our electricity, water, refrigerants and fuel consumption by 30% and reduce our emissions in these categories by 50% in 2031.”

Prior to her appointment, AlNahdi held technical positions at the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, Al Futtaim Technologies and Quantum Eurostar. Most recently she was heading the energy management department at South Energy, an organisation which was set up to act as a key driver for sustainable development, with the main mission of providing a full spectrum of energy-related services to Dubai South and its customers.

During her tenure, AlNahdi managed to achieve a 25% reduction in energy savings by retrofitting buildings, streetlighting and district cooling plants, over a three-year period. She also generated AED 25 million in project fees.   

Commenting on her appointment, AlNahdi said: “Farnek has an unrivalled reputation in the FM market when it comes to sustainability, one of reasons I was so keen to join their consultancy team.

“I was very impressed with the wide range of innovative digital solutions that they have developed in-house, through sister company HITEK, which can measure, monitor, record and benchmark a building’s energy performance, as well as calculating carbon emissions, which is crucial to mitigate climate warming.”

“What also impressed me was Farnek’s own plans to achieve net zero, an organisation leading by example and one I am now proud to be associated with,” she added.

AlNahdi holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy & Sustainability. She is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), a Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) and a LEED Green Associate. As a student in 2015, AlNahdi was the recipient of the prestigious Dr. Sadek Owainati Special Student Award, from the UAE’s Rochester Institute of Technology.  

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For more information log on to: www.farnek.com

Photo: Muna AlNahdi, Head of Consultancy, Farnek

FARNEK EMPLOYEES GET A BUDDY APP

Farnek employees get a ‘Buddy’

Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has launched its latest in-house innovation, a mobile app with smart AI Chatbot, appropriately named ‘Farnek Buddy’ which supports staff and raises awareness of welfare initiatives, project communication,online learning and improves interaction with human resources (HR) for daily processes.

The bespoke app, which was developed by Farnek’s in-house experts, at innovative digital solutions sister company HITEK, allows the company to connect employees from multiple sites so they can be centrally supported for logistics and training needs, giving project managers a centralised communication platform, that connects them with every employee.

It also includes features such as a daily happiness survey, periodic health checks, an integrated VOIP calling facility and salary credit notifications. Doctor’s appointments can also be made, employees can join interactive training videos and access digital records to support career development, as well as notes, memos and documents, covering general HR issues.

The app even has a multilingual AI ChatBot, so that employees can air any grievance or put forward ideas and suggestions to Farnek management. Another feature is that the app will integrate with a digital payroll system, to help employees send remittances seamlessly to their families abroad.

Commenting on the custom-built application Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek said: “Communicating effectively with 8,000 employees deployed over many sites, throughout the UAE, at any given time, can be challenging. Individuals can sometimes feel isolated, especially if they are working in remote locations during unsocial hours.

“The Farnek Buddy platform keeps them in touch with their colleagues and with their supervisors as well as HR and senior management. Any issues can be dealt with through the chat box function, improving response times and efficiency.

“Project managers can also create working groups, specific to certain sites, with updates on shifts, transportation, health & safety and other notices relevant to that team.”

Indeed, Farnek has seen the commercial value of the versatile app, as a white label product. It can be adapted to suit any organisation with a large workforce and branded appropriately. The app is currently being used at Dubai airport, Expo City and Du.  

Additionally, the app comes complete with a wake-up alarm to notify staff of upcoming shifts and through a video screen in Farnek Village, Farnek’s AED 200 million state-of-the-art staff accommodation complex, employees are directed to the correct bus, which will take them to their assignment.

“On a daily basis, there are dozens of buses waiting to pick up staff and finding the right one can be confusing, especially for new employees. Everybody needs a friend from time to time, and with ‘Farnek Buddy,’ no employee should feel alone or detached from the Farnek family,” added Oberlin.

EEG PARTNERS WITH FARNEK

EEG partners with Farnek to offer carbon footprint assessment

Farnek’s innovative carbon calculation tool CarbonTek, is now available on EEG’s website where organisations can apply to have their own carbon footprint measured  

Photo caption: Habiba Al Mar’ashi, signing the partnership agreement with Markus Oberlin.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 May 2023: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), has partnered with leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, to offer organisations an opportunity to have their own carbon footprint assessed.  

With both parties having the same common commitment to sustainability as well as supporting other organisations, Farnek has made its innovative calculation tool CarbonTek, which was developed by in-house experts, at Farnek’s digital solutions, sister company HITEK, available on the EEG website, allowing third-party organisations to apply for a calculation of their own carbon footprint.

Farnek’s carbon team will develop a dedicated activity-based report, specific to each customer, following the standardised protocols to measure Scope 1, (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions) and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions).

“The notion of a partnership came about after Farnek had recently completed a carbon footprint assessment for the EEG, to align our commitment to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategic target and broader global climate protection,” said Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-Founder & Chairperson for the Emirates Environmental Group.

“Offering carbon assessment on our website, will not only generate awareness, it will also make calculation more accessible, especially for organisations that are eager to reduce their impact on the environment, but may not understand where and how to begin their journey towards carbon neutrality,” she added.  

Using CarbonTek, Farnek was able to calculate EEG’s CO2e emissions using consumption data and recognised scientific databases for measuring emission factors, in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) and ISO 14064 standards.

“Measuring the EEG’s CO2e emissions was the initial phase of the project that involved comprehensive data mapping and categorisation for all of its business operations. These included electricity and fuel consumption, refrigerant emissions, purchased materials, business travel and employee commuting, upstream and downstream transportation as well as the waste generated during their business operations,” commented Nadia Ibrahim, Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek.

Conducting an operational control approach, Farnek calculated the carbon footprint for all of EEG’s business activities in Dubai, for the January to December 2022 reporting period, which measured a total of 486.54 tonnes of CO2e, with Scope 1 accounting for 70.4% of the total, Scope 2 – 4.9% and Scope 3 – 24.7%.

“The completion of the carbon footprint assessment is the first step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Through this comprehensive assessment, the major emission hotspots have been identified and we can now focus our decarbonisation efforts in these areas.

“This will also enable EEG to better understand their carbon emissions and identify opportunities to reduce their environmental impact supporting their sustainability efforts,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com or www.eeg-uae.org

Notes to Editors:

Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO).

For more information, contact us: email: eeg@emirates.net.ae; Tel: 04-3448622; Fax: 04-3448677 and please visit our bi-lingual website: www.eeg-uae.org; Follow us on LinkedIn, FB; Twitter & Instagram: @eegemirates.

About CarbonTek.

Responding to market demand and developed by Farnek’s in-house carbon management experts, with support from software developers from sister company HITEK, this digital tool calculates carbon emissions across all three scopes of emissions – Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) – a widely used greenhouse gas accounting and reporting standard.

The online solution can also be customized to generate carbon emission reports for various industry sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, commercial offices and logistics, according to the type and scope of business operations, accommodating access to multiple users in multiple locations.

Tamer Bishay

Bishay to head business growth at Farnek

Farnek has appointed Tamer Bishay as its new head of business development.

Reporting directly to CEO, Markus Oberlin, Bishay, an Egyptian national, has been given the responsibility of supporting Farnek’s corporate plan, with a structured and targeted business growth strategy.

His day-to-day responsibilities include developing, directing and motivating Farnek’s sales team, as well as building and maintaining key client relationships, generating increased revenue and driving profitability, across all of Farnek’s businesses including HITEK and Hitches & Glitches.

“Tamer has a wealth of experience in the UAE’s property and FM sectors, stretching back over two decades, having held multiple senior roles with some of the largest companies in the region including government-owned organisations as well as local private entities.

“He has a strong technical background and a highly successful track record, securing a raft of significant contracts throughout his career.

“He will be an integral part of our senior management team and I am looking forward to working closely with him, promoting our unique market proposition and boosting our competitive edge, both here in the UAE and regionally,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

After graduating from Misr International University in Cairo, Bishay arrived in the UAE in 2006 having been appointed operations manager for real estate consultancy ERA. In 2009 he joined the H Hotel as commercial manager, before taking up an offer from DuServe FM the following year, as senior BD and marketing manager.

Here Bishay excelled increasing market share and expanding its services across all seven emirates, over the following four years. For the past five years, he was head of business development and marketing for Concordia and managed to extend their services, covering over 220,000 square feet of residential community space throughout Dubai.

Bishay commented: “Farnek has invested heavily in sustainability, innovation, and technology, which are key elements of the Farnek brand, supporting a more cost-efficient proposition and providing a distinct competitive advantage. Naturally, when the opportunity arose for me to join their team, I did not hesitate.”

“I will focus on driving profitable growth for the company with a strategic approach to identifying and pursuing new business opportunities.”

Bishay also holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and is a certified Property Manager. 

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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

zohaib-azhar-head-of-operations-hitches-glitches

UAE home maintenance specialist launches new dedicated service to renovate residential bathrooms

Hitches & Glitches says move comes after increased enquiries for more sustainable & modern bathrooms from Dubai homeowners

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 11, 2023: Dubai-based innovative and technology-driven home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), part of the Farnek Group, has launched a dedicated service to renovate bathrooms, as more homeowners in Dubai’s freehold areas start to upgrade their properties.

Hitches & Glitches has teamed up with Dubai based Fischer & Meyerhans Architects who will take care of the interior design and CasaMia to supply quality European sanitary wear products and accessories.

“Over the past 12 months, we have witnessed a marked increase in the number of enquiries that we are receiving from homeowners across Dubai, who want to upgrade their bathrooms.

“Therefore, we decided to initiate a dedicated renovation service for bathrooms, with design and build turnkey packages that make it more convenient for homeowners,” said Zohaib Azhar, head of operations at Hitches & Glitches.

Bathroom renovations usually take between 3-5 months, depending on the size and extent of work required and to help homeowners budget appropriately, Hitches & Glitches has come up with an all-inclusive cost for a turnkey bathroom project, with pricing based on square metres, facilities, products and scope.

For example, a master bathroom with two sinks, a toilet, a shower, bathtub measuring approximately 15sqm will cost around AED 59,000. Alternatively, a maid’s bathroom of 4sqm would cost AED 23,000.

According to Azhar, there are a number of reasons why homeowners are investing in their properties. The first and perhaps most obvious is that the first swathe of freehold houses in Dubai were built and handed over around 2004/5, so they are looking dated and clearly showing signs of wear and tear by now.

Another reason was that many investors have witnessed exponential growth in the value of their properties over the recent past and now is a good time to spend some of that untapped equity on home improvements, whether that is to generate higher rental income or increase the value of the property, or both.

Thirdly, the number of real estate transactions in Dubai exceeded 122,000 in 2022, an increase of 44.7 percent from 2021, and apart from off plan purchases, many new homeowners simply want to renovate because of personal taste.

“Sustainability and efficient modern accessories are another reason homeowners choose to renovate. On average most homeowners undertake some sort of refurbishment after five years, with major renovation work generally carried out after ten years,” said Azhar.

“Initially we have launched this service for residents of the Arabian Ranches, but we are planning to expand across the UAE,” he added.    

For more information, please visit www.hitchesglitches.com.

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About Hitches and Glitches

Hitches & Glitches is a technology-led office and home maintenance business, and its vision statement is to become the ultimate provider of sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance services throughout the UAE. It strives to deliver excellence in home maintenance services with a focus on quality, value and sustainable best practice while being led by innovative technology, which exceeds the expectations of our customers.

FARNEK SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL TOURISM LEADERS AT ATM 2023

Farnek sustainability expert addresses international tourism leaders at ATM 2023

Nadia Ibrahim explains why they must view sustainability as a long-term investment rather than a short-term cost

Rather than cost, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives. That was the assessment of experts speaking on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2023.

The conference session entitled, ‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ included a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East.

Commenting on growing demand for sustainable offerings among consumers, Nadia said: “Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that want high-end experiences that do not compromise sustainability. This is why airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourist destinations are thinking about how sustainability can be integrated into their existing services, and how it can be used to attract more customers.”

Also speaking on the panel alongside Nadia were Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and William Harley-Fleming, Vice President of Operations for JA The Resort and Indian Ocean.

Javeria Aijaz - Hitek MD

Why energy monitoring is imperative to organisations embarking on a roadmap to Net Zero and how Farnek’s PowerTEK tool helps

Climate action is a business-critical issue that needs to be addressed. If the UAE is to achieve its Net Zero ambitions, the private sector must support the government, and with COP 28 being held in Dubai in November, it is vital that organisations start to plan their environmental strategy now. Moreover, an inclusive sustainability strategy affords operational savings, competitive advantage and strengthens relationships with stakeholders. Creating a roadmap to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions can only be achieved by measuring a company’s baseline carbon footprint and then consistently monitoring how the Net Zero strategy is achieving set targets, to reduce emissions.

Farnek’s online remote digital platform called PowerTEK is a complete solution for energy, waste and carbon monitoring. It supports business to get visibility on consumption and its performance from various sources. It shows energy utilisation and baseline comparison in portfolio, building, location and asset level, making it effective for businesses to identify energy leakages and improvements. PowerTEK provides consumption breakdown into utilities including electricity, chilled water, heat/ fuel, kitchen gas, domestic water, solar and TSE. It facilitates digital dashboards for each utility with monthly and yearly performance benchmarking.

Javeria Aijaz, managing director, HITEK, Farnek’s sister company that developed PowerTEK, says: “With regional governments committing to Net Zero by 2050, combined with the high cost of energy, monitoring and its management has been one of the key factors for businesses and industries to formulate comprehensive operational strategies with a vision for smart, energy efficient and sustainable cities and buildings. PowerTEK has been designed to cater the need of various industries including hospitality, retail malls, commercial real estate, residential buildings, and many others. PowerTEK provides data-visualisation in terms of dynamic column, line graphs.”
PowerTEK provides data-visualisation in terms of dynamic column, line graphs and pie charts. “We can also easily analyse the KPI measures through them which is user friendly,” she adds.

While presenting energy consumption, PowerTEK has the capability of bringing transparency of carbon emissions while showcasing building energy performance. It also shows carbon emissions per utility and waste with monthly/yearly benchmarking. Having this visibility, businesses feel responsible while able to see the breakdown on the highest source of carbon emission so a strategy could be formalised to reduce it.

On how PowerTEK collects and analyses data from IoT and BMS systems, Aijaz reveals that BMS and IOT sensors are the digital data-sources for PowerTEK that supports businesses by providing one of the main factor to achieve a complete FM & energy digital journey strategy. It captures information at utility and assets levels from the field devices and metres installed in building zones and locations. IoT sensors are monitoring and measuring the temperature, humidity and other parameters. PowerTEK is integrated with DEWA for monthly water and electricity consumption for both commercial and residential buildings.

However, Aijaz says that the market is still in adoption stage of energy management “as of most of the customers are unable to visualise the long-term benefits of having energy transparency”. She adds: “The customers are looking for short time ROI, with limited investment which is making it challenging for adoption.”

Energy and water consumption
PowerTek digitises energy and waste consumption along with benchmarking, with respect to multiple variables that can influence a building’s environmental metrics such as occupancy, number of rooms, F&B covers, employee profiles, staff hours, air-conditioned areas as well as general weather conditions. This helps the buildings to maintain higher operational efficiency, lower costs and the associated carbon emissions.

One of the important modules in PowerTEK is waste module where data can be captured through sensor and manual entry. The waste may be general waste, food waste, cardboard waste, plastic waste, metal waste, cooking oil waste, paper waste, etc. It also clearly captures how much was donated, composted, or recycled, and how much was converted to energy.

Aijaz adds: “From these we again categorise how much is landfill waste and how much is non-landfill waste. Also, we calculate waste diversion (in percentages) and depict all these details in PowerTEK as graphical representation. In addition, this module is capable of calculating how much carbon is generated from waste.

PowerTEK has a wide range of ML and AI powered dashboards that can help the business make data-driven informed decisions and few of the important ones are total consumption of the selected period (daily, monthly, yearly), current consumption vs previous consumption.
The platform also provides the cost analysis that gives the overview of the cost charged for utilities such as electricity and domestic water and it also it provides the utility cost break down graph of the selected building.

Additionally, the platform provides energy breakdowns that drills down the consumption of each Main Distribution Board (MDB) installed in the buildings. It can define various KPIs in terms of energy reference area and occupancy, by calculating carbon emissions for each utility which is a great initiative toward net-zero strategy.

Apart from this, the platform provides asset availability, asset performance power consumption (graphical representation for each hour/day), CO2 level temperature profile (return air temperature & supply air temperature), fresh air temp and dew point temp and humidity.

Aijaz concludes: “PowerTEK is an environmental performance tool, which supports businesses’ operational efficiency, by identifying potential savings through continuous monitoring, analysing and benchmarking energy and water consumption as well as waste generation.

“This digital solution manages all kinds of data complexities, providing full transparency about operational activities and can aggregate data seamlessly across multiple sites and locations in real-time and perform complex calculations, providing a more accurate picture and ongoing analysis of progress, towards achieving net zero.”

In the future, PowerTEK will enable ESCO contracts to be more result oriented in terms of costs and savings. In addition, integration with other energy resources like solar panels will make it robust and stand out from its competition.

ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

HITEK launches cleaning on demand app at Abu Dhabi University

Students at ADU can now arrange & pay for a flexible cleaning service digitally, with hourly, weekly & monthly packages  

Leading UAE-based IT smart Facilities Management (FM) solutions company HITEK, part of the Farnek group of companies, has launched a creative and innovative, cleaning on demand mobile application at Abu Dhabi University.

Through the mobile application, both students and staff can now organise cleaning schedules for their dormitories and staff accommodation.

“Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is at the forefront of technological innovation, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to automate and enhance the services provided to our students.

“We have 447 students accommodated in over 330 rooms who now have the flexibility to organise their own cleaning at a time that suits them. Being digital natives, students prefer using technology to organise this service.

“Having a single trusted partner to access the dormitories, carry out the cleaning and directly charge the students is beneficial for the university,” said Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Abu Dhabi University Vice Chancellor.

The app, which caters to the needs of consumers as well as businesses, is designed for those finding it difficult to arrange a convenient time or particular day to schedule regular cleaning, or indeed those who want an instant ad hoc or more flexible schedule.

“After downloading the app, customers can choose from an hourly, weekly or monthly package. Then they are redirected to a registration page, where personal details are verified with an OTP which is sent to their registered email address. Customers can manage their account from here and add additional addresses,” commented Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director, HITEK.

After successfully registering, users are taken to the booking screen, where they will be able to select the required date and time slots and the number of hours, they require a cleaning service. To complete the booking process users are taken to a payment page, which has a simple and secure integrated online payment facility.

“Once the booking is received and approved by one of our cleaning supervisors, a team is assigned for the job and customers are sent an email notification. Users can track their cleaning team in real-time, through a link to Google Maps, so they will know their location and their exact arrival time,” said Osama Hussein, Director Soft Services & Security at Farnek.

Another practical feature of the app is that customers can check the details of their current booking schedule as well as reviewing other pending or completed tasks.

“This is particularly helpful for users with multiple properties, such as holiday lets for example. They can track their cleaning schedules remotely, especially if guests have just moved out and or before new guests arrive,” added Aijaz.

Once cleaning has been completed, customers can rate the performance and quality of the service they have received and make other general comments or suggestions.

For more information, log on to www.hitekservices.com

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About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

Any FM Company would like to adapt the power of digitalization, can contact HITEK Services on info@hitekservices.com

Bank of Khartoum

HITEK to begin pilot project with major Sudanese bank

UAE-based HITEK, to start initial pilot programme in Bank of Khartoum branches in Khartoum East Sector, with a view to providing digital FM support for 140 branches throughout Sudan 

Leading UAE-based IT smart Facilities Management (FM) solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, is to start a pilot project with the Bank of Khartoum (BOK) to digitalise it’s facilities operations.

Working with HITEK’s Khartoum-based partner, TAD FM, the pilot will start at BOK’s branches in Khartoum East Sector. Initially, to complete the pilot project BOK has ordered five CAFMTek licences and will install eight IOTek sensors to monitor footfall, temperature, vibration and voltage, amongst others. Once the pilot is completed and if successful, it will be rolled out across BOK’s 140 branches to help digitalise and integrate all of their facility operations.

These state-of-the-art connected, automated and intelligent FM solutions complement a leaner and more sustainable operational process, improving productivity, lowering costs and reducing energy consumption. The solution digitalises, connects and automates facilities management, using innovative technologies that integrate people, process, assets and facilities logically and seamlessly.

One unique feature is HITEK’s WhatsApp AI Chatbot, which provides connectivity to onsite project teams wherever they are, through an integrated mobile CAFM, streamlining service requests and once complete an automated closure notification. This provides real-time visibility across various services and can also monitor, escalate and report dynamically through mobility, web portal and automated email reports.

Commenting about the project, Javeria Aijaz, MD – HITEK Services, said: “This landmark project will digitalise BOK’s conventional FM, into smart, sustainable and secure digital facility operations, monitoring and controlling their assets as well the performance of their FM teams. 

“With a centralised and dynamic AI dashboard, our cloud-based solution will provide continuous management and transparency for BOK’s operations, across all 140 sites.”

Headquartered in Khartoum, BOK is the largest and oldest bank in Sudan managing assets worth USD 2 billion. It was established in 1913 and by 1954 it was rebranded as Barclay’s Bank. Almost fifty years later, after the bank had been nationalised by the Sudanese government, in 2001 the bank was privatised, with UAE-based Dubai Islamic Bank, taking a 60% share.

Across the group it has almost 3,000 employees with 150 branches and cash offices and over 325 ATM /CDMs, the largest branch and ATM network in Sudan, offering services to corporate, retail, microfinance and investment business sectors.

HITEK signed an agency agreement with Khartoum-based TAD FM in July 2022. It is one of largest FM companies in Sudan and has a workforce of over 1,500 employees spread across Sudan, Egypt and the wider North and East African regions.

Also headquartered in Khartoum, award-winning TAD, which focuses on delivering a both hard and soft FM services, has grown five-fold over the last five years to become one of the most prominent facilities management companies in the region.

“Given Sudan’s geography, HITEK’s mobility solution will make BOK’s operations more cost-efficient and sustainable. Their unique WhatsApp Chatbot will make it simple to submit and automate support requests. Whether it’s service requests, audits, or management reporting, the mobile solution ensures technicians and supervisors can communicate with each other in real time, efficiently and effectively,” said Mohamed Abdelhamied – CEO TAD.

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About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

Any FM Company would like to adapt the power of digitalization, can contact HITEK Services on info@hitekservices.com

About TADFM

Award-winning TAD facilities management (FM) was established in 2015, which focuses on delivering a complete suite of both hard and soft FM offerings to companies across North and East Africa. Headquartered in Khartoum, Sudan, TAD has grown five-fold over the last five years to become one of the most distinguished facilities management companies across the entire region.

Boasting a team of more than one thousand five hundred full-time employees, the firm has worked alongside some of the biggest national and international companies that operate in the region, including Ericsson, Zain, UN, Huawei, NGO’s and national embassies. Using the latest computer-aided facilities management (CADFM) software, TAD can develop and deliver customised service level agreements (SLAs) that exceed client expectations for both hard and soft services.

TAD has been awarded the internationally recognised ISO 41001: 2018 certification in International FM and is the first ISO 41001 FM company in Sudan. Unquestionably, one of TAD’s crowning achievements is their state-of-the-art in-house training centre. A one-of-a-kind facility within the East and North Africa region, the centre is the firm’s way of delivering on their corporate and social responsibility to help the local community.

Trainees can learn new skills completely free of charge, whilst also receiving daily allowances for meals, and a certified qualification at the end. Graduates can then choose to either stay with the company, if there are positions available, or seek other jobs in the market with their newfound accreditation.

For more information logo on to www.tadtfm.com

Farnek signs agreement with SONDER Holiday homes for turnkey energy efficiency project

Farnek, has signed a three-year energy performance contract (EPC) with Sonder Holiday Homes, to implement energy efficiency measures to facilitate major energy-saving measures across Sonder’s properties in Business Bay and Jumeriah Beach Walk (JBR) in Dubai. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Farnek will take responsibility for the design, installation, financing and maintenance of the energy conservation measures. The registered Energy Service Company (ESCO) will closely monitor the performance and savings attained on the utility costs of both of the SONDER properties. 

“We have offered our services and expertise for installing energy-efficient equipment, in addition to providing ongoing monitoring and maintenance services,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainabiity at Farnek. 

The EPC project will offer SONDER annual savings of up to 1.5 million kWh in electricity consumption close to a 30% saving. The buildings were carefully studied using advanced energy profiling tools to accurately calculate and forecast verifiable utility cost savings, compliant with rigorous international standards. 

“We will be using an advanced asset-based monitoring system to continuously measure energy consumption and the performance of the contract. We will achieve this with a product developed by our own in-house technology team known as POWERTEK, a powerful comprehensive, centralised platform for monitoring and analysing energy usage and costs. We aim to reduce around 664 tonnes of CO2 annually,” added Ibrahim. 

The collaborative project between the two organisations is one of the key pilot initiatives to align SONDER with Dubai Government’s Department of Economy & Tourism (DET) which has nineteen sustainability requirements incorporating waste management, water management, resource efficient transportation and energy conservation. 

The two properties covered under the agreement include Sonder Downtown Towers, a 31-floor luxury holiday home development, featuring over 300 rooms in three towers, comprising of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The complex also includes a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a rooftop pool and lounge, and a conference room. The second is the 32-floor Sonder JBR The Walk residential tower featuring 164 

luxurious short term holiday homes, complemented by a range of luxury lounges and restaurants. 

The project has been carefully designed and modelled to achieve the maximum savings while still maintaining optimum comfort levels for guests and without creating any disruption to the day-to-day operation. 

“The collaborative approach with Sonder will not only help their properties achieve sustainability objectives, but to also create a more sustainable future for the hospitality sector in the UAE and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact of our efforts,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek. 

In line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability 2023 objectives, which aims to promote sustainable practices and environmental conservation, Farnek is committed to promoting, investing and implementing sustainable solutions throughout its operations. 

Furthermore, Farnek is also committed to working closely with its clients and partners to develop and implement sustainable solutions that align with the UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, to lower energy consumption and thus carbon emissions.

Mitchell lands top quality job at Farnek

UAE-based total FM company has promoted Ryan Mitchell to Head of QHSEW

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 05 April 2023: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has promoted Trinidad and Tobago National Ryan Mitchell to Head of Quality, Health, Safety, Environment and Wellbeing (QHSEW).

Mitchell joined Farnek in 2019 as manager of worker welfare and quality and was directing Farnek’s worker welfare policies and activities. At Expo 2020, he ensured the well-being of its onsite workforce, operating within the guidelines set by the Expo committee and several internationally renowned bodies, including the UK’s Health & Safety Executive.

Mitchell was also part of the team awarded the Gold Card Award at the Taqdeer Awards last year, recognising excellence in worker welfare and HSE.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, commented, “Ryan is the ideal candidate to head up our QHSEW division and fully deserves this promotion, epitomising our ‘Farnek First’ policy of promoting from within. He will be tasked with facilitating excellence in performance throughout our service delivery across all aspects of our business by developing, implementing and managing international best practice.

“By providing professional QHSEW leadership, he will support and advise Farnek’s project teams, employees and, wherever appropriate, Farnek’s contractors and create and maintain the metrics to improve and automate data-driven decisions, using Farnek’s in-house technology solutions, while aligning with our net zero roadmap.”

Before joining Farnek, Mitchell held a number of senior positions working on high-profile projects in the US, Caribbean and Saudi Arabia.

In 2006, Mitchell was appointed Assistant Senior Science Advisor at the US Environmental Protection Agency and a year later was appointed Environmental Specialist at Florida A&M University. Within a few short years, he was promoted to Director of Health & Safety. During his tenure, Mitchell led a dedicated team covering HSE, environmental monitoring and emergency response, as well as crisis management planning for 132 buildings across a 1.7 million square metre site, with 9,600 students and 630 members of staff. He was also a Board Director of Sustainable Tallahassee during this time.

In 2014, Mitchell joined TMCL, a major construction and industrial services contractor in Trinidad and Tobago, as Director of Operations. He managed various projects, where he initiated and facilitated HSE best practice and acted as the company HSE subject matter expert for all occupational, construction and industrial activities.

A year later, Mitchell was offered the position of Vice Chair Operations Committee & Vice Chair Tenders Committee for Lake Asphalt Trinidad Ltd, a state-owned energy company. He led an engineering and development team to research and develop a new plant design to produce a new form of petroleum derivative products for the Ministry of Energy in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mitchell arrived in Saudi Arabia in 2017 to manage the QHSEW team’s programmes at the Princess Nora University in Riyadh.

This complex site comprised over 600 buildings accommodating more than 50,000 students and 6,000 staff. Mitchell conducted site-wide risk assessments and implemented strategic improvements, streamlining the working activities and conducting training sessions for some of the 6,200 workers onsite from multiple MEP contractors.

“I am looking forward to my new responsibilities and providing strategic leadership for the QHSEW department. After our outstanding performance at Expo 2020 and the subsequent awards, it is gratifying to be given this opportunity,” said Mitchell.     

Mitchell holds a Bachelor of Science honours degree from Florida A&M University and is an OSHA certified health & safety inspector. He is also skilled in ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 auditing and a member of CIWFM, MIFMA, and FEMA. He also holds NEBOSH H&S Certification.  

Mitchell co-authored a book for MIT Press about sustainability and has written research papers on climate change. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Laws in International Commercial Law at the University of Salford in the UK.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Indoor air quality in UAE hospitals essential to patient safety, especially with summer approaching, says HVAC expert

Leading UAE smart & green total FM company underscores the need for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of A/C units and ventilation systems, as outdoor temperatures and humidity begin to rise  

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 March 2023: UAE-based smart and green total facilities management (FM) company Farnek, is starting a campaign to remind healthcare facility managers, about the importance of indoor air quality, particularly as the UAE approaches summer and outdoor temperatures and humidity begin to rise.

“A clean air supply is essential to patient safety, particularly those with reduced immunity. Maintaining and cleaning A/C ducts ensures clean air, as well as controlling the spread of germs. With the summer approaching, the UAE is beginning to experience higher temperatures and levels of humidity, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination,” said Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations at Farnek.

Ventilation systems in hospitals and clinics draw in outside air, which is then circulated within the building. Therefore, the HVAC system including ductwork is liable to become polluted with dust and other contaminants. This may be due to filtration equipment underperforming, or due to leaks within the system. 

The presence of excessive dust accumulating within a HVAC system can lead to the development of biological contamination. A HVAC system can act as a source for bioaerosols, which are tiny airborne particles that originate biologically and can contain living organisms. This provides a conducive environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria. If not addressed, this biologically contaminated air is then distributed within the facility.

Poor indoor air quality can be significantly improved. HVAC systems can be cleaned, ventilation rates increased, biological contaminants controlled, and filtration systems upgraded. Other steps can also be taken to ensure that furnishings brought into the indoor environment do not release noxious gases. 

“Humidity is often a major factor in selecting cleaning methods because of the types of contaminants generally found in areas with differing levels of moisture in the air. Higher humidity levels often witness greater levels of microbial contamination, including mould, mildew, yeasts and bacteria. Such contaminants, as opposed to common nuisance dust, require more aggressive cleaning techniques, especially when addressing the HVAC unit itself,” said Azhar.

According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association Standards, HVAC duct cleaning in hospitals should be carried out annually. In addition, HVAC system cleaning must be performed when any of the following conditions are found in the cleanliness inspection.

Significant accumulations of contaminants or debris are visually observed within the HVAC system, and/or evidence of microbial growth is visually observed or confirmed by analytical methods.

The HVAC system discharges visible particulate into the occupied space, or a significant contribution of airborne particles from the HVAC system into the indoor ambient air is confirmed.

Heat exchange coils, cooling coils, air flow control devices, filtration devices, and air-handling equipment are determined to have restrictions, or contaminated deposits that may cause inefficiencies in system performance, or air flow degradation.

In accordance with Al Sa’fat – Dubai Green Building System, only specialised maintenance companies, approved by Dubai Municipality can carry out this inspection and cleaning. It can also be carried out by the building operator, but only if they can provide sufficient evidence about their qualifications and competence.

“One misconception we come across is that onsite maintenance teams consider the supply of air to be clean because HEPA filters are used in a fan coil unit (FCU), ignoring just how important it is to regularly check air duct systems. This misunderstanding can result in mould and microbial formation, that could cause harm to staff and patients.

“It is also well worth pointing out that these issues also apply to general working environments, not just healthcare facilities. The economic benefits of HVAC duct cleaning can be significant, by reducing worker absenteeism and increasing productivity,” added Azhar. 

The U.S. Government estimates that absenteeism costs more than $100 billion a year in lost productivity and medical costs, and medical researchers in the U.S. have found that 50% of employee absenteeism is due to upper respiratory problems – common symptoms of working in ‘sick’ buildings.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Yas Marina Circuit adopts HITEK’s CAFM smart technology to improve efficiency & sustainability

Leading UAE-based smart FM solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, has initiated an agreement to supply more than 40 licences for its CAFMTEK solution, for Abu Dhabi Motor Sports Management (ADMM), which manages the Yas Marina Circuit, the home of the Formula 1® Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

CAFMTEK is mobile-enabled, computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software solution that supports facility managers by affording improved control over the assets, locations and resources in their facility. The solution provides real-time information, streamlining operations such as maintenance, cleaning and security.

“The technology team at HITEK used Cloud & Mobility technology to develop the advanced and intuitive CAFM tool, enabling Yas Marina-based facility managers to operate more effectively by automating many of their physical duties,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director, HITEK Services.

In summary, the SAAS-based solution connects people, assets and spaces from multiple remote sites, using flexible, scalable and analytical platforms, for cleaning, security, maintenance and sustainability, so they could be centrally managed and monitored by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Management Systems (BMS), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies.

“CAFMTEK reduces manpower costs by up to 17%, utility costs by 30% and enhances asset life cycle by digitalising FM service delivery,” added Osama Hussein, Director of Soft Services and Security at Farnek.

A unique feature of the CAFMTEK solution, is its WhatsApp chatbot which allows technicians across the Yas Marina complex to raise service requests more efficiently. These service requests are also stored in the customer mobility app. The chatbot enables facility managers to effectively monitor the status of work orders and issue notifications when the job is complete.

In addition to recording WhatsApp status requests, the CAFMTEK customer mobility app empowers users to simultaneously open new tasks, track the status of their orders, with access to relevant real-time information to improve productivity. Additionally, the app features an online digital dashboard that provides a quick overview showing how well a specific project is performing.

Sustainability is also a critical feature of CAFMTEK empowering facility managers to adopt sustainable FM practices by providing a paperless solution. The CAFM software integrates IoT in building management systems, enabling facility managers to easily collect and process critical data, including CO2 emissions.

Interfaced with a 24/7 command and control room, the solution provides round the clock technical support, tracking and managing assets remotely, facilitating real-time monitoring and accommodating virtual visits, presenting a holistic overview of all vital facility systems.

Farnek was awarded the FM contract, to provide smart CAFM services at the Yas Marina Circuit. The contract covers Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP), cleaning, landscaping, pest control, waste management, specialist services, logistics and additional civil works, with up to 160 Farnek staff onsite at any given time.

The circuit has five grandstand areas, with a total seating capacity of more than 40,000 and to highlight the complex nature of its design, part of its pit lane exit runs underneath the track and one of the run-off areas runs underneath the West grandstand.

The versatile 160-hectare facility, which is one of the biggest sites in the Middle East, was inaugurated on 30th October 2009.

Besides the annual Formula 1® Grand Prix, ADMM also hosts a portfolio of up to 400 events annually. Quite apart from an array of top-class motor sports, this includes business events and gala dinners at the Yas Conference Centre.

For more information, log on to www.hitekservices.com

Middle East hotels need to reduce their carbon emissions by two thirds within seven years to help prevent irreversible climate change

  • UAE-based Farnek launches PowerTek a digital solution to support the Middle East hospitality industry’s efforts to achieve critical milestones towards net zero
  • Hotels can reduce their carbon emissions by up to 700 tonnes annually, saving as much as AED 384,000 and AED 133,000 on energy and water consumption

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 16 March 2023: UAE-based smart and green facilities management company Farnek has launched a new state-of-the-art online remote digital platform called PowerTek, which was developed by in-house experts, at Farnek’s innovative digital solutions, sister company HITEK.

The comprehensive and data-driven energy performance monitoring tool supports hotels and the wider business community, through efficient measuring, tracking, monitoring and benchmarking of energy and water consumption as well as waste management.

“This analysis helps to reduce carbon emissions, which are key to fulfilling any roadmap towards net zero,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek.

PowerTek analyses consumption and waste, with respect to multiple variables that can influence a hotel’s environmental metrics such as occupancy, guest nights, number of guest rooms, F&B covers, guest profiles, staff hours, air-conditioned areas as well as general weather conditions. This helps hotels to maintain higher operational efficiency, lower costs and the associated carbon emissions.  

“Following the science, to prevent irreversible climate change, we must restrict the global increase in temperature to 1.5°C. To achieve this, the net emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2e) will need to be reduced by up to 50% by 2030 and reach net zero levels by around 2050.

“Putting that into perspective, according to an international study by Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hospitality industry needs to reduce its carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030, and by 90% per room by 2050. Currently the hospitality industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.  

“These statistics clearly underscore the urgency of combatting climate change. Hotels have just seven years to reduce their emissions by nearly two thirds,” added Ibrahim.

According to Farnek’s analysis, which uses data from its own hotel clients as well as comparing EGBC & Cornell Hotel benchmarking studies, four and five-star hotels have the potential to save up to 10% annually on their utility consumption.  

“These hotels spend an average of AED 5.16 million per year on their utility bills, so they could save up to AED 384,000 and AED 133,000 on energy and water consumption respectively, as well as additional cost savings in waste disposal which could also reduce their carbon emissions by up to 700 tonnes annually,” she said.

The launch of PowerTek coincides with a recent announcement by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), to reintroduce a Carbon Calculator tool that measures the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. Every month, hotels are now mandated to submit their consumption of nine carbon emission sources: electricity, water, district cooling, liquefied petroleum gas, landfill waste, recycled waste, petrol, diesel and refrigerants. This information is collated and analysed by the DET to provide industry insights on the sector’s collective carbon footprint.

“PowerTek is an upgraded replacement for Hotel Optimizer a digital tool that has been supporting hotels throughout the Middle East for the past 20 years. A key part of the upgrade is that this new platform now has a greater flexibility to be integrated with any energy meter, existing BMS systems, connected IoT sensors, CAFM as well as analysing data entered manually, such as updated and ongoing consumption data from utility providers,” commented Javeria Aijaz, managing director of HITEK.

The digital tool can also benchmark a hotel’s performance against its own historical data, making relevant comparisons with its peers based on an energy utilisation index EUI (kWh/m2/year), water utilisation index WUI (litres/guest nights), waste generation (kg/guest night), waste diversion, carbon emissions as well as other operational costs.

“Decarbonisation has become a commercial imperative, not only for the hospitality industry, but for all business sectors. It not only plays a crucial role in limiting global warming, but hotels in particular can reduce up to 60% of their total emissions by adopting energy efficient measures alone,” said Ibrahim.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Technology and sustainability are driving the UAE’s residential retrofit market, says home maintenance specialist

by By Zohaib Azhar, head of operations at smart & green home maintenance specialist, Hitches & Glitches

It is almost 21 years since foreign nationals were allowed to buy properties in the UAE and as such many properties during the initial wave of handovers are now reaching the ripe old age of twenty years.

Upgrades, renovations and retrofitting if carried out by professionals, will undoubtedly increase the value and marketability of a property. Moreover, in many cases, house prices in Dubai for example have risen by over 400% over the past 20 years.

The smallest houses in the Springs development were initially launched at around AED 500,000, the same properties today, improved and well presented, would be on the market for up to two million dirhams. Proving that investing in a well maintained and upgraded property is a sound long term investment strategy.

Furthermore, retrofitting the UAE’s housing stock will be an integral part of the UAE government’s efforts to achieve net zero by 2050. Dubai alone will retrofit 30,000 public buildings by 2030, which will save 1.4 Terawatt hours of electricity, 4.9 billion imperial gallons of water and reduce carbon emissions by one million tonnes.

With many homeowners and tenants now aware of the impact their lifestyle is having on the environment the trending growth in retrofitting older houses will continue unabated, especially as savvy consumers realise that reduced energy and water consumption means lower utility bills as well.

Estimates vary, but in a 2022 UK survey, 39% of homebuyers considered energy efficiency as an important factor in their decision to purchase a particular property. In my own experience, a similar figure would be recorded in the UAE, especially when buyers consider A/C bills over the long hot summer months. On average most homeowners should achieve a return on investment, within 7-8 years.

Exterior

Cracks to exterior coatings, faded paintwork, worn roof tiles and ill-fitting window and door frames, hinges and locks, are some of the more common signs of wear and tear to the exterior of a house. 

These issues can be addressed by applying heat reflecting paint, which can reduce indoor temperatures by up to ten degrees Celsius in the summer in addition to protecting the exterior of your home. Windows too can be replaced with low emissivity glass windows that works by reflecting the sun’s rays, or by fitting heat reflective film to your existing windows. Window and door joints and seals can easily be refitted or replaced.

Interior

Indoor air quality became a massive issue during lockdown. By simply addressing ventilation and ensuring that doors and windows are airtight, indoor air quality will be improved and should also eliminate any signs of condensation.

Trends in home décor and layout, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms is a major consideration for homeowners too. The latest eco-friendly white goods have become so advanced that older kitchens often struggle to accommodate them seamlessly, which will invariably necessitate an upgrade, of some description.

Technology

Smart home technology has advanced rapidly over the over the past 20 years in particular and take-up has accelerated in the wake of the pandemic. Today we have a plethora of smart home products, that can be operated through a smartphone such as smart switches and NEST thermostats. Remote controlled RING video doorbells and security cameras are another great way to improve security, especially when you are away from home.

The latest IOT smart valves can identify excess consumption, leaks and breakages and allow the control of water and airflow remotely, as and when needed, without having to physically access them. This also prevents further damage to property, especially if it is left vacant for any length of time.

Investing in a deep renovation or a more substantial energy-efficient retrofit, is money well spent. Not only in terms of direct ROI, increased resale value or rental income, but also in respect of lower ongoing utility costs, a better quality of life and a reduced carbon footprint.

Five reasons why UAE landlords should invest in annual maintenance contracts

There are many thousands of residential properties on the UAE rental market that are not covered by Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMCs).

Some landlords consider AMCs purely as a business expense, but as Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations, at leading home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches explains, this can prove to be a false economy, in more ways than one.

Here’s five reasons why.

1. Enhancing the value of an investment property

Let’s start with an obvious benefit. Regular preventative maintenance will enhance the value of a property. If left unattended, A/C problems, water leaks, blocked drains and electrical outages can overtime damage and or stain, flooring, walls, doorframes, sockets, as well as creating mildew and unpleasant odours.

According to international research data, a well-maintained property can be worth up to 20% more than a property that has been poorly maintained and presented. Taking an average three-bed home in New Dubai, valued at say three million dirhams, that could potentially reduce its value by up to AED 600,000.

2. Maximising rental income & reputation as a ‘responsible’ landlord

Tenants, as with potential buyers, will be more readily prepared to pay the market rate or above, for a home they consider to be in good order. Whatever the asking price, if tenants believe a property has been neglected it can often result in a discounted offer or request for more generous rental payment terms. It may also take longer to find a tenant and every month the property is vacant, landlords are losing the equivalent of over 8% of annual rental value. 

And it’s not only money, but this can also affect a landlord’s reputation. Tenants often use social media platforms to share experiences with their friends and followers. Being rated a good landlord will be reflected in the demand for your properties and the rent tenants are willing to pay.

3. Avoiding trivial complaints and DIY ‘enthusiasts’   

If minor but consistent maintenance issues prevail, tenants will get increasingly frustrated and complain at each and every problem they face. This can be very time consuming for landlords or their agents. Even if they don’t complain, if neighbouring residents are affected by leaks and or odours for example, the problem could escalate, with community management involvement.

Worse still, there is the ‘have a go’ DIY enthusiast that believes he or she can fix the problem themselves. This can not only be dangerous, but it can create even bigger issues further down the line which might require significant and more expensive repairs.

4. Deferring maintenance can lead to expensive repairs in the long run

Regular servicing and preventative maintenance checks can not only avert failure and or breakdown, but it will also extend the lifespan of components and other essential parts. This is particularly true for air conditioning units, electrical wiring and outlets and plumbing.

Although this is probably a little extreme, I think it is worth mentioning. The wiring in neglected A/C units can work loose and become frayed over time, which can in isolated cases cause friction, burnout and even fire. The consequences for that could be devastating for the tenants as well as the landlord.

If landlords cannot provide any regular service history, A/C warranty and property insurance may well become invalid. This could leave landlords picking up the bill for a new A/C unit, the repair costs of any fire damage and compensation to your tenants for the loss or damage to their furniture and personal belongings – notwithstanding any damage to neighbouring properties.

5. Peace of mind and ROI

Finally, AMCs offer landlords peace of mind. They can rest assured that their properties are being maintained by a trusted partner, proactively and professionally with the added bonus that emergency calls are taken care of within hours, 24/7, 365 days a year, empowering tenants.

This is especially beneficial if landlords live abroad or travel frequently. And for landlords with multiple properties, it is also more cost-efficient to use one maintenance company, providing consistent service quality and online invoicing.

It’s also an efficient way to budget maintenance expenses, with few surprises. This also provides landlords with a permanent record of maintenance carried out on their property, which is useful should they consider selling, in a similar fashion to somebody selling a car with the full service history.

Last but not least, happy tenants are more likely to renew their leases minimising vacancy periods and agency fees – maximising return on investment.

With a standard maintenance contract from H&G starting from just AED 2,500 per annum, is it really worth taking the risk?

To find out more, call 800 42634 or visit www.hitchesglitches.com

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About Hitches and Glitches

Hitches & Glitches is a technology-led office and home maintenance business, and its vision statement is to become the ultimate provider of sustainable and technology-driven home maintenance services throughout the UAE. It strives to deliver excellence in home maintenance services with a focus on quality, value and sustainable best practice while being led by innovative technology, which exceeds the expectations of our customers.

markus-oberlin-ceo-farnek

Farnek increases its market share in banking sector with new annual FM contracts worth over AED12 million

  • Farnek expands its presence in key sector with a bundle of new FM contracts
  • Leading FM company mobilises 72 staff across the seven Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 15 December 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has expanded its reach in the key banking sector, with a host of new and retained contract wins, throughout the UAE, valued at more than AED 12 million annually.

The company has mobilised 72 members of staff stationed in locations across all seven of the Emirates, with the majority deployed in banks in Dubai, to carry out general cleaning, A/C duct cleaning, administrative assistance, data centre cleaning, security and other specialised FM services.

Farnek’s portfolio of clients in the banking sector now include Mashreq, United Arab Bank, Commercial Bank International, Bank of Singapore, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait, and ING Bank, to name a few.

Markus Oberlin, the CEO of Farnek, said: “We have increased our market share significantly this year in the banking sector. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, we operate in all seven emirates so that banks with branches throughout the UAE can be covered under one contract.

“Secondly FM operations in banks are far more complex than one might imagine. Quite apart from rigorous security, data centres, ATM rooms, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) rooms and A/C ducts require specialist cleaning and maintenance. Our staff are fully trained and certified to carry out this work.”

Farnek’s service teams are divided into cluster groups for a quick and smart response, which reduces downtime and adheres with key performance indicators (KPIs). Their entire scope of work is managed by CAFMTEK a mobile-enabled, computer-aided facility management (CAFM) software solution, that provides their technical teams with a holistic view of their operations.

“There is special training required for each service carried out for our banking clients. Naturally the security in the banks is very strict and multiple security systems are interconnected, with a direct alarm to the police. Therefore, our technical staff must have a detailed understanding of how the system works, in case of failure or false alarm.

“Sensitive spaces such as ATM rooms and treasury lockers or vaults, are areas that require specialist maintenance and cleaning at specific times, under close observation,” added Zohaib Azhar, head of operations at Farnek.

Physical security is still an integral part of FM for the banking sector and in this respect Farnek’s trade references are impeccable. Dubai Police commended the company for its security-related practice, Abu Dhabi Police General Command recognised Farnek for its efforts and outstanding cooperation and finally, at the FM Middle East Awards, earlier this year, Farnek was named Security Company of the Year 2022.

New innovative fleet management solution will reduce transportation costs

FLEETEK a custom-built fleet management solution developed by HITEK, to provide transport fleet managers with an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective way to address logistical issues

Leading UAE-based IT smart Facilities Management (FM) solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, has launched an innovative in-house digital solution, that can optimise the performance of company transport fleets.

The smart fleet solution, appropriately called FLEETEK, was developed by HITEK’s in-house technology team and has been launched in the wake of November’s 9% rise in the cost of petrol announced by the UAE’s fuel price committee, which links domestic petrol prices to movements in global oil prices.  

“The price of Brent Crude has risen by over 10% this year, from $77 a barrel in January to $85 yesterday (23 November), with an average year-to-date price of $103. However, according to Reuters, a survey of 42 economists and analysts on 31 October 2022, forecast benchmark Brent Crude would average $95 in 2023.   

“This will offer some respite for fleet managers, but with hundreds of vehicles, travelling thousands of kilometres a day, fuel remains a major expense and that is on top of rising interest rates and other inflationary pressures on leasing costs, maintenance and salaries.

“So, the current focus for many fleet managers will be on cost-saving and of course sustainability,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK.

FLEETEK digitalises the entire fleet management process. It identifies both fleet and driver productivity in real time, using a system-based inventory and digital schedule, which is powered by IoT sensors fitted to the vehicles and connected with Google Maps to enable tracking and navigation for route optimisation.

“This digital process supports operational efficiency and transparency. CAPEX and OPEX data is automatically recorded and communicated through monthly financial reports,” added Aijaz.

Using FLEETEK’s live administrative portal, operational staff at its control and command centre can compare vehicle inventory with the current and scheduled demand and issue instructions to drivers (each vehicle is fitted with a dedicated smart phone loaded with an app).

The drivers log in, accept the notification based on a QR code sent to the smart phone in the vehicle and start their journey. The solution calculates and compares the estimated and actual journey times and presents the driver with Google Maps-based navigation, to show the most time-efficient route to take.

Vehicles are integrated with an IoT sensor that essentially tracks the vehicle and monitors ignition status, sends idling notifications and speeding alerts, all in real time, to operatives in the control and command centre.

“Overall, this saves fuel, cuts carbon emissions as well as reducing wear and tear on the fleet, prolonging the time between servicing and ultimately its operational life.  

The operational dashboard on FLEETEK can also generate incident reports, organise new transport schedules, search for the nearest and most relevant available vehicle, corelating with demand.

Standalone and integrated reports can be generated such as vehicle assignment and utilisation to monthly comparative expense reports. There’s also a feature that can hold the driver’s essential driving documents and records of any previous incidents or violations. Maintenance records for individual vehicles can also be stored.

“These reports can be cross-referenced to compare fuel efficiency, driver behaviour,  average journey times, adherence to routes highlighted on Google Maps, idling times, even wear and tear on tyres,” added Aijaz.  

Farnek honours suppliers with green awards

UAE-based smart & green total FM company Farnek recognises Dulsco & Kone for their impressive ongoing commitment to sustainability

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 17 November 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has recognised its two top suppliers for their commitment to the environment.

UAE-based Dulsco, a leading provider of integrated people and environmental solutions and Kone Middle East, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, received sustainability awards from Markus Oberlin, CEO of Farnek, during a ceremony held at Farnek’s offices yesterday (Wednesday 16 November 2022).

“Suppliers can contribute up to two thirds of any organisation’s carbon footprint, so it is imperative for our own net zero journey that we evaluate what sustainable initiatives our suppliers are undertaking and reward them through initiatives like this,’ said Oberlin.

Now in its second year, the awards programme integrates environmental and social considerations into its procurement process, to bring about a more positive environmental impact, by appreciating and prioritising its suppliers that were exhibiting a similar green commitment.

To achieve this, Farnek initiated sustainability principles within its supply chain process, supporting its customers’ eco-consciousness, to create long term valuable partnerships.

Farnek then went through a process to determine a sustainable procurement policy, which included evaluation through certain criteria such as:

  • A commitment to net zero and the use of low carbon products
  • Environmental & Social – ISO 14001, 9001 certification
  • Hazardous chemical management
  • Biodegradable, recycled, environmentally friendly, eco-label certification for cleaning chemicals and consumables
  • Sustainable transportation
  • Minimal packaging policy
  • Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) rating or Energy star rating equipment
  • Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) products

By adding a loaded rating system, Kone and Dulsco stood out as clear winners, each scoring 62 and 57 respectively, placing them in the highest category.

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Photo caption:

Image 1 (L-R) Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainability, Farnek; Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, Azzam Messaykeh, Managing Director – UAE & Oman, Kone Middle East, Mira Hachem, Director of Procurement, Farnek and Hany Bayour, Key Accounts Manager- Service Sales, Kone Middle East.  

Image 2 (L-R) Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainability, Farnek; Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, David Stockton, CEO & MD, Dulsco, Mira Hachem, Director of Procurement, Farnek and Kalpana Rawat – Key Accounts Manager, Dulsco.

Safari Holding signs exclusive PropTech deal with UAE-based HITEK

Leading UAE-based smart property management solutions company HITEK Services, which is part of the Farnek group of companies, has signed an exclusive five-year partnership agreement with Riyadh-based Safari Holding.

The contract which was signed at the Safari Group’s head office in Riyadh, allows the Saudi company to offer a suite of smart technology solutions including CAFM, IoT, BMS, energy, and carbon management solutions, all developed by HITEK’s in-house technology team, exclusively to building owners and property managers, as well as other FM service providers and consultants, throughout the Kingdom.

In May 2021, the Middle East FM Association (MEFMA) estimated that the Saudi FM market was worth approximately $20 billion, roughly 55% of the total GCC FM spend.  However, according to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the value of the Saudi FM market will grow to $34.86 billion by 2028 and Safari executives reckon that PropTech’s market share will be worth over $1.7 billion.

Commenting at the signing ceremony, Eng. Salim Al-Aydh, Group CEO at Safari Group said. “Residential, commercial and industrial real estate development in the Kingdom is expanding at a phenomenal rate and we have identified three specific issues, which need to be addressed when delivering optimal IFM solutions.

“Firstly, the expanding geographical spread of real estate across Saudi Arabia, secondly the fact that hundreds of new, smarter buildings will be coming to market over a relatively short period of time and thirdly, supporting the government’s commitment to net zero.

“This in our view requires advanced methods of FM which we believe can only be driven by the best technological solutions which our partner HITEK has afforded us.”

Established in 1984, the Safari Group which employs over 12,000 people, owns 16 businesses, with FM and construction at its core, operating out of offices in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, as well as other locations throughout Saudi Arabia.

Safari has an impressive portfolio of FM clients including, Saudi Aramco, King Abdullah Medical City – Riyadh & Jeddah, the Ministry of Interior Riyadh, the Kingdom Tower as well as Riyadh airports and King Abdulaziz International Airport Jeddah.

“Advanced digital solutions can now integrate with any existing technologies such as BMS and can activate a variety of bespoke solutions remotely, linking smart and sustainable buildings with a digitally connected workforce. So, it is essential that we adopt technological solutions such as HITEK to capitalise on these opportunities.

“The services that we will be providing will benefit both owners and tenants in large buildings, complexes and compounds. Through digitalisation they will be able to create efficiencies and reduce costs. We believe this is the future of technology driven IFM and we are excited to roll this out,” added Ali Saleh Al Sagri, Commercial COO at Safari Group.

HITEK is a home-grown PropTech company, part of the Farnek group, which was founded in the UAE in 1980. Farnek was an early adopter and has consistently invested in technology, focusing on digitalising its operational and supporting business functions.

SAAS-based HITEK solutions connect people, assets and spaces from multiple remote sites, using flexible, scalable and analytical platforms, for cleaning, security, maintenance and sustainability, so they could be centrally managed and monitored by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Management Systems (BMS), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies.

It also supports operational efficiencies, staff welfare, and sustainability while saving clients significant amounts of money by reducing manpower costs by up to 17%, utility cost by 30% and enhancing asset life cycle by transferring from traditional FM operational management to HITEK’s smart management.

“Safari Holding is a leading Saudi conglomerate, focused on FM and construction. It is well-established and highly respected, with expertise in robotics, AI and advanced automation. There is significant potential for PropTech in the Kingdom and Safari provides us with an ideal partner.

“Our strategy is for HITEK to become the undisputed market leader in the PropTech space and to extend our reach across the GCC countries and further into the Levant and Africa,” said Markus Oberlin, Group CEO, Farnek.

HITEK’s 24/7 command and control room or ‘nerve centre’, is located at Farnek’s state-of-the-art centre in Dubai. Being 5G and Wi-Fi 6 enabled, HITEK can take advantage of increased bandwidth, ultra-low latency and enhanced security.

“This will allow us to rollout digital, connected and unified transformative applications of technology that not only uplift the face of FM digitalisation, but also offer enhanced efficiency, as technology advances, interfacing with all aspects of FM,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK.

-Ends-

For more information, log on to www.safari.com.sa or www.hitekservices.com

Photo caption: (R-L) Ali Saleh Al Sagri, Commercial COO, Safari Group; Saud Saleh Al Sagri, General Manager Supply Chain, Safari Group; Eng. Salim Al-Aydh, Group CEO, Safari Group; Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director, HITEK; Markus Oberlin, Group CEO, Farnek and Peter Roddam, General Manager, Facilities Management, Safari Group.

About Safari Holding

Safari Group is a leading Saudi conglomerate specialised in Facility Management, Construction, AI and Robotics and many other businesses. With around 40 years of experience, Safari Group has been a lead player in the Saudi market. Safari is a Tier 1 FM and Construction company with a presence throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Any company that would like to adopt the power of digitalisation in Facility Management should contact Safari Group at info@safari.com.sa

About HITEK

HITEK Services is a part of Farnek Group, a leading industry expert with over 40 years of technical expertise and operational experience in Facilities Management, Hospitality, and Technology Infrastructure. Our broad range of intelligent applications is a result of people, processes, and technology empowering our customers with digital, business, and technological transformation. Our solutions are aimed at complementing leaner and more sustainable operational processes that increase productivity and reduce energy consumption.

Any FM Company would like to adapt the power of digitalization, can contact HITEK Services on info@hitekservices.com

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company. With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management services across several sectors: Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure, and Entertainment.

Farnek launches digital solution developed by HITEK Services to support UAE businesses on their journey to net zero

Leading UAE-based smart and green FM company Farnek has launched a state-of-the-art online carbon footprint calculation tool, ‘CarbonTek’ which can measure and analyse carbon emissions and identify carbon emission hotspots. The online tool caters to any type of business and has the flexibility to adapt to any operational activity.

Responding to market demand and developed by Farnek’s in-house carbon management experts, with support from software developers from sister company HITEK, the digital tool calculates carbon emissions across all three scopes of emissions – Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) – a widely used greenhouse gas accounting and reporting standard.

The online solution can also be customised to generate carbon emission reports for industry sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, commercial offices and logistics, according to the type and scope of business operations, accommodating access from multiple users in multiple locations.

Commenting on the launch, which was held at Farnek’s control and command centre in Farnek Village, Habiba Al Marashi, Founder & President of Arabia CSR Network, The Co-Founder, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) and Co-Founder and Treasurer of Emirates Green Building Council (GBC), said:

“In October 2021, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and more recently raised its 2030 climate target to 31% from the original 23% and to help the UAE achieve its commitment, the private sector has a vital role to play.

“Initially that should be assessing the carbon footprint of business operations and it is with the support of innovative digital tools such as CarbonTek that many companies can now begin their journey confidently and methodically towards net zero.”

Farnek provides a five-step approach from assessment-to-communicate throughout the whole process of the net zero journey – training about the net zero concept and climate change; carbon footprint calculation; identifying emissions hotspots and setting reduction targets; preparing a plan for decarbonisation and finally monitoring and communicating milestone achievements.

“Farnek offers a turnkey market proposition, combining the attributes of CarbonTek with a team of certified carbon auditors and net zero consultants, which define operational boundaries and set the baseline year for carbon emissions.

“Once baseline emissions have been determined, science-based targets and recommendations can be implemented, to further reduce emissions and help businesses accelerate their net zero journey,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy and Sustainability, at Farnek.

According to Ibrahim, there is an array of generic tools to calculate a business’s carbon footprint on the market, however, they are mostly developed in other parts of the world.

“As such, these tools mostly use emission factors that are relative to the country it has been developed in and often cannot reflect the actual emission requirements relevant to the UAE.

“These tools can also be somewhat rigid and difficult to customise to an individual business and therefore cannot accurately measure nor identify the exact carbon footprint of a UAE business. Measuring carbon emissions and identifying hotspots is essential if UAE organisations are to achieve their decarbonisation goals,” added Ibrahim.  

-Ends-

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Photo caption: L-R: Waqar Ahmed, Assistant Manager Sustainability, Farnek, Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director, HITEK, Nadia Ibrahim, Habiba Al Marashi, Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

About Farnek:

Farnek is the leading provider of sustainable and technology-driven Facilities Management in the United Arab Emirates. Established in the UAE since 1980, Farnek Services LLC is a Swiss-owned independent total facilities management company.

With a skilled workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Farnek delivers professional Facilities Management and security services across several sectors; Aviation, Hospitality, Banking, Retail, Shopping Malls, Telecom, Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure, Government, Education, Leisure and Entertainment.

Farnek completes carbon footprint assessment of UAE printer

Emissions calculation critical part of the process for Oriental Press to develop net zero 2050 roadmap

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 October 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has recently concluded a corporate carbon footprint assessment for UAE-based printer, Oriental Press.

Measuring CO2e emissions was the initial phase of the project which involved comprehensive data mapping and categorisation for all of its existing printing operations. These included energy and fuel consumption, purchased materials such as substrates, printing plates, ink, IPA, rubber blanket, packaging materials and auxiliary materials, upstream and downstream transportation, and other supply chain categories.

Through cutting-edge software provided by an independent third-party, Farnek was able to calculate Oriental’s CO2e emissions using consumption data and recognised scientific databases for measuring emission factors, in accordance with Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) and ISO 14064 standards.

Using an operational control approach, Farnek has calculated the carbon footprint for all of Oriental’s business activities in Dubai, for the full year Jan 2021 to Dec 2021. That resulted in a total of 18,864 tonnes of CO2e, with Scope 1 (direct emissions) accounting for 5.3% of the total, Scope 2 (indirect emissions) – 12.2% and Scope 3 (all other emissions) – 82.5%.

Commenting on the results, Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainabiity at Farnek said: “The highest source of emissions for Oriental Press was from their raw materials – paper substrates which resulted in 51.9% of their CO2e emissions, whereas electricity consumption accounted for just 12.2% of total carbon emissions.

“Upstream and downstream transportation for their purchased goods and product delivery to their customers, accounted for 8.73% of total carbon emissions, while refrigerant leaks accounted for 4.95% of overall carbon emissions.

“Oriental Press was committed to reducing, reusing and recycling the waste it generates and over 92% of that waste is now recycled.”

As part of their ongoing sustainability commitments, Oriental Press is already using FSC and PEFC certified papers among other certificates, 100% recycled greyboard, vegetable-based ink, water-based glue and alcohol-free fountain solutions.

The completion of their carbon footprint assessment is the first step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Through this comprehensive assessment, the major emission hotspots have been identified where Oriental Press will now drive their decarbonisation efforts.

“Reducing emissions from our existing resources is our first and utmost priority for our net zero roadmap,” said Mohamed Al Zeera, Managing Director, Oriental Press.

In order to reduce carbon emissions associated with electricity consumption, Oriental Press has planned to conduct an in-depth energy audit of their production facility to identify the major energy consuming assets and implement energy conservation measures to further reduce energy consumption, followed by a transition to renewable energy sources.

“Our decarbonisation plan will be a continuous process and remain an integral part of our corporate strategy. Farnek has also recommended setting short-, medium- and long-term targets, principally because some measures can be implemented quickly whereas others can take time and require significant capital investment, which will need to be planned and budgeted for,” added Al Zeera.

Farnek wins contracts worth over AED 50 million in Abu Dhabi

Farnek’s business development team has won 16 new contracts in the UAE capital so far this year, with a combined revenue of more than AED 50 million. The scope of work across these contracts includes cleaning, maintenance, security, hospitality and Total Facilities Management, covering a variety of vertical sectors such as education, prestige properties, food processing, residential towers and a sports complex.

Derek Ford, Senior Director Business Development & Key Accounts at Farnek, said: “These latest contract wins are a testimony to our extensive service offering, comprehensive understanding of market demand across various sectors in Abu Dhabi and our market-leading position in terms of technical ability and sustainability.”

By embracing the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies as part of the company’s security operations, Farnek is steadily increasing its market share particularly in Abu Dhabi, landing over AED 10 million in new security contracts last year and deploying more than 200 guards in the oil & gas, real estate, tourism and hospitality, construction, and education sectors.

Farnek signs UAE Climate-Responsible Pledge

Leading UAE-based FM company to support the UAE’s decarbonisation drive in line with the UAE net zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 11 October 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has joined a select group of major UAE organisations and signed a Climate-Responsible Pledge to support the UAE’s decarbonisation drive in line with the UAE net zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.

The signing ceremony took place at the Fifth National Dialogue for Climate Ambition (NDCA) in Abu Dhabi, hosted by The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Dignitaries at the event included HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and the Rt Hon. Vincent Keaveny, Lord Mayor of the City of London.

“By signing this pledge, we have committed to stepping up our efforts to combat climate change by measuring and reporting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions transparently, developing ambitious but realistic science-based plans to reduce our carbon footprint and sharing these plans with the UAE government to contribute towards the UAE achieving its national net zero targets by 2050,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.

“Furthermore, by integrating sustainability principles across our operations, we will adopt an all-inclusive approach that engages youth, women, and vulnerable segments of society,” he added.

The UAE Climate-Responsible Companies Pledge is part of MOCCAE’s initiatives focused on scaling up the UAE’s climate action in response to the call of the Glasgow Climate Pact, an outcome of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), for countries to seek higher GHG emission reduction targets.

Apart from Farnek, representatives from other UAE organisations, such as the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), TAQA, SirajPower, Taka Solutions, Talabat and Zurich Insurance Middle East, were also present, amongst others. Previous signatories included BEEAH, Emirates Nature-WWF, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Masdar, Emirates Global Aluminium, Emirates Steel Arkan Group, Aldar Properties, Emirates Environmental Group and the Chalhoub Group.  

Farnek has already unveiled its roadmap to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Using 2021 as a baseline, Farnek consultants have identified the scope and boundaries to measure its carbon footprint accurately.

Apart from building performance, such as energy and water consumption, Farnek is also considering employee travel, logistics, purchased goods and services, waste disposal, and focusing on recycling, renewables and other lower carbon alternatives.

Moreover, Farnek has set emission targets for each category and applied an initial five-year reduction goal, which will be reviewed annually to monitor progress and adjust if necessary.

Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek, commented: “By 2026, we aim to reduce our electricity, water, refrigerants and fuel consumption by 30%. We will also cut our waste by 10% and lower emissions associated with purchased goods and services by 5%.”

In 2031 Farnek’s objective is to decrease its emissions in these categories by up to 50%, and by 2048 its carbon footprint will have been cut by up to 90% overall.

“It is impossible to become carbon neutral by reduction methods alone, so the remaining 10% will be offset, by supporting certified carbon offset projects, thereby achieving our Net Zero target by 2050,” added Ibrahim.

Hitches & Glitches launches specialist maintenance division for commercial kitchens in UAE

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 September 2022: Leading UAE-based maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), a part of the Farnek Group, has launched a dedicated division to provide a comprehensive suite of services for standalone restaurants, bakeries and hotel kitchens across the UAE.

The new division has been launched to tackle the major issues facing commercial kitchens in the UAE today. They include gas and electricity supply for cookers and ovens, temperature faults with fryers, poor performing dishwashers, blocked sinks and drains, refrigeration as well as air conditioning and ventilation.

“Addressing these issues requires a dedicated and experienced, specialist maintenance team with multi skill sets,” said Zohaib Azhar, Head of Operations at Hitches & Glitches.   

“Many hotels made kitchen technicians redundant during the pandemic and now rely on external contractors to fulfill this role. There is a dearth of quality companies that have dedicated teams specialising in commercial kitchen maintenance.

“Many small independent firms do exist, but they do not necessarily have the support of a larger organisation to plan regular preventative maintenance visits, test equipment, source parts and offer an 24/7 emergency response.

“Furthermore, technology is transforming the way in which kitchens function and technicians need to be highly skilled and up-to-date with the latest equipment,” he added.

With the support of its parent company Farnek, H&G’s new dedicated division can procure spare parts quickly and proficiently from approved suppliers both locally and internationally, for any kind of kitchen equipment. H&G can also supply and install kitchen equipment, whether it’s as straightforward as replacing a component, or broader service support during a renovation or indeed installing a complete kitchen in a new restaurant.

And it’s not just asset failure, kitchen hygiene is of paramount importance and requires highly trained and experienced cleaners to ensure that kitchen environments comply with the local government’s latest health and safety regulations.

Sustainability is also another issue that restaurant managers are contending with. H&G in conjunction with Farnek, can provide consultancy to evaluate and reduce kitchen waste, energy and water consumption.    

“Another key benefit is we are present in all seven emirates, so customers with multiple F&B outlets across the UAE can be covered under one contract, providing consistent service efficiency, cost-effectively and conveniently.

“The worst nightmare for any chef and restaurant manager is an equipment breakdown especially during busy evening and weekend services, which could cost thousands of dirhams in lost revenue and damage to their reputation,” added Azhar.

To find out more, call 800 42634 or visit www.hitchesglitches.com

Farnek HSEQ App

HITEK MD to deliver keynote at MEFMA conference in Riyadh

Javeria Aijaz, managing director of HITEK, a UAE-based smart FM technology solutions company, will deliver the keynote address at the Middle East FM Association (MEFMA) one-day conference at the Hilton Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 12 October 2022.

Aijaz will address regional facilities management (FM) professionals about the key issues moving towards sustainable development during a presentation entitled ‘Sustainable Technologies for Futuristic & Smart Cities’. Aijaz will focus on how remote digital solutions can connect people, assets and spaces, to make FM more efficient and sustainable.

“The FM industry is facing major challenges in the way properties are operated and managed. Buildings are becoming smarter, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), the digitisation of asset management is complicated further by corporate Net Zero ambitions,” said Aijaz.  

“Advanced digital solutions such as HITEK, can now integrate with any existing technologies such as BMS, built on open protocol and can now activate a variety of bespoke or white-labeled portfolio solutions, linking smart buildings with a digitally connected workforce.

“Quite apart from the technological advances, as an industry we must also invest in human capital, to ensure that we create a smart and capable workforce, to deliver these cost-efficient benefits to building owners, managers and their staff, as well as an enhanced experienced for their tenants,” added Aijaz.

Other prominent speakers at the MEFMA conference include Ali Al Suwaidi, VP of MEFMA, Mohammed Al Marshad, VC of Board of Directors at Riyadh Chamber and & Chairman of National Real Estate Committee, Federation of Saudi Chambers and Samar Yamak, Director of Smart Cities, PWC Middle East.

Further topics under discussion include, ‘Embracing Technology & Innovation in transforming the FM industry’, ‘Technology Implementation: The forefront of FM innovation’, ‘FM Contribution towards successfully managing KSA’s Mixed-use Projects’ and FM Engagement towards achieving Business Excellence & Sustainability’.

Part of the Farnek Group, HITEK’s digital solution connects people, assets and spaces from multiple remote sites, using intelligent analytical platforms, for cleaning, security and maintenance. They are centrally managed and monitored by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Management Systems (BMS), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies.

The solutions support operational efficiencies, staff welfare, and sustainability while saving clients significant amounts of money by reducing manpower costs by up to 17% by transferring from traditional FM operational management to HITEK’s smart management.

HITEK’s 24/7 command and control room or ‘nerve centre’, is located at Farnek’s state-of-the-art staff accommodation centre in Jebel Ali. Being 5G and Wi-Fi 6 enabled, HITEK can take advantage of increased bandwidth, ultra-low latency and enhanced security.

Four and five-star UAE hotels can save as much as 10% on annual utility costs, according to Farnek analysis

  • Leading UAE-based FM company Farnek launches upgraded remote online tool to measure, analyse and benchmark hotel utilities and waste performance
  • On average 4–5-star UAE hotels can potentially save AED 373,000 pa on energy & AED 125,000 pa on water costs alone
  • Total savings equivalent to 835 room nights using STR data for Dubai hotel average room rates in 2021

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 September 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green FM company Farnek, has discovered that four and five-star hotels in the UAE could potentially be saving up to 10% annually on their utility bills. Put into perspective that is the equivalent of more than 835 room nights, according to STR figures for the average daily rate (AED 594) of Dubai hotels in 2021.

The analysis which was conducted by Farnek’s in-house team of sustainability consultants, used data from its own hotel clients, as well from the EGBC Hotel Benchmarking Study. The team found that on average these hotels could potentially save AED 373,000 and AED 125,000 on energy and water consumption respectively, as well as additional costs for waste disposal.

“On average four and five-star hotels in the UAE spend AED 4.98 million per annum on their utility bills. By measuring, analysing and benchmarking their performance, hotels have the potential to cut their utility bills by up to 10% or AED 498,000. Of course, these are only average figures and are relative to the size of the hotel. Larger five-star resort hotels will save significantly more money than a boutique city hotel,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek.

To help address the situation, Farnek through its innovative FM solutions company HITEK, has launched a new and upgraded version of its state-of-the-art online remote monitoring tool ‘Hotel Optimizer’ which has been helping hospitality businesses for the past 20 years in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

The digital solution supports hotel operational efficiency, by identifying potential savings through monitoring, analysing and benchmarking energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation.  

“The key upgrade feature of this tool is its ‘Genuine Performance’ indicator, a unique algorithm which reflects the actual energy and water consumption of a hotel after analysing all the variables impacting the consumption of a hotel and their associated costs,” said Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director, HITEK.

There are multiple variables to consider that can influence the hotel’s indoor environmental metrics such as occupancy, guest nights, number of guest rooms, F&B covers, laundry, guest profiles, staffing levels, transportation, air-conditioned areas and even general weather conditions.

Moreover, the tool can benchmark a hotel’s own historical performance as well as providing a comparison with similar sized properties, using an energy utilization index EUI (kWh/m2/year), water utilization index WUI (litres/guest nights), waste generation (kg/guest night) and waste diversion, highlighting specific operational costs.

In addition, hotel owners and operators will periodically receive environmental performance reports, together with specific improvement recommendations from Farnek’s team of energy, waste and carbon consultants.

INK Hotel signs contract with HITEK for Flexi-Guest app

Dubai-based hotel to digitalise the guest journey from pre-arrival to check out, enhancing the guest experience & improving operational efficiency  

Dubai-based INK Hotel has signed an agreement with HITEK, part of leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) group Farnek, to use its ground-breaking hospitality app, Flexi-Guest, which will digitalise the hotel’s guest journey from the initial reservation through to check out.

The app, which was developed in-house by HITEK, will interface with the hotel’s property management system (PMS) affording guests a whole suite of services from uploading travel documents, such as vaccination certificates, ordering a car on arrival, room service and laundry. The hotel app can also send automated electronic updates and alerts to the guest, as well as e-registration documents, e-invoices and e-receipts, all in one convenient space.

“One major factor for adopting Flexi-Guest, is that it can interface with our property management system and our point-of-sale terminals, affording a seamless process, from order to delivery and ultimately guest folio,” said Judit Toth, General Manager of the INK Hotel.

“Flexi-Guest supports our key strategic operational objectives. First and foremost, it offers an enhanced customer experience, providing a seamless pre-arrival and check-in procedure, which will appeal to our guests.

“During their stay, they can order room service, laundry, request late check outs, invoices or even order a car to go to the airport. And because the app manages secure online payments, guest can settle bills without visiting reception to check out.

“The hotel benefits are clear. We operate more cost-efficiently, with the added advantage of driving incremental revenue through room service and e-concierge services,” added Toth.

INK is a dynamic, tech-led, brand developed by Vivere Hospitality, a Dubai-based hospitality management company and is aimed at the tech-savvy Millennials and Zoomers. Opened earlier this year and located in the Al Jaddaf waterfront community, the INK Hotel is a boutique property consisting of 63 rooms, one restaurant, Bistro by INK, a coffee bar – INKSPRESSO as well as a rooftop swimming pool and pop-up gym.

HITEK successfully completed a six-month pilot of the app, at the Expo Village, managing the reservation services, concierge, front office services and housekeeping, for the 2,273 apartments, located at Expo 2022.

“Another outstanding aspect of Flexi-Guest is the sustainability feature. The app can estimate the carbon emissions generated by any guest during their stay and provide a cost should the guest wish to offset their carbon footprint,” commented Javeria Aijaz, Managing Director of HITEK.

The INK Hotel already has impressive green credentials. It has installed rooftop solar panels, uses organic soap and shower gel and room key cards. The staff uniforms are made from sustainable materials and there is a zero-plastic policy, by utilising refillable glass water bottles.   

“We are also looking at adding Farnek’s Hotel Optimizer software, which can record, analyse and benchmark our energy and water consumption, as well as waste generation, which will support our ambitions to operate more sustainably and limit our impact on the environment,” said Toth.

Furthermore, Farnek is also a preferred partner and auditor for Green Globe the worldwide sustainability accreditation system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses.

GCC hospitality looks at more sustainable practices Share

  • ‘Eco-friendly travelers’ are gradually putting pressure on hospitality businesses in the region to incorporate green concepts and sustainability practices into their services
  • The industry impacts environment through its considerable energy and water consumption and the waste it generates, especially organic waste and single-use disposables

Dubai, UAE — Growing concerns about environmental sustainability and ‘eco-friendly travelers’ are gradually putting pressure on hospitality businesses to incorporate green concepts and sustainability practices into their service delivery.

The hospitality industry impacts the environment through its considerable energy and water consumption and the waste it generates, especially organic waste and single-use disposables.

Hotels also negatively impact the biodiversity of the natural environment as certain hotels are located in ecologically diverse areas.

Like any other industry, the hotel sector contributes to global carbon emissions. In fact, it is currently responsible for approximately 1% of total emissions, according to UNWTO, and this is set to increase as demand continues to grow.

Moreover, according to a study by the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hotel industry needs to cut carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030 to counteract the emissions that correspond to its estimated growth.

Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director of Consultancy & Sustainability at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has revealed how all hotels throughout the GCC region can create a bespoke roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.

Ibrahim highlighted that some international hospitality brands might already have strategies to achieve their Net Zero ambitions.

However, many independent hotels, mainly three and four-star properties, would require external support from consultants to design, plan and execute a carbon-neutral roadmap.

Sustainable, zero-emissions steps

In an interview with TRENDS, Ibrahim described the steps hotels should take to achieve improved sustainability and zero emissions.

“Net Zero, as a strategy, should be approached methodically,” she said.

“Primarily, hotels need to calculate their current carbon footprint. A detailed assessment of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 (direct, indirect & all other emissions) is critical to understanding which activities and processes create most of their carbon emissions. Digital tools are available to measure this. For example, Farnek has developed an online carbon calculator called CARBONTEK, which has a specific module for calculating a hotel’s carbon emissions.

Once Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions are measured, the next step is to develop carbon reduction plans, technically known as Decarbonization. This includes planning various methodologies for reducing existing carbon emissions through various actions such as:

  1. Retrofitting existing buildings with energy-efficient systems – 60% of a building’s carbon emissions are directly related to energy consumption
  2. Installing smart-energy monitoring systems
  3. Eliminating single-use disposables
  4. Conducting sustainable procurement
  5. Going paperless
  6. Promoting sustainable building design
  7. Reducing food waste by addressing overproduction
  8. Creating awareness amongst staff and guests
  9. Using renewables to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources

Ibrahim added that the decarbonization plan should be aligned with short- and long-term targets to reach at least a 90% reduction before 2050 before offsetting unavoidable emissions. This requires corporate commitment, resources, budget, trained staff, and partnerships with Net Zero experts to create an achievable plan with reduction targets.

Hotels in the GCC that are developing sustainable plans

Concerted efforts have been made over the past decade and hotels in the GCC region and the UAE to develop plans for sustainability and net zero emissions.

Leading international brands like Accor, Mariott, Hilton, IHG, Radisson, and groups such as Anantara and Jumeirah have already adopted sustainable practices. Additionally, international certification programs like Green Globe have also played a key role in formalizing the sustainability process.

However, according to Ibrahim, the plan toward Net Zero is not an easy process.

“Most international brands already have strategies but implementing them in a regional context might be challenging due to insufficiently trained staff. Also, when it comes to regional and local groups and independent hotels achieving Net Zero, although there is commitment, it often lacks any real strategic vision,” she said.

Ibrahim went on to note that the confusion about what Net Zero means and the process and actions required to make a clear corporate commitment exacerbates the situation. This is especially true when calculating their carbon footprint for Scope 3, which can be quite complex. Hotel management is likewise worried about how to incorporate sustainable measures without negatively impacting the overall visitor experience.

Furthermore, finance is an issue, particularly in light of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. The hotel sector is still recovering and reluctant to invest heavily, and even though there are substantial returns through lower utility bills and waste collection fees, it can be difficult at times to demonstrate that clearly, especially in the short term.

A difficult journey, but not impossible

Reaching Net Zero Emissions targets by 2050 is a complex but not impossible journey. In the UAE, initiatives such as Dubai Sustainable Tourism, as well as similar campaigns by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Authority, have been launched to guide and drive sustainability.

“Further coordinated government support will be required to achieve Net Zero,” Ibrahim said, adding that this could include setting targets, developing a regulatory framework, providing cost-effective technologies, subsidies, and fiscal incentives, sharing research data, promoting voluntary carbon markets, and leveraging private sector expertise.

She also believes that any country can achieve Net Zero if there is total commitment, with governments, the private sector, and the general public all working in harmony, supported by the inevitable technological advances.

Farnek supports Sri Lankan families

UAE-based FM company sends essentials & staple food stuff to families of 131 Sri Lankan employees as island nation suffers from its worst economic crisis

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 01 September, 2022: The staff welfare committee at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has initiated a humanitarian project by dispatching 4.6 metric tonnes of basic food stuff and other essentials to 131 families in Sri Lanka.

Farnek’s Sri Lankan employees were invited to a meeting, where staff welfare officers explained the project in detail, from initiation to dispatch. After the meeting, collection boxes were placed throughout Farnek’s offices and Farnek Village, its staff accommodation centre, for staff members to make donations.

Farnek doubled the amount collected, and through its procurement department, bought a range of everyday necessities which included rice, flour, salt, milk powder, biscuits, daal and chickpeas, as well as washing powder, tooth paste and soap.

Management and employees gave up their free time to pack the boxes before they were shipped to Sri Lanka. In total 131 boxes weighing a combined 4.6 tonnes were assembled. Farnek’s Sri Lankan employees added their home addresses and were also given the opportunity to place a personal message to their families inside the box. When they arrive in Colombo, couriers will deliver the boxes direct to the homes of these needy families.

The island nation is suffering from its worst political and economic crisis in living memory and families are struggling to survive. Sri Lanka relies on imports and with the country’s foreign currency reserves plummeting 99% to a mere $50 million since 2019, buying imported goods is extremely challenging, pushing up the price of domestic goods.  

“This humanitarian drive was initiated by our staff welfare team, to the delight of our Sri Lankan employees. The situation over there is heartbreaking and we wanted to do something practical to help ordinary families that are struggling on a daily basis,” commented Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek.   

“People have to wait in queues for hours if not days just to get everyday household basics. Petrol is being rationed, there is a food shortage, inflation is running at 60% and food prices have almost doubled, hitting the poorest in society the hardest,” he added.

Farnek has a track record of supporting the families of its employees, especially when they have been faced with real hardship. Farnek sent relief packages to Nepal after the destructive earthquake in 2015 and to South India in 2019, after the devastating floods.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

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Leading FM company secures security contract wins across the UAE worth over AED42 million

  • Farnek reinforces award-winning security credentials with a raft of new and retained security contract wins across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain;
  • The company will mobilise 420 security guards across sectors including energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and residential, amongst others

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 August 2022: Leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has underscored its security credentials with a host of new and retained contract wins, totalling more than AED 42.4 million in the last 12 months.

The company has seen success in security contracts across a diverse range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, residential, events and exhibitions, construction and government, where they will mobilise 420 members to locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain to provide a range of security services including guarding, maintenance, control and monitoring, inspections, and site reporting amongst others.

Markus Oberlin, the CEO of Farnek, said: “At Farnek, we provide cutting-edge security solutions that incorporate flexible and integrated technologies and are supported by highly competent security personnel. This has resonated with several of our clients and partners and is representative of the demand that has seen our security division witness unprecedented growth in the last 12 months.

“Our primary objective is to ensure the safety and security of our client’s facilities. To do this, all our personnel have undergone a rigorous vetting process and come from various backgrounds, including the armed forces and police departments, ensuring they are well-versed in dealing with any situation.”

New contracts in the healthcare sector include RR Facility Management, a specialist in providing PCR test centre services, across the Northern Emirates, with 50 security guards to oversee operations.  Elsewhere, 15 Farnek security personnel will be utilised across Unilab sites in Dubai and Ajman.

In the real estate sector, Farnek will deploy 14 members of staff to the new 23 Marina development in Dubai. At the same time, wins in government, construction, and the financial industry include the Federal Authority for Human Resources, Ramky Enviro and Banque Misr, respectively.

In terms of security automatisation, Farnek uses the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies as part of the company’s security operations. The company successfully developed the HITEK Solution 4.0 – a Huawei-based AI surveillance system that monitors local CCTV and remote channels. Integrated with our 24/7 operational command control centre, the AI element addresses behaviours such as loitering through facial recognition and personal attributes.

To digitise the incident management process and increase resilience through enhanced operational capabilities, Farnek has also developed its in-house Security Plus mobile application, which captures real-time information from customers’ sites.

“This technology enables us to identify and document the full spectrum of security-related activities, ensuring our contractual commitments are met, and customer satisfaction is achieved,” added Oberlin.

Further enhancing Farnek’s award-winning security credential is its unique Android watch which is programmed, coded and developed in-house and provides attendance and incident reporting, call facilities, geo-fencing, photo and video functions and health monitoring. All watches are connected to the company’s 24/7 command and control room in Farnek Village, Jebel Ali.

The control centre uses 5G and is Wi-Fi 6 enabled, meaning Farnek can take advantage of increased bandwidth, ultra-low latency and enhanced security to connect assets from multiple sites so that they can be centrally monitored and managed, guards can also be provided with real-time updates.

Farnek has recently garnered a range of prestigious accolades, with Dubai Police commending the company for the best security-related practice at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Al Qudra – the largest solar park in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi Police General Command recognised Farnek for its efforts and outstanding cooperation. Finally, at the recent FM Middle East Awards, Farnek was named Security Company of the Year 2022.

“By listening to what our clients want and providing them with expert insight and state-of-the-art technology, we’re able to offer a service that eclipses anything else on the market in the UAE,” said Oberlin.

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For more information, log on to www.farnek.com

Azhar takes reins at Hitches & Glitches

Zohaib Azhar to head up operations at UAE-based home maintenance specialist

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 23 August 2022: Leading UAE-based home maintenance specialist Hitches & Glitches (H&G), a part of the Farnek Group, has appointed Zohaib Azhar as head of operations to drive its green digital strategy for hard and soft FM services, including energy management.

In his new position, Azhar will manage all commercial aspects of H&G’s FM projects including cash flow and profitability, asset strategy and the implementation of operational policies, document control and reporting.

Commenting on Azhar’s appointment, Markus Oberlin, CEO Farnek said: “Zohaib is a multi-award-winning, RICS-qualified professional, who has risen very quickly through the ranks over the past five years and epitomises our ‘Farnek First’ policy of promoting from within.

“During his time with us he has successfully ensured that all of our projects were aligned with our strategic objectives, using smart and sustainable techniques to guarantee efficient and effective service delivery.”

Azhar is now responsible for managing over 500 employees, operating 100 vehicles across all seven emirates, servicing 6,000 customers, providing a broad range of services including electrical and plumbing, air conditioning, water tank cleaning, pool maintenance and general handyman services.

Azhar has also been tasked with advancing the H&G Home Services app – a one stop solution for any cleaning or maintenance work required by tenants or homeowners, which features access to a 24/7 Customer Care Centre and emergency call outs.

The app has an Uber-style tracking system, enabling users to follow the progress of their home maintenance service requests and track the exact arrival time of the technician live on google maps. It also affords customers the convenience of approving the cost of materials to complete their home repair online, if required.

“Advancing the green and digital aspects of home maintenance and cleaning, are critical to our success. Customers today want an affordable, convenient, efficient and effective solution that interfaces seamlessly with their busy lifestyles, while minimising our impact on the environment,” said Azhar.

Moreover, H&G can supply and install smart home gadgets such as RING video doorbells and security lighting, as well as NEST air conditioning controls. Tenants and homeowners can not only secure their properties while they are away, but they can also save on utility bills and be kinder to the environment.

H&G has also expanded its operations to manage facilities in restaurants and offices, which require a more specialised, flexible and responsive approach. This is especially true for commercial kitchen maintenance, where a number of services maybe required from specialist deep cleaning, disinfection, maintenance and repair to certified health and safety consultation.     

To find out more, call 800 42634 or visit www.hitchesglitches.com

Independent hotels in GCC will need support to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050 says Farnek sustainability expert

Nadia Ibrahim outlines how regional hotels can design, plan & execute a Net Zero strategy during recent Swiss Business Council webinar

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 16 August, 2022: Nadia Ibrahim, Associate Director of Consultancy & Sustainability at leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek, has revealed how all hotels throughout the region can create a bespoke roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.

During her webinar presentation in conjunction with the Swiss Business Council, which was attended by key hospitality figures from across the region, Ibrahim highlighted the fact that some international hospitality brands may already have strategies in place to achieve their Net Zero ambitions.

However, many independent hotels, particularly three and four-star properties would require external support from consultants to design, plan and execute a carbon neutral roadmap.

“Major international hotel brands such as Accor, Hilton and Marriott have the necessary resources to achieve their sustainability goals, but many privately-owned independent hotels will not have the means to access dedicated internal support.

“There is also general confusion about what Net Zero means and the process and actions required to make a corporate commitment and how a hotel’s carbon footprint can be measured and reduced without affecting the operation or guest experience,” said Ibrahim.

It is widely reported that tourism and specifically hotels account for 8% and 1% respectively of total global carbon emissions. But implementing a carbon reduction plan is not an easy task, with multiple internal and external challenges. The most common of which are carbon footprint assessments across the hotel and its value chain, a lack of financial resources with little or no budget allocated for climate related activities, the higher costs associated with sustainable products and insufficient regulatory incentives to support a hotel’s Net Zero transition.

Ibrahim, who was elected to the board of the official Local Network of the UN Global Compact in the UAE earlier this year, also empahsised to delegates that despite the challenges, sustainability in hospitality is an undeniable trend which also affords operational savings, competitive advantage and strengthens relationships with stakeholders.

“Reducing energy output, water consumption and waste, will save a hotel operation money through lower utility bills and landfill costs. Moreover, 81% of travellers that responded to a 2021 booking.com survey said that they wanted to stay in sustainable accommodation and a further 49% claimed there was not enough choice,” said Ibrahim.

Leading by example, Farnek consultants have already identified the scope and boundaries, to accurately measure and reduce its own carbon footprint. Apart from building performance, such as energy and water consumption, Farnek is also taking into account employee travel, logistics, purchased goods and services, waste disposal, as well as focusing on recycling, renewables and other lower carbon alternatives.

“It is impossible to become carbon neutral by reduction methods alone, so hotels will need to offset a certain percentage of their emissions, by supporting certified carbon offset projects, such as providing clean cooking fuel to isolated communities in Africa to help prevent deforestation,” added Ibrahim.

Farnek has also developed an in-house, online solution called Hotel Optimizer which can carry out and benchmark complete energy, water and waste audits for hotel owners and managers.

Furthermore, Farnek is the preferred partner in the Middle East for Green Globe Certification, the premier worldwide sustainability management system and certification for the hospitality, travel and tourism industry.

“It is essential that hotels start to plan their environmental strategy now if they are to play their part and support the overall Net Zero goals of their respective governments, particularly those in the UAE, who will host the COP 28 meeting in Abu Dhabi next year,” concluded Ibrahim.

For more information, log on to www.farnek.com