Hotel Engineer Volume 19 Number 2 by Adbourne Publishing

THE

HOTEL ENGINEER OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HOTEL ENGINEERING

AIHE

PP 319986/101

th 25th anniversary AIHE

anniversary

Volume 19 Number 2 July 2014

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ust g u ials” A c e h t p 8 S HE – 7 ur “Show I A t a s Visit u us about o sk and a

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Delivery for all Samsung Hospitality TVs is freight free to all Australian metropolitan areas and major regional cities. Samsung HTV utilise LCD displays with LED back or edge lighting. 1. Certain features not available without express consent regarding the collection and use of personal information. Some features may require additional peripheral devices which are sold separately. Certain advertised features, applications and services may not be available on all models and regions and are subject to change without notice. Internet connection required. Data and subscription charges may apply. Certain features require RF signal and only work on Free to Air channels. 2. Applications may need to be downloaded from Samsung Apps. Internet connection required. Data, subscription and other charges may apply. Usage may be subject to third party service provider agreements. 3. 3D glasses required to view 3D content. 3D glasses sold separately. 4. Internet connection required. Data and subscription charges may apply.

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The Hotel Engineer The Official Publication of the Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering

PRESIDENT’S

WELCOME

nother warm welcome and invitation to everyone!

With the 2014 Update Conference is just around the corner. The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering would love you join them in both celebrating their 25th year while in conjunction with this year’s Update Conference. The Update Conference will be held at the Outrigger Resort Surfers Paradise, Queensland Australia, August 7th and 8th 2014. Over the two day conference, attendees will hear from 8 presenters, on the latest information in technology, regulations and general information pertinent to the hospitality industry. Additionally, information on products and services that are available will be displayed throughout the large number of trade booth exhibitions. The AIHE are very proud to be associated with this year’s major sponsors: Clipsal, Vintech Systems and mySmartCTI.

Make sure you don’t miss it and bring along other work colleges, as it is the only conference in Australia specific to engineering in Hotels and Resorts. On behalf of all the organisational team, we look forward to welcoming all our fellow colleagues and supporters from every State and those that are making the trip from overseas. For further information on the conference or accommodation, look for all the details displayed in this month’s edition in the centre spread. Looking forward to seeing you there! Ian Crookston President AIHE QLD Chapter

There will be plenty of additional time for networking on the evenings, with Bare Foot Bowls and dinner on the Thursday night followed by the Gala dinner on the Friday after the conference conclusion. All partners are welcome and encouraged to come along also.

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AIHE

25th anniversary

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AIHE State Presidents Ian Crookston, QLD E: ian.crookston@ihg.com Anura Yapa, NSW E: Anura.Yapa@shangri-la.com David Zammit,VIC E: david.zammit@hyatt.com Tony Fioraso, WA E: tony.fioraso@burswood.com.au

Adbourne Publishing cannot ensure that the advertisers appearing in The Hotel Engineer comply absolutely with the Trades Practices Act and other consumer legislation. The responsibility is therefore on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement(s) for publication. Adbourne Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertisement without stating the reason. No responsibility is accepted for incorrect information contained in advertisements or editorial.The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or otherwise alter articles for publication. All original material produced in this magazine remains the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced without authority. The views of the contributors and all submitted editorial are the author’s views and are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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AIHE

25th

CONTENTS

anniversary

AIHE State News

15 Improving Chiller Efficiency 24 Digital two-way radio 26 Energy Management Control Systems 31 InfoComm news 32 The “Big” IT trends for the next 5 years 36 Beyond the basement 40 Climate and Hotel Engineering – 25 years on 42 Mold in Hotel Rooms 44 Zero Waste 52 Compelling energy savings 56 Measurement and Verification – DIY 58 FM challenges in hotels 62 SA Hotel to Save $13,000 Every Year on Power Bill 66 Bed Bugs 68 Roof anchor safety alert 72 Transforming Facilities Management with Mobile Technology

74 Regulation Update 78 World Aquatic HealthTM Conference

82 Pool Heating 90 Back of House 92 Product News

Front cover shows: Outrigger Surfers Paradise, Queensland. Venue for the AIHE 2014 25th Anniversary Conference.

AIHE STATE

NEWS New south wales Welcome to the Update Conference Edition with warm Greetings from the NSW Chapter. It feels like it was yesterday that I was writing the Update Conference Edition for 2012. It is hard to believe that 2 years has passed so quickly. I am proud to say that the NSW Chapter has continued to grow over the last 6 months. Membership and monthly meeting attendance are on the rise. With changes for 2014 in motion, we have received endless positive feedback across the last quarter. To finish quarter 1, our March meeting was held at Norman Disney & Young. We were welcomed and graced by representatives of the company. Director Campbell Williams began with a constructive presentation on refrigerants, followed by Associate/Manager Simon Ingegneri who discussed the issue of Hot Water Systems in your Hotels. Attendance was significant with many new faces.The evening was a great success and I would like to thank the team at Norman Disney & Young who organised the event. It was a great way to end quarter 1.

who flew up to present for the evening and the team at The Mercure Sydney. Our first site tour for 2014 was held in May at Sydney Olympic Park’s ANZ Stadium. Our members were given the opportunity to experience an in-depth technical tour of the Stadium and its operations. Our engineers got an up-close-and-personal look at the state of the art equipment and extensive lighting system.The innovative complexity of the design was amazing. I would like to thank Cathy and the tours team of ANZ Stadium for coordinating our site visit and giving us this great opportunity. For the month of June, the Pullman Hyde Park sponsored our very first round table discussion.This change, gave our Hotel Engineers and corporate members the opportunity to share their experiences regarding daily hotel operations. It was great to hear that we were giving the members what they wanted. During the meeting, Trevor McCarren’s nomination for Vice President was confirmed. A big thank you goes to 2 of our outstanding senior engineers, Andy Goonesekera, Intercontinental Sydney and Craig Cavers, Hilton Sydney. In brief, Quarterly Presidents Meetings have been successful for 2014. Ensuring face to face interaction on a frequent basis allows us presidents to collaborate and expand on ideas and resolve issues.

April’s meeting was back on location at Mercure Hotel Sydney. On this occasion, our Engineers were addressed by Anwar Ahmed, of Enman Consultancy. Anwar’s findings and statistics were supported by a Case Study based on Energy Savings at the Mercure Sydney Hotel.Thanks to one of our valued members, Jackson Wong, we were fortunate to discuss the end product with the Engineer himself. A special thank you goes to Anwar,

ANZ Stadium Tour

Announcements for 2014: • We recently farewelled one of our long standing members, Carl Van den Heever, who relocated and took on an opportunity at the Perth Pan Pacific. Carl’s service to the association has been recognised and commended. Carl’s nomination for the Australian Institute Of Hotel Engineers Inc. – Life Membership Recognition Award will be presented at this year’s 25th Annual Update Conference. Congratulations Carl! • Qld Chapter President, Ian Crookston will also be awarded with a Life Membership Award in recognition of his long standing commitments and development of the Institute.

Update Conference 2014: I am very excited to announce the 25th Annual Update Conference for 2014 is almost approaching. As agreed, we committed to sponsoring 2-3 Hotel Engineers to attend the conference, airfare and accommodation paid. However, due to committed attendance and increased funding, 4 of our valued engineers have been selected to join us in August. Please join me in congratulating our members: Jackson Wong

Mercure Hotel Sydney

Sunny Pan Building Facilities Management Solutions

AIHE STATE

NEWS WESTERN AUSTRALIA

June HE Meeting – Round Table Discussion

Felipe de la Cruz Andrew Yap

Amora Hotel Sydney Grace Hotel Sydney

The opportunity to sponsor 4 of our members was based on the financial growth of the Chapter over the last financial year. On behalf of the NSW Chapter, 3 of the featured guest speakers will be presenting at the update conference. I would like to thank you all for accepting this invitation and joining us for this token event. Soudi Noori Hotel Risk and Contractor Control Anwar Ahmed Energy saving through advanced controls in hotels Bruce Collins Building Compliance A very special thank you goes to Ian Crookston, Bev Allen and their team for all the hard work which has be put into organising this year’s Update Conference. Your dedication to the institute and its work is undeniable. In closing, I would like to thank the Hotel General Managers who have recognised and understand the value of Hotel Engineers within the Industry.Your endless support through sponsorship has contributed to the success of our Chapter. A special mention goes to both Manisha Lenertz and Naomi Granger, supporting AIHE Secretaries. Finally, thank you is in order for the NSW committee members, corporate members and all hotel engineers and your continuing support. Anura Yapa JP President – AIHE NSW chapter

• Honeywell

Greetings from Western Australia,

• ThyssenKrupp

• Property Programme Services

• Otis/Chubb

• SITA

• Precision Carpets

• Jaymak

Our Annual General Meeting in March was held at the Rydges Hotel.

• Taubmans

• Perrotts

• Caterlink

• Roy Batt Sales

• HFM Assets

• Vercon

• DURATEC

• MPM

All positions were declared open and the final elected committee was: Tony Fioraso President Lee Binsted Secretary Viran Yapa Treasurer Doug Stemp and Barry Haydinger Social co-ordinators Although most positions stayed the same I would like to acknowledge Ian Amen (former treasurer) for all his hard work in maintaining the financials for the WA institute over many years and also welcome Viran Yapa from Novotel Langley Perth as our new treasurer and committee member. Many thanks to Peter Stokes and the Rydges team for providing the venue. April took us to Joondalup Country Club for our annual corporate golf day.

• Omega In May our meeting moved to the Hyatt Perth with two guest presenters: Paul Killeen and Scott Nelson from Ibis Water discussed what you should expect from your water treatment company including the new types of testing available to Hotel Engineers.. Robert Kennedy from St Johns Lamp discussed various types of lamp fittings and lamp shades available from his company. There were over 20 attendees including two new members: Ian Thomas from NFE and Carl Van Den Helver, the new Chief Engineer from the Pan Pacific. Many thanks to Doug Stemp and the Hyatt team for providing the venue, food and drinks. We are always looking for more members/ Hotel Engineers so I urge all General Mangers and Engineers who read this magazine in WA to call me or contact our institute through the membership application within this magazine and support your industry.

80 players participated in what was a great day for networking with all industries related to Hotels and entertainment venues. We would like to make a special thank you to all of our major sponsors:

I look forward to seeing you all in QLD for the conference. Regards Tony Fioraso President – AIHE Western Australia

AIHE STATE

NEWS VICTORIA With 6 months of the year already over, where does time go. For those of us in Victoria, it is certainly a time to enjoy our footy as we rug up to keep warm during these cooler months of the year. Our chapter has enjoyed and received good participation at our meetings over the past 3 months, as chief Docherty, our meeting coordinator continues to be passionate about booking great venues and informative speakers to attract the interest of our members. With that in mind, here is a recap of our last few months of activity. April had us gather at the Novotel on Collins, where Victor Herrera, Building manager, hosted us for the night. A great turn out on the evening with approximately 30 members attending. Paul Mealing, Commercial manager for EPT Global presented to us on the night. EPT specialise in energy efficiency and management, through data gathering technology, certainly a different spin on the way we view the operation of our building and plant. Paul will be one of our guest speakers during our update conference in August, a presentation not to be missed. During the month of May we met at Park Hyatt Melbourne. Engineering Manger

Rolando Nuesca, arranged Park Hyattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s level 19 executive meeting room, a great venue with delicious F&B to match had the night off to a welcoming start. On the evening, Kay & Mark Chillcott of Koala Lamps presented a variety of LED lamps that are now in the market place and endorsed by their brand. An outstanding effort in arranging the many samples for us to review, certainly arousing the curiosity of our members, and enlightening us on the many options available to suit our varied needs. Kay & Mark have been a great support to many of the hotels in Melbourne, providing quality service and lamps through the changing times and technology, as lighting has evolved over the past 20 years. Last month in June had us brave a freezing cold night as we headed away from a hotel venue and to the newly developed Melbourne Star observation wheel. This evening funded by the Victorian chapter drew a good crowd for such a cold night. We initially all meet in one of their meeting rooms for an informal gathering of our members. This evening was a little different, with no formal presentation set for the night. Laser plumbing, one of our key supporters and members, introduced AIHE to a wonderful charity organisation that they support, called Bridge builders. This charity focuses on youth within our community, lending a hand and support to many that are less fortunate than most, making a difference to the lives that they touch. Our recognition of this charity lead to the Victorian chapter donating $1500.00

to Bridge Builders, a small gesture to assist them with the great work that they do. As Stephen Docherty wanted to ensure we all had a memorable night, he arranged tickets to the observation wheel to ensure we took in the sights of Melbourne. As if that was not enough, working with Phil Craig of Laser Plumbing, Phil extended his generously and raffled a Porsche driving experience, inclusive of return flights to the Gold coast. This amazing prize allows the opportunity to drive a Porsche race car on the Gold Coast racetrack under the guidance of V8 super car legend Steve Richards. To top that off, Phil even had Steve come out on the night to present the prize, which was won by Simon Roberts, AIHE member. Great effort Stephen, and again thank you to Phil and the team at Laser. Over the next month AIHE Victoria will be canvassing our Engineers to attend the update conference on the Gold coast. I encourage all engineering members to get behind this great conference to ensure its success. The 2012 gathering proved to be rewarding and beneficial for all who attended, we certainly plan for this, our 25th Anniversary conference to be even a greater success. A huge thank you to Ian & Bev, along with the QLD chapter committee for all their organisational efforts in bringing this great event to life yet again. I look forward to us all meeting in August. David Zammit President AIHE Victoria Chapter For any inquiries about our Chapter or joining our meetings, feel free to contact me on david.zammit@hyatt.com

View The Hotel Engineer online now! Visit www.adbourne.com and click Hotel Engineer 10

AIHE STATE

NEWS

AIHE STATE

NEWS QUEENSLAND In April the chapter had its meeting at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove resort. The presentation was on energy monitoring and how to manage energy consumption by Envirovision. Ben Hardstaff “National Sales Manager” and Brian Barlin “Owner”, provided an overview to the good number of attendees on the company Envirovision and the services they can provide. Envirovision have the solution to provide and manage energy consumption across your entire operation. Providing Peak Demand management, early identification of faulty or old equipment, cost reductions, sustainability, efficiency, and the ability to view real time usage from your computer where ever you are in the world.

Brian explained that understanding when, where and for how long energy is being used or possibly wasted, has an immediate economic impact across any business. The technology behind the Enviroview system brings all aspects of real-time energy usage together with the accuracy of a billing meter in one simple online monitor which can provide additional reporting capabilities to suit your needs. Full training and ongoing support can be provided. After a great deal of question and answer time everyone enjoyed some refreshments and eats kindly sponsored also by Envirovision. There were no other presentations in May or June with the committee being actively involved with the organisation of the Update Conference due to be held in early August. Ian Crookston AIHE – Qld Chapter President

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Improving Chiller Efficiency in Hotels

Lasath Lecamwasam I CPEng

otels are energy intensive buildings, typically consuming more than 400kWh/m² of energy and they account for 11% of the energy usage across the Australian commercial buildings sector. It is important for Hotel Engineers to focus on reducing energy consumption, for the following reasons: • To reduce energy costs and maintain competitiveness. Energy costs can be as high as 10% of operating costs. Energy management offers the means to reduce operating costs without compromising the high levels of service delivery – which is essential to keep guests comfortable and to make the hotel their chosen venue for the next visit. • Increase environmentally friendly image. Ecological labelling is becoming important for hotels, with corporate clients seeking environmentally friendly venues to hold business conferences and to accommodate their staff. • Implementation of good energy management practices delivers other benefits through a more disciplined approach to maintenance and behavioural changes that promote better operational and maintenance practices that improve plant reliability and reduce costs. Electricity accounts of 65% of energy consumed across the Hotels sector. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems typically consume around 50% of this electricity. When chilled water is produced for air conditioning, chillers typically use 50% of this electricity.

Therefore, the efficiency of chillers and the optimisation of their performance within the HVAC systems they operate is an important factor for energy conservation in hotels. Engineers and controls specialists sometimes focus on improving chiller efficiency, however, to the detriment of the energy consumption of the associated equipment such as cooling towers, air distribution fans, chilled water and condenser water pumps. Sometimes the net result is an increase in energy consumption, rather than the desired outcome. Therefore a more holistic ‘systems’ type approach is required when optimising chiller selection and their performance.

This article describes important issues to consider when optimising the performance of chillers, within the HVAC Systems they interact with.

Chiller Efficiency The cooling efficiency of a chiller is expressed as its coefficient of performance (COP) or energy efficiency ratio (EER). This is the refrigeration capacity at full load (in watts)/electrical input power (in watts). Chiller COP has steadily increased over the years mainly due to improvements in compressor and heat exchanger technology and better controls. Modern chillers have features such as high efficiency screw type and centrifugal compressors, oil free magnetic bearings, variable frequency drives (VFDs), microprocessor controlled

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Capacity (kWr)

Minimum COP

Minimum IPLV

Air cooled

Water cooled

Air cooled

Water cooled

< 350

350-499

2.70

5.00

3.70

5.50

500-699

2.70

5.10

3.70

6.00

700-999

2.70

5.50

4.10

6.20

1000-1499

2.70

5.80

4.10

6.50

>1500

2.70

6.00

4.10

6.50

Table 1: MEPS Ratings

resulting total equivalent warming impact (TEWI), because of the refrigerant levy imposed by the government which makes it expensive to replace refrigerant that has a high TEWI. Chillers used in HVAC systems rarely operate under full load conditions, and this is especially a factor to consider in hotels where air conditioning is operated continuously but the overnight cooling loads are much reduced because only the guest bedrooms and some of the common areas are used. Therefore a better index for the comparison of chiller efficiency is the integrated part load value (IPLV) which was developed by the United States Air Conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The IPLV takes into account the COPs of a chiller at loadings of 25, 50, 75 and 100% at different operating conditions, thereby being more representative of the performance of a chiller during a typical operation rather than at full load.

Fig 2: Annual Cooling Load Profile for a Building

Chillers with capacities greater than 350kW sold in Australia must comply with the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) regulations, which are mandatory. Table 1 shows the efficiency ratings that chillers must achieve, when tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4776.

Fig 3: Chiller Demand Profile

electronic expansion valves and microchannel type or enhanced surface heat exchangers. Figure 1 shows the steady improvement to chiller efficiency that has occurred over the years. Chillers which are typically older than 15 years and contain refrigerants with ozone depleting potential (ODP) such as R11,

R22 and R123 which are either banned from production and import or are being phased out are best replaced with modern units which are more efficient and have refrigerants that do not harm the environment. Another important factor to consider is the global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerant used and the

Chillers with capacities less than 350kW are covered by the National Construction Code (formerly the Building Code of Australia). For water cooled chillers, the minimum COP is 4.2 and the minimum IPLV is 5.2, for air cooled chiller the minimum COP is 2.5 and the minimum IPLV is 3.4. Rather than comparing chiller COPs, the IPLV provides a better means for the comparison of chiller efficiencies between different makes and models. However, to optimise chiller selection for a new high performance hotel, the most accurate

hours and where chiller capacity is typically larger than 1.5MWr.

Other Factors to Consider for Chiller Efficiency Condenser Water and Chilled water Reset

method is to carry out a thermal simulation of a building and to determine the annual cooling load profile under different ambient conditions. For existing hotels, the cooling load profile is best determined using data from the BMS where available. This is a good reason for hotel engineers to install electricity and thermal sub metering interfaced to the BMS, to enable monitoring the cooling load profiles. This will provide valuable information for the optimised selection of chiller replacements rather than a like for like basis, which rarely provides best value. Figures 2 and 3 show the annual cooling demand for a building in NSW and the corresponding chiller load profiles. Figure 3 shows that the chiller demand is low for most of the year and illustrates the importance of assessing chiller efficiency at part load under prevailing ambient conditions rather than at full load. Hotels have a wide range of cooling load demand, ranging from peak demand on a hot day at full occupancy to mild demand during mild weather overnight. Therefore it is important to consider the chiller demand profiles when selecting the optimum combination of chillers, including low load chillers and the correct sequencing to deliver optimal performance. Figure 4 shows the relative performance of some modern air cooled chillers with cooling capacities of 450-500kWr. Chiller A is clearly the best performer, it has various technological features which makes it outperform the others, especially during part load conditions. For design engineers

to select the most efficient chiller, it is important to carry out such analysis.

Water Cooled Verses Air Cooled Water cooled chillers are more efficient than air cooled chillers and they occupy less space, including the cooling towers. They are typically quieter than air cooled chillers and they last longer than air cooled chillers. If minimal energy consumption is the prime consideration, the preferred choice is a water cooled chiller however, when carrying out life cycle costs other factors such as water consumption and water treatment costs associated with the control of legionella bacteria must be considered. In cooler climatic regions, especially for buildings such as hotels that operate overnight, when ambient temperatures are low, the energy savings from water cooled chillers become relatively smaller. Also, designers must take into account that the COP and IPLV includes the fan power of air cooled chillers but excludes the condenser water pump power and the cooling tower fan power for water cooled chillers thereby presenting the latter as more efficient. The final selection of chiller will depend on a number of criteria such as climatic region, chiller operating hours, cooling load profile, redundancy requirements, space availability, capital and operating costs energy efficiency and water consumption. However in general, water cooled chillers would tend to have lower life cycle costs in warmer climatic regions, in buildings where chillers are operated for long

Chiller efficiency improves significantly when the condensing (heat rejection) temperature is lowered and/or the chilled water temperature is raised. The energy consumption being reduced by 1.5-2.5%/째C depending on the type of chiller. Traditionally, cooling towers have been controlled to maintain water temperatures of 29째C into the chiller, however modern chillers permit condenser water temperature to be as low as 14째C when suitable ambient conditions prevail. Similarly, during periods of low cooling demand, the chilled water temperature, which is traditionally set for 6째C can be reset upwards, thereby increasing chiller efficiency. Designers must ensure that chiller efficiency gains will not be outweighed by increasing energy consumption for the cooling tower fans and that chiller efficiency gains from chilled water reset is not counteracted by excessive fan energy consumption by air handling unit fans. It is also important to ensure that the cooling tower fans and the tower bypass valve are sequenced correctly to avoid wasteful counteraction. Where multiple chillers are installed, the chiller sequence controller must select the most efficient chiller to meet the cooling demand and the chiller stage up and down set points must be set up correctly. Variable Pumping In a large building, the energy associated with circulating the chilled water can be significant. Designers should consider the options available including variable flow chilled water pumping which has a few variants including primary/secondary and variable flow primary. Also, pumping energy will be reduced by having lower chilled water flow rates, albeit at a lower chiller efficiency. Traditionally chillers were very sensitive to any lowering of chilled water flow rates, however modern chillers are far more tolerant in this respect. Manufacturers are offering new options including the connection of chillers in series with chilled

water and condenser water in counterflow through the chillers. Designers have more options than ever before for gaining energy efficiencies, however a thorough understanding of the issues is important if potential pitfalls are to be avoided. Demand Side Controls Although this article is dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of chillers in the plant room, it is equally (or perhaps more!) important to reduce any wasteful demand for chilled water in the guest rooms, common areas and back of house areas. Hotels have widely differing requirements for the provision of comfort conditions for different areas at different times. Significant reductions in the energy consumption for cooling, heating, fans and pumps can be achieved if the following factors are considered. 1. Seasonal temperature variances and adaptive thermal comfort for occupants. This is achieved through automatically making adjustments using the BMS to

slightly re-set downwards the heating temperature set points in cold weather and re-set upwards the cooling set points in hot weather. This is especially valid for transient areas such as corridors and lobbies, providing the HVAC systems have been zoned properly during the design process. If this is not the case in existing hotels, retrofitting control upgrades such as motorised dampers and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are likely to be very cost effective. 2. H aving dynamic control set points on the BMS for the various areas. These may include the following modes: a. Off. b. Set back (coarse) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for cleaning and maintenance purposes. c. Set back (fine) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for setting and rehearsals purposes. d. Close control â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for premium occupancy periods only.

Hotel guest bedrooms offer good opportunities for the installation of room automation systems. There is a range of systems that offer reliable means to switch off lighting and power and to set back HVAC, when the rooms are not occupied. Since guests re-entering the rooms have a certain time tolerance for adaptive comfort, if the systems are selected and sized correctly, the comfort levels will not be compromised. Back of house areas are often wastefully air conditioned in hotels and these areas must either be switched off or set-back during non-occupancy. Maintenance and Monitoring Good maintenance is essential to keep HVAC plant in peak operational efficiency and modern equipment is no exception. Issues such as calibration of control sensors and keeping heat exchangers clean have a significant impact on energy efficiency. When open circuit cooling towers are used, chiller condensers must be monitored for fouling,

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a layer of 0.6mm is estimated to increase chiller power consumption by 20%. Building management systems (BMS) can play a key part to monitor the energy consumption and chiller COP and to set up automatic exception reports when key performance indicators stray beyond acceptable limits. Factors such as poor BMS control algorithms, sensors that have drifted out of calibration and controls actuators that have failed, result in energy wastage. Of particular significance are issues such as non-operational economy cycles, night-flushing being counter acted by warm up cycles, the provision of excessive outside air, simultaneous heating and cooling and fans and pumps which are VFD controlled operating 100% without modulation. Using the BMS as an intelligent diagnostics tool, with KPIs and benchmarks set-up for trending and automatically reporting exceptions is a very cost effective means of increasing energy efficiency and system performance.

Further Information: 1. Baseline Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Commercial Buildings in Australia, Pitt & Sherry. Nov 2012. www.industry.gov.au 2. Guide to Best Practice Maintenance and Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency. Jan 2012. www.airah.org.au or www.industry.org.au 3. Technical Fact Sheets: Building Management Systems, Air Handling Units. www.industry.org.au 4. Methods of Calculating Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) 2012. www.airah.org.au 5. Sizing Replacement Chiller Plants (for Hotels in US) 2002, Den Shiming. www.ashrae.org 6. Building Management and Controls Systems, AIRAH DA28. www.airah.org.au 7. The Benefits from Commissioning HVAC Systems, Lasath Lecamwasam. Vol.19 The Hotel Engineer March 2014.

About the author: Lasath is a Chartered Professional Engineer and the director of Engineered Solutions for Building Sustainability (ESBS) www.esbsconsult.com.au. Having 28 years’ experience with building services design and maintenance management in England, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia, Lasath was the lead author of the Guide to Best Practice Maintenance and Operation of HVAC Systems for Energy Efficiency published by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. One of Lasath’s projects – 4 Mort Street, won the AIRAH 2012 Award for Excellence – Best HVAC and Refrigeration Upgrade, presented by the NABERS team. Lasath has carried out more than 150 Energy Audits for a range of buildings which include hotels in New Zealand and Australia.

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Digital two-way radio Technology update for the hotel industry

Peter Beurle I National Wireless

When considering communication options for increased productivity, safety and accountability many businesses do not consider two-way radio a viable option, due to pre-conceived notions of big, heavy radios and recreational “walkie talkies”. People often associate two-way radio with static filled communications and clichéd call signs – Oscar, Tango, Bravo. In reality digital two-way radio is a rapidly evolving, technologically sophisticated communication solution .

any in the hotel industry may not be aware that significant changes have occurred in the two-way radio industry in recent years, or understand the benefits two-way radio can offer. This article aims to bring Hotel Engineers up to date with radio technology and explain some of the benefits to the hotel industry specifically. Since the early 1990’s major advances have occurred as two-way radio evolved from analog to digital technology. This move to digital has completely revolutionised the radio communications market. An avalanche of advanced features, applications and general improvements, enabled by digital technology has followed. The Australian market has led the way, boasting one of the fastest analog to digital migration rates in the world. Digital technology is now available on numerous platforms – TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) and DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) being the most widely used in Australia. Both are open standards, ensuring a wide range of products from an ever growing number of vendors are available. TETRA and DMR both offer excellent functionality for the hotel industry, TETRA offers an unlimited suite of out of the box and personalised applications, limited only by your imagination and budget. DMR offers a simpler, high quality, yet cost effective solution. A key difference between the technologies is the ease and quality of telephony integration between Tetra and hotel PABX’s. This can drive rationalisation of devices as a Tetra radio can be a phone, pager and radio. Digital radio technology offers more efficient use of radio spectrum, by dividing bandwidth into two (DMR) or four (TETRA) timeslots. Two or four users can operate in the space once occupied by one. This allows for more efficient use of infrastructure and more users on fewer licenses, a huge cost saving for business. Digital two-way radio offers huge advantages to the hotel industry, particularly increased productivity and improved safety. Key features utilised by hotels are: One-to-one and one-to-many calling options, allows private conversations or the efficient broadcast of one message to all staff simultaneously. Supervisors and

managers appreciate this passive monitoring. Telephone interconnect enables two-way radio users to communicate with staff working at phone extensions and to have external calls connected directly to the radio via the in house phone system. A range of accessories provide discreet wireless communications for customer facing staff. They can be interacting with a guest yet still monitor team communications. Status messaging features enable seamless job dispatch to housekeeping, maintenance, room service or concierge staff, and allows the recipient to accept or decline job at the push of a button. Building management systems and security systems can be fully integrated into digital radio systems to operate and monitor systems. Third party devices and machinery such as car park boom gates, pool filters and air-conditioning systems. Telemetry also enables integration with fire panels – fire panel sends information to users advising location of the alarm which can minimise response times to alarms and avoid fire brigade turnouts and guest evacuations. Durability – unlike mobile phones, two-way radios are built to withstand a range of harsh environments and have longer model cycles, the purchase of two-way radios is a longer term investment – minimising training and maintenance costs. Management control – empowers management to control the way their team utilise the radio resources provided to them. Management can turn radios on or off remotely and switch certain features on or off. For example catering may not be given access to telephone interconnect, whilst it is considered an essential feature for front of

house. GPS can be used to locate misplaced radios. Optional safety applications greatly increase worker safety. Man Down, for example, is triggered when the radio is tipped past a certain angle for a certain period of time, after which an alarm is triggered, GPS and indoor tracking technology can be used to locate the worker. Some of Australia’s best hotels and conference facilities are using digital two-way radio, including Intercontinental properties in Adelaide, Sanctuary Cove and the Gold Coast, Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast, Grand Hyatt in Melbourne and the Darwin Convention Centre. Digital radio technology is established and proven in the hotel market place. Put aside your pre-conceived notions of how two way radio functions, and contact a reputable radio supplier for a demonstration. Many radio suppliers will allow you to trial some of the new digital products on site, over several days, to allow you to really experience the digital features and benefits. I encourage you to take advantage of such an opportunity and experience it for yourself. Peter Beurle is the Managing Director of National Wireless, a leader in wireless communications in Australia for twenty years

ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS in hotels

Anwar Ahmed I Managing Director, Enman Pty Ltd Paul Briggs I Sustainability & Projects Co-ordinator Schwartz Family Company

1. Abstract

3. System architecture

he author has implemented a large number of Energy Management Systems (EMS) in hotels. One of the latest EMS projects implemented is at the Mercure hotel in Sydney with a guaranteed energy saving.This paper deals with the technology that has been used in the EMS project, along with the achieved energy saving against the predicted energy saving.This paper also addresses the pitfalls of this technology which may reduce energy savings.

An energy management control system (EMS) is a three tier system as shown in figure 1 below.

2. Introduction

Tier 1: Field devices

This is an emerging but proven technology with the primary objective of saving energy, without compromising the comfort level, by reducing energy waste.There are basically three levels of control used in hotels which are:

To make the EMS successful it requires the extensive use of field devices for both monitoring and control, along with variable speed drives (VSD) for fans and pumps. It also monitors energy use from major equipment, and may require modification for air handling units (AHU) to introduce economy cycles or free cooling.

• Discrete and analogue control system • Control system based on Building Management System (BMS) which is now implemented in most medium to large sized business hotels • Advanced control system or EMS.This is an emerging leading edge technology which provides superior control utilising extensive intelligent optimisation, and energy performance monitoring.This not only reduces energy usage but also improves building performance and maintenance

EMS BMS FIELD DEVICES Figure 1: Hierarchy of EMS

Tier 2: BMS A BMS is required to provide basic monitoring, control and operator interface. A BMS is a prerequisite to implement an EMS. Tier 3: EMS This is the brain or intelligence of the entire control and monitoring system to improve energy efficiency. Here the control system behaves differently than a conventional control system.

4. Functionality of the EMS The functionality of the EMS is primarily supervisory control spearing the intelligent and optimal control with an extensive monitoring and reporting system.The primary functions for the hotel energy management control system are listed below. 4.1 Chiller optimal control The conventional control of the chiller is stepping logic control with a lead/lag system, constant chilled water and condenser water temperature set point control. The EMS controls the chiller differently than conventional control providing the following control functions: • Chiller selection based on cooling load and chiller energy efficiency to provide the cooling demand with the least energy consumption • Economic loading of chiller when multiple chillers are operating • Demand limiting of chillers.This function is used to load the chiller to its optimum efficiency when multiple chillers are operating. Demand limiting is also very useful in starting up the chillers to reduce the start-up load peaking and to smooth out the chiller operation • Chilled water temperature reset or variable chilled water temperature control. Its economic success very much depends upon the intelligence of the control algorithm. Basically the higher the

Communications

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cooling load the lower the chilled water temperature set point • Condenser water temperature reset or variable condenser water temperature control.This is a well-established technology – the lower the condenser temperature, the higher the chiller efficiency. Although the cooling tower requires more energy as shown in figure 2. • Chiller interlocking is based upon the weather and time of night All the chillers have a recommended condensing water temperature which depends upon the type of chiller.This algorithm is even more complex when there is a mixture of chillers such as modern chillers with VSDs and conventional or older constant speed chillers. 4.2 Variable flow pumping control system Chilled water and condenser water pumps operate at constant water flow with or without VSD.The EMS provides variable flow control.This changes the CHW flow or differential pressure DP set point based upon

Figure 2: Cooling tower power consumption VS water temperature

the cooling load of the chiller.The limit of flow variation depends upon the chiller type. 4.3 VSD for fans The methodology of control varies very much with the type of application, some of these methodologies are: • Fresh air supply fan speed control.This requires a feed forward control based on the guest occupancy and fresh air requirement in the guest rooms. • Toilet exhaust fan speed control.The toilet exhaust fan should be synchronised with the room supply fan motor speed.

Enman’s services • Energy/water audit and NABERS rating • Project engineering and management for major projects including turnkey supply for: - Chiller system upgrade - Boiler system upgrade - Control system upgrade BMS/HEMS - Variable speed drive, control and optimisation - HVAC Upgrade - LED lamps - Room management system - Co/Tri generation • Assist in government subsidies and funding • Assist in carbon trading

• Kitchen exhaust fan speed control.The required ventilation in the kitchens are based upon kitchen activity.The speed is set upon predefined kitchen activity • Car park ventilation.The car park ventilation fan speed is set to maintain carbon monoxide levels in the car park space. Again the success of energy efficiency depends on the intelligence of the control. • Function rooms and general space supply air fan speed control.This requires a feed forward and feedback control based upon room temperature and cooling load or ambient air temperature.

Enman’s promise: Energy reduction up to 50% depending upon current energy efficiency Benefit: Hotel Energy Management System • A higher Energy Saving up to 25% from the conventional control reducing your carbon footprint further • Demand reduction Enman’s product Hotel energy management system (HEMS) is the ultimate control, monitoring, reporting and housekeeping to reduce energy consumption of your hotel incorporating Enman’s cutting edge technology. Features • Chiller optimal control and performance monitoring • Advanced optimal control of variable speed drives for all pumps, fans, plant and equipment • Advanced HVAC Control • Demand management and control • Energy performance

Phone: 03 9877 2266 • Website: www.enman.com.au

4.4 Economy cycle control Economy cycle is normally provided when there is return air and fresh air supply to the room with spill air.The most energy efficient economy cycle is based on enthalpy and room CO2 level control. Mercure hotel has very limited return air based economy cycle systems. Most of the common areas such as the restaurant, lobby, reception and hallways only supply air without return air.Therefore it uses a unique algorithm to provide the economy cycle function, through VSD control, CO2 and ambient weather conditions, which is operating very successfully saving energy in cooling, heating and fan power.

Fig 3: Energy use pre and post EMS

4.5 Demand management system The EMS is connected with the electricity supply meter for two functions which are: • Demand monitoring and control • Monitoring load profile, daily and monthly electricity consumption 4.6 Energy and performance monitoring This provides chiller performance and energy use by all major electricity users including electric duct heaters.

5. Energy saving The project was implemented on the basis of economic return on investment. A technical study was carried out to evaluate the functionality required for the EMS project, project costing and estimated energy cost saving.The project was awarded with a guarantee of the energy saving. Estimated savings are • Electricity reduction = 20% • Demand reduction = 100 kVa Guaranteed savings are • Electricity reduction = 18% • Demand reduction = 100 kVa Energy saving: The project has been running for over 6 months and showing very encouraging results. The achieved energy saving from electricity bills from the retailer without any weather or occupancy correction from the baseline period is shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. Demand Saving:

Fig 4: Energy saving from EMS

As the energy saving varies with the season we believe the hotel will achieve around 20% which is in line with the original estimate. However the demand reduction is much more than the expected demand reduction resulting in a greater energy cost reduction than the energy (kWh) saving.

• Unnecessarily setting the room temperature too low

6. Pitfalls of such a control system

• The wrong location of temperature and CO2 sensors

• The system is not tuned correctly to avoid simultaneous heating and cooling • The chilled or hot water valves malfunction this can cause simultaneous heating and cooling which is very expensive

The energy saving can vary from hotel to hotel even with the same control function. Some of the pitfalls of not achieving the savings are:

• The hotel maintenance personnel must be properly trained on the control system otherwise the operator will reset the control system resulting in no or less energy saving

• Problems with the chiller operation such as – the chiller can’t operate at its full load or its minimum load

7. Acknowledgement

• Chiller flow lock out – If the chiller flow switch is not calibrated correctly, this will require to run the pumps at a high flow consuming more power

The author acknowledges the Schwartz Family Company for giving the permission to publish this paper and promoting EMS technology in their hotels.

The demand reduction in Jan/Feb billing is reduced by 388 kVA.

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST AV AND SYSTEMS INTEGRATION TRADE EVENT

“THE SHOW IS GETTING BETTER EVERY YEAR. IT REALLY IS AMAZING!” INTEGRATE VISITOR

26-28 AUGUST 2014 SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

InfoComm T

he technology industry is always looking for the latest “buzz” and last week at the InfoComm14 trade show in the USA there was plenty of excitement around a variety of technologies. Some of these were rather tangential to the Hotel & Hospitality industries, but I’ve picked a selection that I thought might be of interest. First up, Robots! Who hasn’t wanted to be virtually greeted, or guided, by a robot on wheels?! What was interesting this year was the number of companies that had wed mobile/robotic capabilities with video conferencing so that a virtual concierge could approach and engage with you. One such example was Suitable Technologies. While the application wasn’t always clear, they were certainly one of the hits of the show from a “newness” perspective and I’m sure over the coming years we’ll start to see this technology applied in concierge and other guest-greeting functions. On a rather more practical note, there were examples of portable meeting tables with flat screens, WiFi and even a battery kit allowing the tables to be rolled to wherever they were required and used for up to 8 hours at a time. Quite the innovation and very helpful where your event requires collaborative small group breakouts with flexible positioning!

news Peter Swanson I amx australia

clear applications in defence, medical and mining/resources, but for the majority of other users 4K is still more a marketing play than a reality. Presently, to distribute 4K on existing technology many companies are compromising the colour quality, the refresh rate (number of frames that can be shown per second) or both.This means that although you can achieve a higher resolution image, it may well be somewhat blurry with rapid movement and colours may be less clearly defined. However, if you are planning for an upcoming refresh or new facility you would be wise to make allowance for optical fibre as this is likely to be the only cable medium capable of fully catering to the 18Gbps+ of data expected to be required when full 4K performance is achieved.This is far above the capacity of any current long distance (up to 100m) copper cabling solutions and well exceeds the capacity of streaming video solutions on networks. It is likely over the next few years that we will see an increase in “dual topology” systems with HD 1080p distributed over the IP network and 4K (and the even higher resolutions that follow it) being deployed via optical fibre solutions – of which there were a number of early examples on display at the show.

4K was once again a common theme with some very impressive large displays, and one which I suspect many of you are increasingly familiar with. “4K” refers to an even higher resolution than “HD” (commonly agreed as 1920 x 1080) – in fact 4K is approximately 4 x the resolution of “HD”.There are several types of “4K” resolution being marketed, but the most common at this time is “QFHD” or “Quad Full HD” which is conveniently double the resolution of HD on each side (3840 x 2160).This means it is easier to convert up (or down) between the two resolutions when you have sources or displays that are higher or lower resolution than each other.

On the audio front, some manufacturers were showing “network loudspeakers”.These units enable audio distribution over network cables rather than traditional speaker cabling and offer the potential for much more granular management of each loudspeaker from a fault management and reporting perspective. They also provide the opportunity to reuse or modify existing network cables where a speaker cable path may not exist.This is likely to be a continuing trend with more and more devices connecting directly to the IP network. However, it’s important to consider code compliance regulations when reviewing such technologies – especially if you have an integrated PA and EWIS solution.

4K, despite being “all the rage”, is in fact still a rather immature technology.There are

This is also the case when considering your broader IP network requirements, how

these are managed and the potentially conflicting requirements of audio, video and other network signals all using the same environment.There is a tendency in some facilities to consider IP network access as “free” for AV applications due to switches having been provisioned for core ICT functions, but as AV requirements increase on the network they will most certainly have to be planned – and budgeted – for. The last area that I wanted to touch on is that of collaboration.This was a common theme for a number of manufacturers and whether they were promoting the ability to wirelessly share screens, bring in remote attendees via Lync, Jabber or other solutions – or to mark up and collaborate on a shared virtual whiteboard in the cloud, all of them drove the clear message that wherever there are 4 or more people together video technology is now expected.There’s even a name for this group size – “The Huddle”. While many conferences are of course vast multiples larger than 4 attendees, it was obvious that many large groups now look to break out into much smaller ones – and potentially involve remote participants – all while using the video technology that is so ubiquitous in our modern working lives. It’s still early to pick a clear winner from the many different technology offerings in this space, but it is certainly worth familiarising yourself with what is on offer in the huddle/collaboration sector and considering how you and your organisation might get the best out of it in your event environments or business centres. I hope you’ve enjoyed these brief highlights of the InfoComm14 show.You can find plenty of articles, video interviews and reviews on the internet detailing the many new products if this small selection has piqued your interest. There is of course also the Integrate trade show coming up on 26-28 August in Sydney where you can see many of the solutions I’ve talked about here. As always, remember that if you are considering any major upgrade to your Audio/ Video/Control solutions you are best to engage a qualified professional to assist you.

The “Big” IT trends for the next 5 years: Mobile, Social, Cloud and BYOD

Paul Morrall I General Manager – M-Learning, Lennox Institute

Today in this ever more technology-centric world, the dull IT department isn’t thought of as the home of innovation and business leadership. As we see some of the biggest advances in the history of technology impacting our frontline of service delivery that may have to change.

uch has been written about the speed at which technology is reshaping today’s business landscape, even more so in our industry! Except that, technology is leaving the traditional business world behind and the reasons are; The scorching pace of external

innovation, the opposing path the consumer world has taken from organisational IT support, and the limitations of a top-down adoption. As a result, there’s a rapidly expanding gap between what the technology world is

executing on and what the organisations can deliver. When all’s said and done, businesses must be able to effectively serve the markets they cater to, and doing so means using the same channels and techniques as their partners and customers. Organisations must adapt to succeed and happily, I do believe there are approaches that can be adopted to address this gap. Mobile: It’s obvious to the casual observer these days that smart mobile devices are seeing widespread use. But projected worldwide sales of tablets and PCs tell an even more dramatic story. By 2015 the tablet market will be 479 million units and the PC market will be only just ahead at 535 million units. This means tablets alone are going to have effective parity with PCs in just 2 years! There are challenges to smart device adoption; for some, IT departments have organised themselves around older platforms such

as windows, office and Lotus. Their infrastructure, skills, and relationships are largely built around an older generation of IT. Many of the inherent advantages of smart mobile devices are a curse to structured IT. From the app stores to HTML 5, the large and easy to access to the next-gen mobile immediately triggers a security lockdown response (right reaction, wrong response) from IT. Social media: While mobile phones technically have a broader reach than any communications device, social media has already surpassed that workhorse of the modern enterprise, e-mail. Increasingly, the world is using social networks and other social media-based services to stay in touch, communicate, and collaborate. For those working closely with CRM process see that they are being overhauled to reflect a fundamentally social world. The recent sales of both facebook and twitter only endorse the trend of business looking at social media to spread their brand and their products. The message is that organisations are going to, and have every reason to, be using social media as a primary channel in the very near future, if they aren’t already. It’s time to get strategic. There are challenges to social media adoption; Social media is not an IT competency. Respectfully put, the human interaction portion of social computing is generally not IT’s strong suit. The more significant value propositions of social requires business transformation. Maintaining a Facebook page and Twitter account is relatively straightforward and necessary, but it usually won’t generate significant growth, revenue, or profits, there are additional elements to the business that need a rethink. Cloud: Of all the technology trends in this article, cloud computing is one of the more interesting and in my view, now least contentious. While there are more reasons to adopt cloud technologies than just cost reduction, perceptions of performance issues and lack of visibility remain some of the top issues for large organisations. Yet, cloud computing is being adopted steadily for non-mission critical applications and some are now even beginning to downsize

their data centres. Business agility, vendor choice, and access to next-generation architectures are all benefits of employing the latest cloud computing architectures, which are often radically advanced compared to their traditional enterprise brethren. There are challenges to cloud computing adoption; Concerns of control. When jobs depend on IT being up and working, then you can be sure there will be reluctance to adopt the cloud. Reliability and performance perceptions, outages reported by large companies (including Microsoft) in the past has set back cloud adoption a minor amount. Bring Your Own device (BYOD): The popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios is on the increase in Australia. This is a result of more consumers owning powerful mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, which can provide greater freedom, convenience and job satisfaction to employees. BYOD enables organisations to take advantage of new technology faster, and has the potential to reduce hardware costs and improve organisational productivity and flexibility. However, BYOD will introduce new challenges and risks, both to an organisation’s business and the security of its information. Key considerations; Organisations are asking, what are the legal

implications? Are there financial implications? What about security? And is there a strong business case to justify any security trade-off? Despite the fact that organisations large and small should embrace only those technologies that are aligned to achieve their business goals, between now and 2020, we will continue to find that there is nowhere to hide from the disrupting yet energising effects of technology change. Only those with flexible processes, structures and culture will be able to adjust quickly and will find loaded with opportunity. Innovative working processes are arguably more vital to business model changes than innovation in technology. From a learning and communications perspective, we are seeing more mobile learning applications being used to focus on delivering real world skill development. Training is becoming truly remote, distance and costs are becoming less important when inducting new employees and contractors. Toolbox talks that took a month to deliver due to a large geographical spread are now accessible to everyone all at the same time and compliance, compliance is no longer a nice to have but paramount in any risk mitigation process. The future is here... and it’s good.

Beyond the basement: Technology enabling the guest experience

Michael goodman I Gaming and Entertainment Industry Consultant, Honeywell Building Solutions

as technology convergence blurs the lines between home and work, and the end-user experience becomes seamless. This is also becoming the case with the integrated resort and hotel industry, where technology is being used to drive efficiencies in the business, generate new streams of revenue, and enhance the guest experience. One of the greatest efficiency dividends a hotel can realise is through a reduction in energy consumption. Rather than relying on a guest to determine room occupancy via a traditional card slot in the room, automating when a room control mode moves from occupied to unoccupied means that the lights and air-conditioning can be turned off, and the drapes closed more often. By properly understanding the operational performance of the building, continuous commissioning can be carried out to avoid energy performance drift. By combining building automation systems with a smar t building management system, a hotel owner can monitor multiple properties at once and fine-tune building performance to a degree not possible via human capabilities alone.

s a frequent business traveller I have come to look for the most efficient means of getting from place to place – on-line flight bookings; luggage packed into a carry-on bag;

mobile check-in at the airport – with all notifications and updates promptly sent to me on my smartphone, the personal device that helps me run my life. I have begun to take this for granted

Although much of the value is delivered through energy savings, energy and operations are two sides of the same coin. Because energy savings methodologies are based on finding abnormal events and conditions in the building, energy savings also create better operational outcomes. Cloud computing is another advance that makes smart building management systems financially feasible to a degree not previously possible. A smar t building management system can transmit data generated from hundreds of buildings to a single “command centre,” where facilities professionals use complex automated algorithms to monitor equipment performance. With today’s affordable high-capacity computing a company can use one smart building management service to monitor and control hundreds of facilities around the world. I have also seen this approach used to help a hotel find and fix issues that could affect guest satisfaction. By analysing temperature sensor readings it was found that some mechanical equipment was not operating correctly. It was also discovered that one of the hotel’s restaurants was being

overcooled. Fixing these problems keeps patrons comfor table and delivers energy savings too; for that hotel the energy savings targets were exceeded by 30%. The traditional approach to achieving results like this would be to install a variety of tools on site and then sift through the large volumes of information to try to work out where the best opportunities are. However, giving complicated diagnostic tools to a facility manager who may be uncertain about how to manage energy may not be the best approach. They may notice one or two abnormalities but they are unlikely to be able to provide a helpful recommendation. With the pressure of day-to-day issues, the more challenging task of dedicating hours at a time to analysing building performance can often slip to the bottom of the “to do” list. In this situation, outsourcing the analysis rather than the BMS operation may be the answer. The combination of cloud-based analytical tools with “cloud based” energy exper ts to analyse the information can be very effective. It allows a rigorous and comprehensive approach to be applied quickly and cost effectively, and the results are clearly speaking for themselves. Technology is also offering a great deal of value in delivering new streams of revenue by leveraging existing investments in areas such as security to integrate with sales, marketing and advertising activity. In this case, technology is not just a tool for monitoring, but for collecting and storing data that will inform business operations. In retail areas for example, cameras can be used as sensors to monitor the level and locations of foot traffic through different entrances and within stores. Interpreting this information for marketing purposes allows the business to justify charging premium advertising rates for digital signage or increasing rent for well situated tenants, determined by the recorded ‘hot spots’. The same

methodology can be applied to identify and monitor the best product placements, by brand, price or trend and assist to drive in-store advertising and purchase effectiveness. Providing information to hotel guests is another way to maximise revenue, be it sending messages to patrons smart devices, or a “virtual concierge” in the lobby, it is a great way to help guests get directions and maps to local attractions, look for a place to eat or go shopping, review area entertainment options, check in for their flights and print boarding passes, even access the Internet if so desired. More and more the guest experience is starting at home with a smartphone App. Modern hotel guests are demanding convenience, content and control wherever they are and whenever they want, with an increasing number of technologically savvy guests preferring indirect contact with the hotel via mobile devices. By providing a free and easy download of your customised hotel app from the App stores (Apple or Android) you are able to put your hotel’s information and services in your guests’ hands even before they step into your hotel. Room bookings, pre-arrival services, express check-in, all available from the comfort of your guests’ lounge room. This communication with your customers creates a bond of loyalty, a seamless experience that continues once they arrive at the hotel. The in-room guest services technology puts all hotel information and services at your guests’ fingertips for easy access and ordering. Guests can be welcomed by name, with the option of a customisable welcome video, and have content and menus presented to them in their language of choice. Messages and promotions can be delivered to specific guests by group code, length of stay, or package. Guests can schedule services, access the Internet, express check out, and so much more.

Within the room, lighting, temperature and even music preferences can be preset for the guest arrival and then controlled via the App. Businesses are constantly looking for ways to streamline their operations and increase profitability. The dramatic rise of the Internet has raised awareness of the potential of IT systems and importantly the ability to be able to access information from anywhere in the world using a simple web browser. Also in the world of IT the integration of different products and applications is already the ‘norm’ and not seen as anything special. It is now an essential par t of the modern business and present or required in nearly all buildings. As a result more and more Building Systems have the ability to communicate over the IT network and to even use it as their main network replacing the proprietary ones they used previously. This is the first but very significant step towards achieving integrated solutions. One of the challenges for the Building Systems industry is the way it supplies solutions to the client. The structures of the contractual processes are still largely divided into mechanical and electrical where the HVAC controls traditionally sit within the mechanical side along with all the ducting, air handlers etc. whilst fire detection, lighting controls, access controls, security and CCTV are part of the electrical chain. However an integrated solution comprises all of these. The tendency in a lot of instances, because there is no obvious location for integration, is to place the contractual responsibility for an integrated offering alongside that of the HVAC controls. The industry is now in a very exciting phase; the growth of IT and the impact it is having on the construction industry has stimulated the need for integrated solutions. Picking a technology par tner that can help deliver the vision is becoming more important than ever before.

integrated resort solutions

Converged Technology Delivers Results Deliver increased value, additional revenue streams and an exceptional customer experience with converged technology solutions for Integrated Resorts and Hotels. • Integration of people, process and technology to promote operational efficiencies • Enabling technology to drive revenue generation • Enhancing customer experience To learn how Honeywell’s converged technology solutions deliver value to integrated resorts and hotels visit us at the AIHE 25th Anniversary Conference Outrigger Hotel, Surfers Paradise August 7th - 8th 2014

To learn more about Honeywell Building Solutions, visit www.buildingsolutions.honeywell.com or call (02) 9353 7000

Climate and Hotel Engineering – 25 years on

Neil Weenink

Not 25 years on from the fellow who suggested we may have a connection with climate, we being human kind, but that ‘we’ if we gave it a thought may be able to reconstruct the situ. Giving it a thought meant some understanding. And there’s the nub. Understanding. And, more so, acceptance!

here are some incredibly mindblowing books out there for we to muse upon at this time, like the Last Call, Bankrupting Nature, Sustainability and Consumption, the Global Environmental Crisis, and others from the Club of Rome... I first became aware of the Club of Rome in the 1960’s when travelling across the USSR by rail with a West German friend recently retrenched from Boeing in the USA.

Each morning we enjoyed a refreshing cigar with a dram of vodka. And each morning we had our Phillips 3-inch recorder stuck out of the window to catch the sound of the steam chug a lug, soon to be terminated with Brown Bovarie’s electrical high speed swish from overhead wiring. Those days, we would discuss the issues of Population Growth and the Effects therefrom. Easy stuff we reckoned. Ho! Quantum leaps from the 1800s until the 1980s, from one billion increase in 130 years; then another billion only 30 years later; another billion in 15 years, and now a billion increase every 12 years – a kind of easing, but as I write, still 7 billion mouths to fill each and every day. Last year on a visit to Zurich I met the same fellow; true we had

passed on from cigars, but not the serious matters emanating from the Clubs of Rome and others, which now of course meant Climate Change. So interesting is it not that every second person you touch base with on this subject has a different response, a different theory. We all seem to agree, from the Science boffins to the farmers in the fields that there is change in historical weather patterns of one kind or another; the cause[s] however being another matter entirely. At the close of the 1900’s, we in the Institute put on an Update Conference during which I presented the biff on The Greenhouse Effect. It was relatively new thinking then and green houses outside of the UK were a tad scarce. The, to me, whimsical feature of a Greenhouse is the trapping of heat within the glass enclosure; short solar rays pass through the glass, smash into something, and become long waves generally prohibiting their return to space. True. The Greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth’s atmosphere, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases. These include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and some artificial chemicals such as CFCs. The absorbed energy warms the atmosphere and the surface of the Earth. This process

maintains the Earth’s temperature at around 33 degrees Celsius warmer than it would otherwise be, allowing life on Earth to exist. The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect. The problem we now face is that human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels [coal, oil and natural gas], agriculture and land clearing – are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases. This, Mavis, is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to warming of the Earth’s surface and climate change. Be all this as it may – and probably is, we in the Institute of Hotel Engineering, if we have not done so already, need to stake out a position relative to the above. Talking to colleagues recently, a key factor is, as always, cost. How much must the Owner add to the property in order to meet Standards of efficiency and sustainability – which in principal, has been on the board from the

1970’s, and which is rapidly moving up into the ‘must comply’ category. Climate Change as we have seen, is largely about the effect of enhanced Greenhouse Emissions of which CO2 and Methane are key contributors. Fortunately the USA has just now supported this thinking. Ho Mavis this is important. Fact is that with so much stuff up there, a large percentage will act as a huge non-return valve. From the time of the industrial revolution, [that fellow Richard Trevithick who started it all] and particularly in recent years, the concentration of carbon dioxide with some other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased markedly due to human activity – for example burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels, cutting down trees, creating pollution and so on.

Friends this is an enormous subject, with both the ‘what happens if ’ and the ‘what happens if we don’t’ scenarios dangling out there, for we all to ponder on as a matter of some urgency. The hospitality industry is a several billiondollar conglomerate, huge by any standards. And we who are associated should be keenly aware of the implications of climate change. The science on an issue this complex is never ‘settled’, as knowledge will continue to improve, but informed opinion is clear: we face potentially catastrophic risks that are with us now, not one or two decades hence. We in this great hospitality industry can subscribe to making a difference. We know what to do. So let’s do it. Now.

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Mold in Hotel Rooms and the Effect of Energy Management Systems

Wolfgang Lukaschek, MSc., LEED AP

anaging a building is never an easy task, especially one that is full of hotel guests that need to be kept comfortable and satisfied. To do so, technology and experience has come to help us to control almost anything inside a hotel guest room. However, we are still learning about how to face the challenge of controlling and preventing the number one guest complaint in hotels: mold. Controlling mold is important for several reasons, not only to keep our guests returning to clean smelling rooms, but also because mold has been shown to be a health risk to certain people, contributes to

sick building syndrome (hotel staff are just as important as guests!) and degrades expensive soft goods. Mold is a complex part of nature to control, especially since it exists just about everywhere and loves about the same conditions that humans feel comfortable in. Humidity is the only growth condition we can reasonably control as mold needs a relative humidity in excess of 70% to start growing. Why then does mold grow when our mechanical systems can keep the air dry? The answer is not so simple. Unfortunately, we find many factors in building designs, improper use of mechanical systems, maintenance routines and energy savings strategies put into place by building engineers that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adequately understand this problem. These are all contributors that lead to this problem. Oversized AC systems are a common factor, leading to shortcycling independent of set-points. Moisture starts to condense at a wall temperature of 24C with a temperature of just 28C and 80% humidity inside the wall. The oversized AC cools the room (and wall) temperatures but moisture of wall substrates and inside furniture does not have adequate time to be removed. Worse, whenever room temperature increases, the air as well as furniture, wall coverings, etc. may take up even more moisture. Eventually mold will start growing on their surfaces. When combined with most setback energy management thermostats we virtually guarantee these conditions when rooms are unoccupied, because they just raise the temperature set-point and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider the building physics. Secondly, mechanical closets are not well sealed. Even with positive pressure building designs, low pressure zones caused by air handlers and exhaust fans draw humid air from the outside through the building envelope (particularly in rooms with false ceilings, popularised by recessed lighting or hollow insulated wall designs) into the wall substrates. This moisture accumulates and cannot be easily dried out. When impermeable wall coverings are used (also popular in hotels for their cleaning properties), we have just about guaranteed ourselves this problem. We see chillers setback to over 10C in the name of energy savings. In this case we risk the dew point is below the coil temperature under certain conditions. Again, we think we are saving energy while keeping the room cool, but we are not considering the humidity

removal properties of the AC system. The energy balance does not change whether we have a low temperature difference between fan coil return and supply with high air flow or a high temperature difference with low air flow. High fan settings exacerbate the problem because the coils cannot dehumidify the high volume air flow, resulting in higher relative humidity supply air into the room. Our attempts to save energy actually result in no savings at all and a ripe environment for our number one enemy, mold! Finally, dirty coils and filters from poor preventative maintenance routines reduce airflow and the potential for coils to both cool and remove humidity.

In conclusion, while we may not be able to control the building physics, there are a few steps we can take to control this huge problem for hotels:

There are solutions and management techniques which can help us better control our AC systems and mold growth. Advanced energy automation systems can better manage room humidity by cycling the AC on and off for prolonged cycles (“long cycling”) during unoccupied periods using temperature differential strategies. This dries the room air down while removing substrate moisture, before letting temperatures drift. This also ensures reduced overall cycling (and therefore reduced return water temperatures throughout the mechanical loop). These solutions are just as relevant and effective in split AC’s where constant compressor cycling/starting doesn’t remove humidity sufficiently and also causes excessive energy loads and consumption. Another hidden bonus of a properly operating energy automation solution is longer intervals between coil maintenance as a result of reduce operating times.

• Before implementing new solutions, rooms should always be thoroughly sanitised

• Advanced energy automation systems can better manage [oversized] AC operation • Preventative maintenance routines are critical (including complete fancoil/coil and filter cleaning). • Only permeable wall coverings and/or paints should be used. • Lower supply water temperatures with lower fan-speed settings will not use more energy and result in drier room conditions.

• It is highly recommended to start monitoring energy use at major load sources. The result will be fewer complaints, happier guests, healthier employees, lower energy use and increased useful life for furniture, soft goods and mechanical equipment. The benefits are so huge it’s a hard topic to ignore. Wolfgang is the Chief Building Scientist for Efficiency Grid LLC, a US company specialising in energy monitoring, HVAC and lighting controls for hotels. He is responsible for the building physics intelligence of the ECOSYSTEM Advanced Energy Automation system. He has worked as a research associate for the Austrian Research Center for Solar Thermal Energy and the Center for the Built Environment at UC Berkley as well as an application engineer and project manager in numerous solar and efficiency engineering projects.

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Zero Waste

Pipe Dream or Reality John Engelander I OWNER, Eco Bin

Imagine, waste as a commodity! Its not only possible, it’s happening. In Norway, in the city of Oslo they import rubbish from neighbouring Sweden and even Ireland and England. England ships as much as 1,000 tons a month of rubbish to Oslo. It is actually cheaper for some UK cities to pay the city of Oslo than to take their waste to the local landfill.

o why is waste so important to Oslo? It’s a city that runs out of waste. How could that be a problem? They need as much waste as they can get to burn it and produce energy to provide electricity and heat homes and schools.

Although Norway ranks among the world’s 10 largest exporters of oil and gas, and has abundant coal reserves and a network of more than 1,100 hydroelectric plants in its water-rich mountains burning waste is about renewable energy and to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

The process is simple. Each tonne of waste is dropped into an incinerator. It soars to 850 degrees and in turn produces energy.

Apart from producing electricity, food waste, enables Oslo to produce biogas, which is now powering some 144 buses. It has become a “waste-to-energy”

revolution. Interestingly, one kilogram of food waste produces half a litre of fuel. It is important to know that Norway is not alone. In Europe, “Waste to energy” has become a popular method of rubbish disposal. More than 20 million people are provided with heat and electricity from 420 plants. For example, Germany ranks as the most active in Europe as far as importing rubbish. Surprisingly, they are ahead of Sweden, Belgium and the Netherlands.

So why not Australia? Energy from waste, if it’s done properly would also mean a lot more materials recovery resulting in a huge decrease in landfill. Let’s not forget in our Australian cities there are escalating costs of sending waste to landfill. So why shouldn’t we benefit? For example in places like Sydney or Melbourne, imagine half a year of heating in our homes. Almost sixteen house-hold 240 litre council wheelie bins full of waste would convert into sufficient energy. In fact we would need less energy as our cities are warmer than the Northern countries of Europe. Burning rubbish to generate heat and electricity has exploded in recent decades: demand for rubbish far outstrips supply. As a result, many Europeans do not see it as waste here – they see it as energy. “Four tonnes of waste has the same energy content as one tonne of fuel oil,” says the director of the waste-to-energy agency in Oslo, Pal Mikkelsen. It turns out that one tonne of fuel from waste can heat an average house for half a year.

Oslo’s waste incinerator was built with extra capacity to cater for future growth. “With more and more countries in Europe moving away from using landfill, we assume that there will be growth in waste to energy,” says Christoffer Back Vestli, communications adviser for the Oslo municipality. “At the moment, the city of Oslo can take 410,000 tonnes of waste a year and we import 45,000 tonnes from the UK. Europe as a whole currently dumps 150m tonnes of waste in landfills every year, so

there is clearly great potential in using waste for energy.” By converting waste into energy, Oslo will help halve its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions within 20 years – making a city whose wealth was built on oil, one of the greenest on the planet. Some believe that producing less rubbish should take first place, while generating energy from waste should be second. Australians produce an incredible amount of waste every day. Surely it would make sense to use this energy source to power our homes too. My only question here is: is waste to energy discouraging recycling? Quite often 80% of waste can be recycled. Surely it’s a balance: recycle as much as you can and incinerate the rest for energy. Now this may just be the solution. Perhaps Zero Waste isn’t so much a pipe dream after all and more a reality. By John Engelander, advocate for the Planet Earth and owns Eco Bin, a company that helps organisation’s to “change their waste habits”. More info www.giveastuff.com.au and www.ecobin.com.au tel. 1300 669441

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25th Anniversary Conference 7-8 August 2014 Outrigger Hotel Gold Coast, Queensland

Your invitation to be celebrate an AIHE milestone

25 EL E B R ATIN 14 YEA 0 R S IN 2

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AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF

UPDATE CONFERENCE 2014

25th ANNIVERSARY

AIHE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF HOTEL ENGINEERING INC

WELCOME

STATE PRESIDENTS

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

SPEAKERS

The Australian Institute of Hotel Engineering Inc was formed in 1986 providing a forum for people involved in hotel property operations, maintenance and design. The AIHE is a representing members in all states and territories of Australia and many overseas countries. The Technical Seminars are aimed at informing H otel Engineers and Members with details which may help them improve their properties and ultimately the guests experience within their hotel.

IAN CROOKSTON Queensland

ANURA YAPA New South Wales

DAVID ZAMMIT Victoria

TONY FIORASO Western Australia

Monique Harmer: General Manager, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort Upon graduating from Southern Cross University in Lismore in 1996, armed with a Bachelor of Business Degree, Monique had a goal – to be a General Manager of a deluxe hotel before she was 35. She has work in Hotels throughout the world in various roles gaining hands on experience along the way. Properties in the French Alps as well as a Chief Service Manager cruising the Mediterranean on a luxury yatch In 2002, Monique returned home to Australia, joining the IHG family as Crowne Meetings Co-ordinator and by 2003 had been promoted to Crowne Meetings Director. In 2004 she was awarded the Crowne Meetings Director of the Year at the Asia Pacific Leadership Conference. In 2005, Monique moved into a sales role taking up the position of Business Development Director for the NSW East Cluster of Hotels and in 2006 moved back into operations as Director of Rooms at Crowne Plaza Terrigal. At this point, Monique paused to start her family, however worked part-time in the IHG Sydney Corporate Office whilst on leave from her full-time role. She re-joined the hotel team again in mid 2008 at Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin and after 6 months was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager. A year later in 2009, Monique left briefly again to have her second child and returned in June 2010 to fulfil her goal as General Manager at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs. After two and a half years in the Red Centre, Monique was appointed General Manager of InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, IHG’s first InterContinental property in Queensland and first resort in Australia. She very proudly leads a team that is dedicated to providing their guests with a unique, personal and memorable experience. Monique’s passions are travel, snowboarding, running, reading, fine food and wine and her family. She lives in Sanctuary Cove with her husband Jeff and her children Cooper and Grace

Soudi Noori - Hotel Risk & Contractor Control Soudi Noori is a Chartered Professional and has Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering Science (Risk Assessment) and Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational and Environmental Health, from Monash University. She is a member of Safety Institute of Australia as well as a Registered Safety Professional boasting extensive experience in engineering fields and risk assessment, providing consultancy services to building owners, managers and hotel engineers throughout Australia

Anwar - Energy saving through advanced controls in hotels Anwar is the principle energy consultant and founder of Enman Pty Ltd founded around 25 years ago, working on energy management and energy saving projects for over 40 years. He has implemented over 40 energy management control systems providing energy saving through advanced control. A chartered engineer educated at the University of Queensland and is a Post Graduate from the University of Newcastle.

Bruce Collins - Building Compliance

Nicholas Lianos - HVAC

With over 30 years’ experience in the property industry, Bruce is a co-founder and one of the working Directors of AESC, an Essential Safety Compliance Management firm for the provision of independent audits to the property sector.

As Managing Director of Grosvenor Engineering Group Pty Ltd, Nicholas maintains a hands-on involvement in the ongoing evolution of a pro-active service delivery strategy and how it can benefit building owners and managers. The strategic focus of the company has remained unchanged since its inception in 1994 “We add value to buildings by making them safer, more comfortable, productive and energy efficient”

Bruce’s presentation will provide an overview on building owners & managers obligations to meet state-specific statutory requirements. Bruce and his team will share their companies insights and experiences on fire safety compliance.

Michael Goodman - Building Management Systems & Optimisation

John Whitfield - Lifts & Escalators - Maintenance & Testing

Michael is as Gaming and Entertainment Industry Consultant - Australia and New Zealand at Honeywell Building Solutions, he is bringing world best practice solutions working with integrated resorts, casinos, hotel and convention operators helping solve key business issues that deliver real results to the bottom line. With extensive building automation industry experience, Michael is adept at combining people, processes and technology to help operators secure funding and deliver projects that have exceeded the Return on Investment expectations.

John is a founding partner and Director of Whitfield Rose Pty Ltd, he leads a team of skilled engineers providing innovative world best practice solutions to deliver exceptional design and maintenance outcomes throughout Australia, PNG and New Zealand for vertical transportation (Elevators and Escalators) for property management. He has over 40 Years’ experience in the Vertical Transportation industry with the last 22 years as a specialist Elevator consultant and is the President of the Lift Engineering Society of Australia Inc.

Michael has an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering and an Advanced Diploma in Strategic Management.

STAY AT OUTRIGGER

David Stubbs - OH&S

Paul Mealing - Operational Energy Management

David Stubbs is the Group OHS Manager for Mulpha Australia and Aveo Group. After serving as a paramedic with Queensland Ambulance Service for 20 years, he moved into workplace health and safety to try to prevent injuries instead of responding to them. He is now overseeing OHS for 5 star hotels & resorts, ski chalets, major events, property development, multistorey carparks, a winery and 85 retirement villages and nursing homes.

Paul is Operations Manager for EP&T Global, an organization that specializes in operational energy and water efficiency. He comes from an engineering/business background with qualifications in civil engineering and management practice and his career has centred on the building industry from building design to construction systems. He is responsible for EP&T’s Hotel sector operations

Outrigger Surfers Paradise 22 View Ave, Surfers Paradise, QLD, Australia AIHE Exhibitor & Delegated deal: From $135 per night Go to goo.gl/BPyxql to book

HOTEL ENGINEERING INC DAY ONE

25 EL E B R ATIN 14 YEA 0 R S IN 2

THURSDAY 7TH AUGUST

7.45am

Registration

8.30am

Welcome by the AIHE Queensland President

8.40am

Key note address by GM - Monique Harmer, ISCR

9.00am

Topic 1: Building Compliance - Bruce Collins

9.45am

Official Opening of Trade Show & Morning Tea

11.15am

Topic 2: OH&S - David Stubbs

12.00pm

Lunch & Viewing of Trade Show

1.30pm

Topic 3: HVAC - Nicholas Lianos

2.30pm

Afternoon Tea & Viewing of Trade Show

3.15pm

Topic 4: Building Management Systems and Optimisation - Michael Goodman

5.30 - 10.30pm

Clipsal Barefoot Bowls & Dinner

DAY TWO FRIDAY 8TH AUGUST

8.00am

Coffee

8.30am

Chapter update by AIHE New South Wales, Western Australia and Victorian Presidents

9.00am

Topic 5: Hotel Risk & Contractor Control - Soudi Noori

9.45am

Morning Tea & Viewing of the Trade Show

11.15am

Topic 6: Operational Energy Management - Paul Mealing

12.00pm

Lunch & Viewing of the Trade Show

1.30pm

Topic 7: Lifts & Escalators - maintenance and testing - John Whitfield

2.30pm

Afternoon Tea & Viewing of the Trade Show

3.15pm

Topic 8: Energy savings through advanced controls in hotels - Anwar Ahmed

4.00pm

Closing address by AIHE Queensland President

6.00 - 7.00pm

Pre-Dinner Drinks

7.30 - 11.00pm

Vintech Systems Gala Dinner

TICKET INCLUSIONS

· Conference Workshops Access (Day 1 and/or Day 2) · Trade Show and Exhibition entry · Network with educators, industry leaders, suppliers and other AIHE members · Online access to Guest speaker presentations · Online access to Sponsors websites · Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Drinks and Cocktail Party Tea and Coffee (Day 1)

25th ANNIVERSARY

PROGRAM

· Morning and Afternoon Tea, Lunch, Pre Drinks and Gala Dinner (Day 2) · Anniversary Gift · Prizes from each Sponsor to be won (Gala Dinner attendance required) · Complimentary Undercover Conference Parking · Accommodation discount at Conference Venue (delegates to book direct)

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25 EL E B R ATIN 14 YEA 0 R S IN 2

CASE STUDY

Compelling energy savings

drives back of house LED lighting upgrade activity in the Australian hotel sector Sonya Williams I enlighten Australia Pty Ltd

The introduction of solid state lighting (LEDs) has been a revolutionary change in the lighting industry, especially in relation to delivering light more efficiently.

ith hotels operating 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, the project payback calculations of LED lighting upgrades of common areas rank at or near the top of the list of cost effective energy reduction measures.

Where do the energy savings come from?

magnetic ballast, a twin 36W fitting will consume over 110 watts.

Back of house areas are generally occupied less than 3% of the time, so the question is “why pay to fully light them 24/7?”

Common area lighting costs can account for 10-20% of electricity consumption and a higher proportion of a hotel’s maintenance budget, due to the servicing and replacement of failed emergency lighting at the mandated 6 monthly test.

In 2009 innovation company Enlighten Australia saw the opportunity for LED technology combined with embedded controls to be introduced to the Australian commercial property market as a replacement for existing inefficient lighting, which operated 24/7 without any controls.

Enter Enlighten’s patented Chamaeleon multi mode LED light with an average consumption of 9 watts. The light ‘s dual circuit design provides background lighting at all times whilst an areas is unoccupied at an average consumption of 7.5 watts. The light switches instantly via microwave sensor to full light output once a presence is detected, consuming 30 watts for a preset period of 15 seconds to 5 minutes, before returning to standby mode (7.5watts).

Hotel back of house areas – a breakdown Fire stairs – emergency & non emergency Underground car park driveways & parking bays – emergency & non emergency Service corridors – emergency & non emergency Lift lobby underground car park levels Garbage rooms Plant rooms

“We were specifically targeting long lit areas that offered an attractive retrofit return on investment of 1-3 years” said Enlighten CEO Steve Cahill.

Challenging the status quo – back of house lighting Traditional lighting in back of house areas has been the T8 fluorescent tube or batten which typically consumes 18 or 36 Watts plus ballast. For emergency models with

Data logging across multiple installations to date has verified that the light operates on full light output for less than 3% over a 24 hour period. This results in energy savings of between 90 and 93%, which can also translate into kVA demand charge reductions.

Co-benefits beyond energy savings In addition to energy savings, the co-benefits of LED lighting upgrades of back of house

CASE STUDY

areas include an improvement in power factor and ongoing maintenance savings. “The reliability of the Chamaeleon lights we have installed over the past 3.5 years has been phenomenal “says Steve Cahill. “We offer a 3 year warranty and have had a very low percentage of driver failures and virtually no LED failures over 50,000 product sales. “ Steve expects that the light’s effective heat management and use of quality components will support an operating lifespan of the LEDs of well over 10 years. The Chamaeleon light’s design features also contribute to cost reductions in maintenance & servicing. • The externally accessible drawer in emergency versions allows for a simple battery changeover without the need to isolate the power and remove the fitting. • The light fitting can be simply removed from the base, which is either ceiling or wall mounted, via a snap lock. This can be done by an onsite handyman and does not require an electrician’s service call. Fig1: Battery drawer for emergency versions

According to Victorian Sales Executive Robert Filipovic, the serviceability of the light has been very positively received in the marketplace. “We’ve had clients tell us of how traditionally the full emergency fluorescent luminaire was often replaced at the point of battery failure. “This was a source of frustration for building management & engineering staff, who were conscious of the costs, wastage and lack of alternative options”

Hotel car park lighting considerations The issues for underground car park lighting in hotels include providing lighting ambiance for staff and guests, ensuring good visibility in tight areas and security. Hotels often run multiple security cameras in car park areas, requiring sufficient light to

provide good vision for the cameras. With an in-built microwave sensor, the Chamaeleon light assists security staff when reviewing security camera footage. The visible switching to an increased light output accurately detects occupancy or movement in the space.

Lighting level compliance Compliance with Australian Building Code lighting level requirements is a paramount consideration with all lighting upgrades. The relevant lighting standards are AS/NZ 2293.1 for emergency lighting and AS/ NZS1680.2.1:2008 for interior and workplace lighting. For normal operations within a fire stair, light levels need to be maintained at 80 lux and 40 lux for indoor car park parking bays, ramps and driveways. From July 1, the NSW Energy Savings Scheme will require lighting upgrade documentation in the form of lux level readings & diagrams to support compliance

before the issuance of the tradeable Energy Savings Certificates. Enlighten Australia welcomes this development, which will rule out a large number of non compliant lighting

CASE STUDY

technologies of varying quality which are being offered as a 1 for 1 replacement of existing fluorescent fittings.

Chamaeleon light & hotels – the story to date Australian hotel customers

Rydges Hotel Group

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts

Ibis Hotels

Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Novotel Hotels

Holiday Inn Hotels

In recognition of the strong interest from the hotel sector to date, Enlighten Australia has recently joined the Institute of Hotel Engineers and will be exhibiting at the national conference at Surfers Paradise, August 7-8. Come and say hello.

Customer Feedback: Stewart M Tonkin CSM, Chief Engineer, Rydges Port Macquarie

Since the installation of Chamaeleon fittings to all car parking, loading dock, fire stair and areas where vandal proof fittings are required, we have achieved a massive reduction in energy costs to the sum of $21,000 in the first year. We have not allowed any significant funding within budgets for maintenance because they are extremely reliable and most importantly are not labour intensive. We have spent less than $300 annually to service 150+ fittings which is a massive saving compared to conventional fittings. I would highly recommend these fittings in any commercial environment where continuous maintained lighting is required.

For further information visit www.enlighten.com.au

Is your building lighting stuck in the 70s? Back of house areas are generally occupied around 3% of the time, so why pay to fully light them 24/7? • Specialty LED light for fire stairs, service corridors and car parks, including emergency lighting • Approved for ESC & VEET Certificate creation • Project paybacks 1–3 years

THEN 88 watts

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Measurement and Verification – DIY

Systems Integration, Asset register, Building Management System, Energy Management System, BIM... NIGEL WRAIGHT I Thomas Wraight

n a previous life these terms were mutually exclusive, they required different vendors, different software and varying degrees of mutually exclusive expertise.These terms had this “black box” specialised and expensive connotation, with single vendor “captive client” pricing gouging associated with them, these “Glory Days” are over. Check you Calendar, it now 2014 and we’re rushing into 2015 like a steam train and there is little patience for the “Glory Days” with technology becoming so wide in its variances, in its pricing, availability and delivery of the results customised to your site. No longer can we make it through the day without the support of our mobile device and why, because your competitors are optimising all the technology available to make a point of difference with the customer, yours included.

Enough about me, what about your place

Technology and even the hint of an upgrade usually has a hint of significant costs along with it.This is not always the case, unless you whole site is still using windows 3.11, then maybe you should have cause for concern and/or reconsider your job opportunities.

For the sake of discussion where going to assume you’re running a “HQ” and because you’re on a budget, you’re not going to use a consultant or a large multination company energy/systems company. As Chief Engineer, maintenance manager, you are going to do this with your existing staff, (except the painter)

But this isn’t a software sell.To be direct, I’m old school, and prefer to drive software as opposed to be dictated by it.The Point of this article is not to ask you to buy software and preach its benefits, but to ask you to do some manual handling yourself (or your staff) and then you will either continue with the manual handling or have a better concept of what you want from software and govern it, rather than enter useless data into fields which you will never use and will never make you money; and that’s what is about isn’t it, reducing costs and improving returns.

Every Hotel site has its own idiosyncrasies and it’s own vintage; if you’re driving a 1971 HQ you’re not going to get to run like a current model CL 63 Mercedes, but you can upgrade the dashboard, the engine management system, the engine, put in new fuel system, new headlights, a set of mags and use modern fuels in your HQ to make it run a lot better. Typically, if you’re driving a HQ, your budget won’t be the same as the CL 63, but your customers still need accommodation in comfort and your Hotel Business still competes on the same track for those customers.

So what can you do?

• Function Room performance • Ecstatic performance • Work Place Health and Safety Performance 2 Data collection: there will be obvious items, but we need to consider what “load” there is on your chosen area of concern; we need to consider demand. Here’s a few suggestions for our function room example. The information we want is to have a high frequency of activity and be allocated an integer, so we can compare trends. • Occupancy (weekly) • Out Door Temperature • Out Door Humidity • Calendar events (those which directly affect your site’s performance) • Function room performance (% of total capacity) • Energy Bills (monthly, Energy/KW value, not the Dollar value) • Water Bills (monthly, Energy/KW value, not the Dollar value)

1 Your Goal, will be the point of focus for your data collection.There is no point in collecting data and statistics about toilet roll usage if we are considering improving the energy performance of the Function rooms. Be specific, what part of the site do you want to improve the most, which area(s) are cause for greatest concern and hit your budget every month. For example:

• Subcontractor Maintenance Schedules (Hours, if after hours convert 2.0 time to 1.0 time, etc)

• Energy Conservations

• Guest Complaints (give the complaint a graded integer value, say 9/10 for extreme cranky)

• Air Conditioning (HVAC) • Resource Conservation (water) • Asset Maintenance

• Guest comfort

• Subcontractor Corrective Maintenance (Hours, if after hours convert 2.0 time to 1.0 time, etc) • Staff Management of Subcontractors (Hours, if after hours convert 2.0 time to 1.0 time, etc)

• Staff Complaints (give the complaint a graded integer value, say 9/10 for extreme cranky) • Anything else, but give it a integer value, leave dollars out 3 Put this information into a single spread sheet, based upon your goal. No dollar values, they will take care of themselves in another spread sheet by others. Break out the monthly values into average daily values where you can. Create some sub totals of the information where it’s is logical. Put the values into some graphs and over layer these so you can see comparison trends between occupancy, temperature, complaints, etc. 4 Gets some coffee and review these trends, take some time on this because the visibility you have just created my need a little more than just a glance to see a real operations improvement opportunity.Your thought process is to ask yourself why. Why you see what you do. Note:The reason we remove the dollar value is it will skew the view; additional costs from parts, which may have been required, after hours call out fees, tolls, CPI, “pole and wires”, etc. if you can reduce the overall hours

by a subcontractor, staff, or others, via your operations improvements, then the overall costs will typically take of themselves.

examined, and regularly, and it’s a waste of time entering data which is not likely to offer a financial return.

Does this sound a little too basic, or obvious, perhaps it does, but although you might be thinking how straight forward this is, I would bet you are not doing it.The typical thought process is that “I know what’s going on, I know where the money is going” and we would argue, “then tell me” and we will find holes in your answers as we drill down into your response.

Your competitor, with their CL 63 Mercedes, may already have the technology installed and implemented, but does anyone interrogate it, look for trends with common traits indicating unnecessary losses. Do they log financially useful data?

Visibility is key in operations performance you can make a good start without spending big dollars. Purchasing top shelf software and hardware can do a lot for you, but is it focused for the challenge to successfully guarantee the result(s) you are looking to achieve. Any software will need to be focused and “fit for purpose”. Software packages can integrate your Building Management System to your work order system to your Energy platform, to your function room booking system and so on. Offering huge opportunity to create trends for measurement and verification between services. But it is useless if the trends are not

So even with your competitor spending big on technology, you can still keep up by using internal labour and a set process of investigation, measurement and verification…. And doing the analysis regularly. The analysis doesn’t require a tertiary degree, it requires good coffee and time, time to look at the figures. It’s not unusual to see a trend “jump off the page” and then the “ah ha” moment.You might want to consider adding other variables to your data including subcontractor attendance times, and staff. And if you are driving a CL 63, a powerfully engineered machine, then are you driving it well and optimising all your features and opportunities to improve operations? Do you have it flat out or are you coasting?

Safety and Risk Workplace Health Solutions Engineering and Safety (SRES) We are proud of the work we perform for our clients and always adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude in all projects. Workplace safety compliance, due diligence audits and risk Legislation in Australia adopts a assessments are just some of the consultancy and technical services risk management approach to offered by Safety and Risk Engineering Solutions (SRES) to assist facilities and industries satisfy their Workplace Health & and Safety achieve Workplace Health and Engineering Risk Assessment requirements.

Safety targets.

Since 2004, SRES has been providing consultancy services to building owners, managers and hotel engineers throughout “Hazard Risk Australia with assistant onidentification, OHS/WHS compliance, due diligence audit,assessment risk assessment, engineering documentation contractor and Risk audit, control” management and…etc

(HIRAC) are three key steps in the

The company expanded its operation 2010 to develop a computer process used in inwork places to program for building inspections, running “Risk Assessment” manage and safety by workshops specifically health for hotel engineers and building managers.

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They also provide Visitor/Contractor kiosks, advertising touch screen kiosks and projection films. During this time, SRES has provided quality assistance to valued clients such as Hilton on the Park, Hilton South Wharf, Hilton Cairns, Grand HYATT, Parkroyal Melbourne Airport, Toll in2store, OUTFOXED Pest control and Yarra City Council….etc SRES director Soudi Noori is a Chartered Professional member of Safety Institute of Australia as well as a Registered Safety Professional boasting extensive experience in engineering fields and risk assessment. SRES Lead auditor, Arash Proumoslemi is Mechanical Engineer (Master of Eng Science) and Member of Engineers Australia, Risk Engineering Society.

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Soudi Noori Risk Engineer/OHS Consultant W: www.sres-australia.com.au BSc, MEngSci, Grad Dip OEH (MONASH) CPMSIA, RSP (AUST)

Overcoming less obvious

FM challenges in hotels

Kristiana Greenwood I Director, FM Innovations

There are many obvious FM challenges in hotels, and many of them are the same as in commercial office buildings. Obviously hotels have an increased exposure to risk when it comes to public access and specific compliance requirements, but the planned maintenance schedules and the challenge of managing budgets, costs and contractors are all similar. These are operating requirements that we, as a matter of routine, manage to ensure our buildings are compliant and our occupants are happy.

owever, these are not the challenges I am referring to, there are others which are not so obvious but equally as damaging, if not addressed. Education and Process. Recently we worked with a hotel FM team to address these challenges in order to streamline their operations and improve their efficiencies. These two challenges are not at the forefront of our thoughts when managing buildings, but they should be, if we want to improve our FM business and mitigate our risk.

Challenge As a manager of a hotel you will presumably have an FM team to ensure the building is compliant and the guests are not at any risk (as well as delivering services to the guests). However, have you actually ever trained your FM team to know exactly what the laws and fines of non-compliance are? Do you keep them updated on new laws and regulations as they are gazetted, or do you expect them to find out themselves? There are now penalties that can affect staff personally (tenants and landlords), so do they understand what their liabilities really are if the building is found to be non-compliant?

Solution Education in this area is very important. There are courses available in FM currently and a list can be obtained through the Facility Management Association website (FMA). Even short Professional Development courses on topical FM matters are better than expecting the team to be up to speed with every new law or regulation in FM. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have training budget this year then add it now into the next budget. Consider signing the FM team up to be members of the FMA so they have direct access to updates and short courses in FM. Small steps which will lead to a much more

aware and contented FM team. Then select an FM solution that allows the staff and their working system to embed these practices into their daily process.

Challenge The team is likely to understand that they need to get systems and processes in place to help them manage their FM, the challenge they may well have is convincing the CEO and the CFO of the importance of this. FM systems are often seen as a business expense and not as a contributor to the bottom line of a business. This is where a strong and persuasive business case needs to be put together. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a small investment, it costs money and it costs resources so it has to be presented correctly. Some of the points that could be put forward in a business case are as follows: Mitigating Risk All ESM tasks, such as checking Fire Safety Equipment, are scheduled within an FM system and a Work Order will automatically be generated when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for them to be checked. This Work Order can either go directly to the preferred contractor with a copy to the Building Coordinator, or it can go via the Building Coordinator for prior approval thereby taking the risk out of missing critical dates and timelines. Automated Planned Maintenance Schedules General tasks such as checking roof and downpipes, checking machinery, plant & equipment etc are all entered in the system and automatically initiated via Work Order when due. An automated workflow will enable users to enter the jobs once and forget about them.

Contractor Inductions & Management

Document Management

Contractors are inducted through their own web portal and can manage all of their work via this portal. This also works with tablets and mobile phones allowing contractors to work in the field and still be in contact.

Upload critical building plans, drawings and documents within the system and attach any of that are required to a Work Order. In the same manner attach regulatory work documents that prescribe your work practices and protocols that are relevant to your hotel (or the area being worked on) so that there is no excuse for contractors (or employees) not to be fully aware of the workplace requirements and regulations that are in place.

Ensure repeat business By keeping up the maintenance schedules and tasks in a hotel, the experience for the customer is enhanced. No-one wants to stay in a room with a dripping tap, a noticeably worn carpet or an unreliable air conditioning system. Scheduled maintenance work and managing the buildings systems effective performance will ensure repeat business. This doesn’t apply just to the guest rooms but to the public access areas such as the lounges, gaming rooms and restaurants etc.

Automated Scheduled Reports Set up scheduled reports that are capable of reporting on any aspect of workplace performance and automatically dispatched by the system to anyone at any time; be they users of the system or external to it.

OH&S Management

Report Across the entire Property Portfolio

Users can log any OH&S issues through the system and thereby thus ensure they are managed through to completion and in doing so track equipment and contractors involved and whether repeated events require remedial work on the building, or management processes or retraining (or replacing) of contractors.

Every building, every asset, every work order and every contractor can be reported on in great detail, and in a variety of formats leaving your spreadsheets for dead. The infinite variety of data combinations and their comprehensive collection provided by your FM system will result in critical management information being readily available when you need it.

Simplify Day to Day Work Set up standard recurring task lists for contractors in the system and thus get the system to ensure tasks are completed on time and to meet specific business needs and legal requirements.

The major cost reduction is not necessarily in direct cost savings by implementing smart systems, but in reducing risk for the hotel, its executives and its staff.

Out SOurcE MaIntEnancE ManagEMEnt Are you satisfied with your current maintenance services business model? How about outsourcing the maintenance management so you can get back to managing what you do best. Create one Point of responsibility. As a Facility Maintenance Services provider we offer a range of hard and soft services both internally and externally procured. See the difference a smaller, Family based, Boutique Company can make. Switch to Thomas Wraight Pty Ltd for your Facility Maintenance Services. Our Services offer differing levels of Maintenance Management to meet your on site needs. Our Maintenance Services include: • • • • • • • •

Service Level Agreements (SLA) Maintenance management Software (hosted or site) Corrective Maintenance Sub Contractor Management/Negotiation Emergency Repairs Daily, weekly or monthly Reports Work Place Health & Safety Supervision Sourcing Service Providers – Costing/Scope/Delivery

• • • • • • • •

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www.thomaswraight.com 59

• Cost of huge fines for non-compliance • Cost of executive in gaol thus reducing productivity • Cost of reputation damage to business • Cost of insurance premiums • Cost of compliance with multi-layered government agencies

Challenge So now the business case succeeded and management see the advantage of implementing an FM software system. The next challenge may be the IT department. The hotels IT support group may not interested in implementing another IT system – to them it is going to cost too much, it would be difficult to maintain and quite frankly they can’t see the importance of it. Their focus is often on supporting the financial system and the hotel booking system – FM is not on the radar.

Solution Hosting is the solution in the internet cloud. In doing so it takes the IT departmental concerns out of the equation – the ones remaining are simpler to justify and get agreement upon. In the end it becomes easier for you and easier for them. Ask your FM software provider to host it, manage it, back it up and upgrade it. As

long as you pick the right system i.e. simple to set up, simple to use and supported by locally well trained staff, then it will not take long to have those processes and procedures in place. If you have a high staff turnover, then having these systems in place is imperative not just for managing your FM, but to keep consistency of management and enforcement of business rules when new staff join the team. A most important aspect is that the ”system” retains company knowledge, actions, history and experience and thus the loss of staff over time does not adversely impact unnecessarily on the operation of the processes and systems now in place. Ask anyone what the definition of Facility Management is and they will each give you a different answer. The truth is, it can range from being broadly implemented in one company and very narrowly implemented in another so the definition for you will be what you need it to be in order to meet the business requirements in your organisation. But regardless of its breadth of implementation the challenges described in this article are equally applicable. Starting with an education on FM matters and implementing the processes and procedures to support what you know and to find out what you don’t know, is a very solid foundation to the journey of understanding the responsibilities of Facilities Management in our own organisation.

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SA HOTEL TO SAVE $13,000 EVERY YEAR ON POWER BILL

Sam Czyczelis I Powerstar Australia

The Palais Hotel in Semaphore, South Australia has installed a Powerstar Voltage Optimisation unit that is saving hundreds of dollars every week.

Owners of the Palais Hotel in Adelaide’s coastal suburb of Semaphore have calculated the 288 kVA Powerstar voltage optimisation unit installed in November is reducing their electricity usage by 10.5%.

his should equate to around $13,500 per year in savings when temperature fluctuations over the year are taken into account. Sam Czyczelis, general manager of Powerstar Australia, explained that voltage optimisation is an electrical energy-saving technique in which a device is installed in series with the mains electricity supply to provide an optimum supply voltage for the site’s equipment. The technology has a significant impact on the amount of energy used because it brings the voltage supplied by the grid in line with what is actually required.

Bob Karpluk, general manager of the Palais Hotel, said the average amount paid for electricity over 90 days earlier this year was less than $450 per day. For the same period in 2013, the power bill was slightly over $500 per day. “So for this three month period our daily usage reduced to around 1996 kWh from around 2235 kWh for the same number of days and a similar period last year. “The hotel has a lot of 24x7 energy usage such as refrigeration, computers, HVAC and pokies; there are thousands of other businesses like ours that could benefit from voltage optimisation,” Bob said.

“We are more than happy and pleased we made this investment, and glad we are making a contribution in the responsible use of power and reducing our carbon footprint. Plus it’s good knowing you aren’t paying your power supplier more than you need to! “In deciding on voltage optimisation and Powerstar in particular we conducted extensive investigations. Likewise, now that it is up and running, we are continuing to monitor its performance. I prefer to be analytical about these large business investments and also do research afterwards to confirm the success and value of the investment.”

CASE STUDY

Being in a beachside location, the Palais Hotel is a very popular spot in summer. Its business is food, beverage and gaming with up to 100 staff and a turnover of $7.5 million. Innovative electrical energy savings solutions company, Liberty Saver, worked with the hotel’s owners in recommending the voltage optimisation solution. Liberty Saver sales executive, Sam Robertson, said they develop complete energy solutions to suit a customer’s business. “We recommend the best products for the business instead of trying to fit products around the business. “Installation at the Palais Hotel went very well with all the installation times met. It was a seamless transition even though the hotel decided to play it safe and switch everything off prior to connecting the VO unit and then putting everything back online,” Sam said.

Bob Karpluk was impressed with the quality workmanship and robustness of the Powerstar unit, and the fact it has a 50-year lifespan. “We are very happy with the quality of the Powerstar product. You can see that it is built with long-life materials. As a former bank manager, I am always doing the sums and I have seen enough evidence that this is a wise investment, which we expect will pay for itself within three years. “As a planet we’ve got to conserve energy and I count this as one of the best purchases I’ve made in relation to savings of power and energy and general associated costs,” he added.

Ken, Maintenance Manager at the Palais Hotel in Semaphore, SA with the newly installed Powerstar Voltage Optimisation unit.

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SMART Programming with Samsung’s new SMART Hospitality Displays

Samsung’s LYNK™ REACH 3.0^solution, consisting of the optional REACH server and a REACH-compatible Samsung’s SMART Hospitality TV, leverages your existing RF cabling and coaxial infrastructure (for example, a MATV system) to provide administrative and content management tools for the 2014 range of Samsung SMART Hospitality TVs. Content managers can also deliver targeted messaging by grouping displays and streaming dedicated content to each group via the inbuilt LYNK™REACH software. Choose from the array of inbuilt templates provided to deploy messaging with a professional look or deploy your own, custom content. Content managers or maintenance engineers can also remotely control multiple compatible TVs from a centralised location through the REACH software.

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Bed Bugs

be Active by being Proactive! Stephen L. Doggett I Department of Medical Entomology, ICPMR, Pathology West, Westmead Hospital

It has now been almost two decades since the start of the bed bug resurgence. During this period these thirsty little blood sucking insects have been biting your guests, and your businesses. Yet despite a huge range of products coming onto the market in recent years with the most outlandish claims on bed bug control, not one by itself will effectively rid you of an infestation, or prevent bed bugs coming into your premise in the first place. However, the key to minimising bed bug impacts is by being proactive rather than reactive.

t is unfortunate, and foolish, that many in the accommodation sector have simply chosen to ignore the problem, hoping that control technologies will evolve to magically make the insect disappear. The reality is, is that bed bugs are here to stay for a long time. There is unlikely to be any silver bullet developed to rid the world of these nuisance pests any time soon, which means that it is a case of not if, but when, you will have this unwanted guest in your facility. This Ostrich mentality is fraught with danger in a multitude of ways. For example, if bed bugs become established within a facility, the infestation can rapidly spread increasing overall control costs by several magnitudes. For example, in one staff accommodation complex in Sydney with some 320 rooms, what should have cost $400 for the treatment of one infested room, eventually became $40,000 as the bugs quickly spread throughout the facility to encompass 20% of all rooms over a two year period. The failure to be proactive on bed bugs means that it is the guest who usually finds the insects when mysterious and extremely itchy bite marks suddenly appear. Not a good situation. Often the less scrupulous

hotelier will deny that they should be responsible or even blame the guest for bringing in the bed bugs. Personally I have been involved in numerous cases where the various state Department of Health have been called into investigate guest complaints, when the manager of the facility failed to act responsibly. Across the world there are various web sites where people can log their bed bug experiences and warn others from staying at the same location (e.g. see www.bedbugregistry.com). Expect similar web sites to start here. In the United States, guests who are attacked by bed bugs so often lead to litigation. Most of these cases are resulted out of court as the accommodation provider has failed to provided a duty of care by not being proactive in monitoring for bed bugs. The worrying aspect for Australian accommodation providers, is that there is now a case before the courts. Time will tell who will win the case, but some how I suspect it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the one who provided the infested bed. Of course this all means that bed bugs are severally damaging reputations and reducing profits.

One would think then, it would be best to prevent bed bugs from coming into a facility in the first place. However, with current technologies this is simply not possible. Yet a great deal can be done to reduce the risk of bed bugs becoming established and developing into a major fiscal burden. Broadly speaking there are four phases of a bed bug infestation; the Introduction of the insect, the Establishment of the pest, the Growth of the infestation, and finally the Spread of the insect. Proactive strategies can be implemented that can combat bed bugs in each of the four phases and these are discussed within the Australian industry standard for bed bug management, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Code of Practice for the Control of Bed Bug Infestation in Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (available free from www.bedbug.org.au). Regular inspections of beds should be a key integral part of a proactive program, although ultimately, no one strategy should be relied upon as bed bug risk reduction involves a multidisciplinary approach. It is important that all facilities have as part of their risk management process, a Bed Bug Management policy to minimise the impacts of bed bugs. The policy should cover aspects such as training, documentation of bed bug activity, work health and safety, the

Do you have

Bed bugs are on the increase globally, but how do you know if you have an infestation? More importantly, how can you recognize their signs in order to avoid them in the first place? This guide will help you to identify bed bugs and teach you where they can be found. An essential guide for pest controllers, accommodation providers, travellers – in fact anyone who wishes to stay bed bug free.

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eradication processes, and those aspects dealing with the reduction of bed bug risks. To assist those that provide beds for others, a generic policy has been developed by the author of this article. ‘A Bed Bug Management Policy & Procedural Guide for Accommodation Providers’ is available as a free download from: http://medent. usyd.edu.au/bedbug/man_policy.htm. You are welcome to use this policy and to adapt it for your specific circumstances. A bed bug management policy that is adopted and adhered too may also reduce the potential for litigation.

Everyone who provides beds for authors must have a range of resources on bed bugs, including the Code and Procedural Guide mentioned above. Just recently the author of this article released a help guide for the identification of bed bugs, called “Do You Have Bed Bugs”. This 48 page booklet contains over 80 full coloured images, and is printed on high quality gloss paper. Included are images of all life stages, the signs of bed bugs, bite reactions in patients (including the author), as well as shots of where bed bugs can be found. This indispensable guide can help to train you and your staff in bed bug

identification and where to find the insects. ‘Do You Have Bed Bugs?’ is only $5 (+P&H) available through http://doyouhavebedbugs.com The future with bed bugs is unfortunately bleak and it is important that you are not the captain of the sinking ship by allowing bed bugs to bite your guests. By being proactive rather than reactive, it is possible to minimise the effects these little blood suckers have on your business.

500 good reasons to see us at the AIHE conference. Visit stand 1 for a glimpse of the latest innovative and energy-efficient electrical solutions for improving guest experience and hotel profitability. Enter the draw and you could win a VIP trip to the 2015 Clipsal 500 Adelaide. (Ticket, flights and accommodation included. Terms and conditions apply.) © 2014 Schneider Electric. SEAU117901

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Roof anchor safety alert

an engineer’s survival guide Carl Sachs I managing director, Workplace Access & Safety

“Catastrophic” roof anchor failures during testing to a 2013 Australian Standard have big implications for hotel engineers.

n June, the peak body of Australia’s working at height sector, the Working At Heights Association (WAHA), issued a safety alert urging affected manufacturers to recall non-compliant products.

Hundreds of thousands of roof anchors are installed on large government and commercial buildings across the country and are used by people wearing harnesses at height to connect their lanyards to the building. The anchors that sparked the safety alert were tested in accordance with an Australian Standard, AS/NZS5532, published in 2013. WAHA chairman Michael Biddle says the standard’s requirements established an important baseline for the performance of height safety equipment. “It’s important to uphold AS/NZS5532, since there are so many anchors out there,” he says.

“Workplaces and PCBUs needs a simple, yet robust criteria against which they can gauge their equipment. A worker who attaches to an anchor trusts their life on it. “The nature of these devices is that they are saving people’s lives, so as a minimum it needs to perform to this standard.” WAHA’s advice for building owners and facility managers is to: “(1) Contact the installer of the anchor points on your facility and ask them to provide documented evidence that the products installed meet the testing requirement of AS/NZS5532 and are certified for use on your specific roof profile;” “(2) If evidence cannot be provided, obtain information from the manufacturer or regulator on appropriate advice for rectifying the situation; “(3) Seek advice from a manufacturer or installer of anchor points that can provide the evidence of compliance to AS/NSZS5532 for your roof profile.” So, what makes a roof safety anchor truly safe? Until now, nobody knew for sure and suppliers of roof safety anchors were able to devise their own performance tests for this life-saving equipment. All that changed with the release of AS/NZS 5532:2013 Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor device used for harness-based work at height. Sponsored by the Working At Heights Association with the participation of WorkCover NSW, AS/NZS5532 is part of the AS/NZS1891 suite of standards, which deal with fall arrest devices. In fact, the only requirement had been that anchor points were rated to 15kN for one person and 21kN for two-person use.

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AS/NZS5532 introduced a number of new requirements and set a uniform national benchmark for testing and certification.

Dynamic testing Traditionally, manufacturers applied a static load to the anchor, which placed the least amount of stress on the product. A dynamic test replicates a person suddenly falling and being jerked to a halt. Accordingly, AS/NZS5532 prescribes: • f or 15kN, or single-person fall arrest use, drop a 100kg load through 2 metres. • for 21kN or two-person use, drop 150kg through 2 metres.

The good news is that people are now demanding greater certainty; within hours of the safety alert’s publication, Workplace Access & Safety was inundated with requests to have anchors tested in its NATA facility.

Because an anchor is only as good as the substrate that it’s attached to, the anchors must be tested on the surface and using the same fixings and underlying structure that will be used in real workplaces.

AS/NZS5532 brings new rigour to the inherent safety of roof anchors but its effectiveness depends on the vigilance of the people who purchase, install, inspect and use them.

To ensure the results are correct and the testing procedure is applied to the minimum standards AS/NZS17025, these tests should be carried out in a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) laboratory and certified accordingly.

For more information, contact Workplace Access & Safety via www. workplaceaccess.com or phone 1300 552 984.

Both tests demand anchors hold the load for three minutes after the sudden drop, without showing any sign of breaking or cracking. The anchors may of course deform, provided there is no sign of permanent damage.

Compliance and certification When it comes to such lifesaving equipment, it’s essential to ensure that the product is capable of doing what it’s meant to do. Accepting assurances from the installer is fraught with danger, since there is no licensing or recognised training for the installation. Check references, accreditations and the installer’s familiarity with the Australian Standards and regulations as well as the manufacturer’s instructions.

Wireless data logging Measures and records temperature and/or humidity, or milliAmps One or two sensors

Independent certification of the product by an association that is a member of JAS-ANZ, the government-appointed accreditation body for Australia and New Zealand, such as SAI Global.

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Inspection regimes vary from state to state. Some states reference the AS/NZS1891 requirement for 12 monthly inspections as a minimum, but most states have mandated more frequent sixmonthly inspections due to the LFHQ (low frequency, high consequence) nature of anchors.

AS/NZS5532: a new benchmark to guide workplaces Unfortunately, the WAHA safety alert reveals that the faith users place in this equipment to save their lives in an emergency has often been abused.

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Transforming Facilities Management with

Mobile Technology

Gary Watkins I Service Works Global – Asia Pacific

The rapid revolution of mobile technology has played a dramatic role in the way we operate on a daily basis; both at work and in our personal lives. Smart devices, such as tablets, smartphones and PDAs have shaped the way in which we now interact with one other; providing instant access to an infinite range of news and social communicative channels, ultimately bringing the world closer together.

ore functional applications (apps) are also available, offering users with numerous practical benefits for owning a mobile device, whether it’s monitoring daily budgets, banking, wellbeing, or the ability to access work emails or complete tasks while on the move. With mobile technology now a key enabler in the way in which we can communicate, individuals are now able to work flexibly and remotely, approaching work in a new, more fluid manner, which fits their own requirements as well as that of the business. Furthermore, the introduction of cloud technology and the convergence of voice and data communications now offer businesses and their employees the ability to complete work remotely or ‘in the cloud’, rather than in the office. According to a recent YouGov survey, employees are embracing the benefits of mobile technologies. An average of 40% of respondents globally reported that their employees are using their personal devices for work and 50 per cent of respondents who said their staff are allowed to use their

own device for work are now achieving measurable productivity and efficiency gains of up to 30%.

Changing technologies The most significant development in FM software over the last 10 years has been the rise of applications that run inside web browsers, or similar interfaces. These, alongside mobile applications, offer facilities managers’ far greater flexibility in the work that they can carry out on a day-to-day basis; vastly improving productivity and service levels. Cloud computing, which is essentially the supply of IT infrastructure and software over the internet, has also been widely adopted. Businesses of every size are welcoming the flexibility of cloud computing and benefitting from reduced costs, increased productivity and speed to market. The web, cloud and mobile technologies complement each other. A facilities manager can log or report on a job anywhere, not just at their desk, and can be alerted to issues while on the move.

The facilities and field-service industries in particular are benefiting from cloud-based combined with mobile solutions. Whether the priority is meeting service level agreements (SLAs), minimising driving time between calls, or securing first-time fixes, the software can calculate the ideal route, identify the best-qualified technician to send and ensure the relevant parts are available – all in real-time.

The impact for facilities managers Although the facilities management sector has been relatively slow to adapt to the changing technological trend, organisations are now starting to recognise the opportunity that mobile technology can deliver. For facilities managers or fieldservice engineers, there is a great deal of functionality that can significantly improve work productivity and time management; from logging and closing down jobs, through to the ability to scan and read QR codes to track and manage asset data for greater insight into an asset’s performance.

Many organisations are opting to integrate their mobile device with FM software to generate further operational gains. Integrating with an FM software solution offers rapid rollout as well as cost effective implementation, shorter training times, and greater resilience and flexibility. It also delivers greater productivity in the workplace and significant operational cost reductions. Aligning a mobile FM solution with the cloud also offers facilities managers a far greater level of flexibility in the way they interact with the software, further enhancing efficiency. The cloud is agile and works remotely as well as on premises, it speeds up application deployment and enables the FM software providers to fine tune, maintain and upgrade the software centrally, meaning all adjustments and improvements are felt immediately, improving the end-user experience. Moving to a truly mobile solution for a facilities professional means much

more than efficient work scheduling or streamlined task logging. The introduction of mobile devices ensures that FMs’ can work more cost effectively and efficiently. The benefits are significant, including: • Logging, receiving and closing jobs in real-time • Taking photos of asset condition and instantaneously uploading to an FM database in real-time • Capturing signatures to confirm job sign-off • Providing notification to the help desk for replacement parts • Effectively managing workforce allocation, tracking and accountability using GPS • Using QR codes to scan and manage asset data, its service and performance history • Up-skilling staff through online collaboration, giving operatives the ability to confer live, onsite with industry experts via video calling facilities such as

Skype, thereby increasing the opportunity to secure a first-time fix • Viewing online reports on the move for improved decision making and performance management All of which means that the facilities management profession can reap considerable rewards from the use of mobile technology; enabling a more effective and efficient way of managing work on the move, delivering far-reaching operational improvements, as well as supporting strategic decision making both departmentally and business wide. This article is based on a new guide from Service Works Group – Mobile Technology: A Global Facilities Management Trend. To receive your complimentary guide, or for further information on how a mobile FM software solution can benefit your business, please email info@swg.com or call 03 8676 0380.

Regulation Update june 2014

Derek Hendry I Hendry Group

Hotel Fire Doors: Smoke Doors: Essential Safety Measures

UST – Essential Property Services advises that some of our essential safety measures fire door inspections and smoke door inspections (under AS 1851 – 2005 ‘Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment’) in hotels have identified installed magnetic door hold-open devices to guest rooms. These devices hold open the door for entrance purposes and cleaning. Since these fire doors and smoke doors are required fire doors or smoke doors under previous building approvals issued (within the determination/schedule) at the time of construction or thereafter, a problem exists when the doors are being held open. These doors were required to be self-closing upon entry to the room. In the event of injury or loss of life, those devices held open, will be critically assessed by authorities and the courts as well as insurance companies especially as they are nominated in the essential safety measures logbook. Managers should validate the installation of these devices on fire doors or smoke doors, so they can remain legal (probably with conditions) or consideration should be given for their removal as continual maintenance under AS 1851 fire door inspections reveals non-compliance on an ongoing basis.

New Slip Resistance for Stairs: Essential Safety Measures AUST – Essential Property Services advise that in May 2014 the Building Code of Australia have introduced deemed to satisfy provisions for slip-resistance to trends and nosing to stair ways for all buildings other than houses and outbuildings under BCA Volume 2 Clause 3.9.1.3. (g). These deemed to satisfy provisions will require the treads or nosing to treads of a stairway to comply with a slip resistance classification when tested to Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials.

Application

Surface Conditions Dry

Wet

Tread surface

P3 or R10

P4 or R11

Nosing Strip

Explanatory Information • To determine the appropriate surface of a tread, it is necessary to determine the likely conditions the tread will be subject to over the life of the building. This can either be dry, wet or both. • A dry surface is one that is not normally wet or likely to be made wet other than by accidental spill. • A wet surface is one that is normally wet or likely to be made wet, including areas exposed to weather. Building Managers and Hotel Engineers should make themselves aware of the slip-resistance classification required for a trend surface or nosing strip for new stairs or for the alteration of existing stairs, and approach the relevant manufacturers or suppliers to determine if the product they provide has been tested to comply with the slip – resistance classifications specified in the above table, since this new criteria could be used in a slip fall accident situation for existing buildings by accident victims in describing potential non-compliance if a claim is made.

Smoke Hazard Management Systems – Essential Safety Measures AUST – Smoke hazard management systems (smoke control measures) are provided in buildings to allow sufficient evacuation time for the occupants under fire and smoke conditions. Smoke and heat vents play an important part of a smoke hazard management system, all being nominated by the building surveyor/building certifier in the essential safety measures determination/schedule. Building Code of Australia

(i) a surface with a slip-resistance classification not less than that listed in Table 3.9.1.1 when tested in accordance with AS4586; or

Part E2 of the Building Code of Australia Smoke Hazard Management contains the provisions for a smoke hazard management system (smoke control measures) and nominates the following Specifications for specific criteria:

(ii) a nosing strip with a slip-resistance classification not less than that listed in Table 3.9.1.1 when tested in accordance with AS4586.

Specification E2.2a Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems Specification E2.2b Smoke-and-Heat Vents Specification E.2.2c Smoke Exhaust Systems

BCA 2014 Volume Two, Clause 3.9.1.3 (g), provides that stair treads must have –

Table 3.9.1.1 SLIP RESISTANCE CLASSIFICATION

Item

Essential Service to be inspected or tested

Installation standards/level of performance

Nature of inspection or test, frequency

Air conditioning systems

AS 1668

Monthly to AS 1851.6 AS 3666

Emergency lifts

BCA E3.4, AS 1735.2

Weekly to Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regs 1995

Emergency lighting

BCA Part E4, AS/NZS 2293.1

6 monthly to AS/NZS 2293.2

Emergency power supply

BCA Spec G3 .8

6 monthly

Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems

BCA E4.9, Spec E1.5, AS 2220

Monthly to AS 1851.10

Exit doors

BCA Section D

3 monthly inspection to confirm exit doors are intact, operational and fitted with conforming hardware

Exit signs

BCA Part E4, AS/NZS 2293.1

6 monthly to AS/NZS 2293.2

Fire Brigade Connections

BCA Vic H101.9, Vic H103, AS 1670

Weekly to AS 1851.8

Fire control centres

BCA Spec E1.8

Annual inspection

Fire control panels

BCA Vic H101.9, AS 4428.1

Weekly to AS 1851.8

Fire curtains

BCA Spec H1.3

Annual inspection

Fire dampers

AS 1682.2

Annual inspection

Fire detectors and alarm systems

AS 1670

Weekly to AS 1851.8

Fire doors (including signs)

BCA Spec C3.4, AS 1905.1

Monthly to AS 1851.7

Fire extinguishers (portable)

BCA E1.6, AS 2444

6 monthly to AS 1851.1

Fire hose reels

BCA E1.4

6 monthly to AS 1851.2

Fire hydrants

BCA E1.3, AS 2419.1

Weekly to AS 1851.4

Fire indices for materials

BCA C1.10, AS 1530.3

Annual inspection to confirm no materials with potentially non-conforming fire indices occur

Fire isolated lift shafts

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire isolated passageways

BCA Sections C and D

Annual inspection

Fire isolated ramps

BCA Sections C and D

Annual inspection

Fire isolated stairs

BCA Sections C and D

Annual inspection

Fire mains BCA

Part E1, AS 2118,AS 2419.1

Weekly to AS 1851.4

Fire protective coverings

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire rated access panels

BCA Part C3

Annual inspection to AS 1851.7 equivalent

Fire rated control joints

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire rated material applied to building elements

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire resisting shafts

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire resisting structures

BCA Section C

Annual inspection

Fire shutters

BCA Spec C3.4, AS 1905.2

Annual inspection

Fire windows

BCA Spec C3.4

Annual inspection

Lightweight construction

BCA C1.8

Annual inspection

Mechanical ventilation systems

BCA E2.2, G3.8, Spec H1.3, AS 1668

Monthly to AS 1851.6, AS 3666

Paths of travel to exits

BCA Section D

3 monthly inspections to confirm travel paths are intact

Penetrations in fire-rated structures

BCA Part C3

Annual inspection

Smoke alarms

BCA G3.8, Vic H101.9, Vic H103

Monthly to AS 1851.8 (as applicable)

Smoke control measures

BCA Part E2, G3.8, Part H1

Monthly to AS 1851.6

Smoke doors

BCA Spec C3.4

Monthly to AS 1851.7 equivalent

Smoke vents

BCA E2.4, G3.8, AS 2665

6 monthly to AS 1851.5

Sprinkler system

BCA E1.5, AS 2118.1, Code of practice for installation of residential life safety sprinkler systems, AS 2118.4

Weekly to AS 1851.3

Stairway pressurisation systems

BCA E2.2, AS 1668.1

Monthly to AS 1851.6

Static storage tanks

BCA Part E1 AS 2118, AS 2419.1

Annual inspection

Vehicle access for large isolated buildings access is maintained

BCA C2.4

Annual inspection to confirm

Warning system associated with lifts

BCA Part E3

Annual inspection

ESSENTIAL SERVICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DIVISION 2 BUILDINGS 45

Fire Brigade reports

Refer to documentation

Referees determination

Refer to documentation

Council dispensations

Refer to documentation

Council fire reports

Refer to documentation

Building Surveyors directions

Refer to documentation

Building permits/approvals

Refer to documentation

Pre June 2005 Essential Safety Measures

Essential Safety Measures: Building Regulations 2006: Essential Services

certificates as a private professional to ensure compliances with Acts and Regulations.

VIC – A number of Essential Property Services clients have asked, what is the frequency of inspections for their essential services/ essential safety measures contained in their building which was built or altered pre-June 2005 under the Building Regulations and the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The system prior to this date left a lot to be desired in terms of nomination of the essential services/ essential safety measures inspection and maintenance requirements.

Where does an Accredited Certifier: Private Certifier: Building Certifier come from?

The following essential services/essential safety measures table is extracted from a previously issued Victorian Building Commission’s Practice Note. Note: Note that it has been issued to building surveyors as ‘a guide’ in the nomination for essential services/essential safety measures performance, nature and frequency of inspection or testing that are to be included in occupancy permits and maintenance determinations. An essential safety measures auditor must be aware that any one of these essential safety measures could be installed in a building and required to be recorded in the essential safety measures logbook.

What does an Accredited Certifier: Private Certifier: Building Certifier do? On behalf of the client (usually a property/hotel owner or their agent), an accredited certifier/private certifier/building certifier is commissioned to issue the various building regulations control approvals (construction certificate, occupation certificates). Depending on their level of accreditation, the accredited certifier/ private certifier/building certifier can issue the following certificates during the building approval process: • Complying Development Certificate

Building Permit Application: Building Act 2011: Building Regulations

• Construction Certificates

WA – HENDRY building surveyors advise that the Building Act 2011 requires building regulations Permit Authorities (Local Government) to play a pivotal role for the construction sector in relation to building regulation compliance, enforcement and the granting of a demolition permit, building permit and an occupancy permit.

• Strata Certificates

Permit Authorities will ensure that all statutory building regulation requirements for the lodgement of building permit applications are met in accordance with section 20 of the Building Act 2011, including compliance with the Building Code of Australia. In addition, Permit Authorities will have the responsibility of keeping building records of building permit works under their jurisdiction. Permit Authorities enforcement functions will enable them to issue building orders requiring builders to rectify building works that doesn’t meet the requirements of the building regulations approval, and also provide information to the Building Commission for matters or disputes that require further action. Permit Authorities will also be protecting the interests of adjoining property owners under the building regulation who may be affected by proposed building works by enforcing the requirements of Part 6 ‘Work affecting other land‘ of the Building Act 2011.

Building Certifier: Accredited Certifier: Private Certifier: Building Regulations NSW – HENDRY building certifiers advise Hotel Engineers that property or hotel owners throughout NSW who are considering new building works, building upgrades to existing buildings or the sub-division of land will most likely require certificates under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A). An accredited certifier/private certifier/building certifier can issue these

The Building Professionals Act 2005 provides the framework and regulation of accredited certifiers/private certifiers/building certifier in NSW.The Act establishes the Building Professionals Board, who has the responsibility of accrediting, regulating and disciplining accredited certifiers/ private certifiers/building certifier.The level of competence displayed by the building surveyor will determine the level of accreditation bestowed on the accredited certifier/private certifier/building certifier.

• Compliance Certificates • Sub-division certificates • Act as principal certifying authority and issuing the occupation certificate Can an Accredited Certifier: Private Certifier be the Principal Certifying Authority? Under the building regulations, if a building/hotel owner requires either a construction certificate or complying development certificate to be issued for their proposed building works, then they must appoint a Principal Certifying Authority. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 allows the accredited certifier/ private certifier/building certifier to be appointed as the Principal Certifying Authority. This allows the Principal Certifying Authority (accredited certifier/private certifier/building certifier) to inspect construction works and ultimately issue occupation certificates and subdivision certificates.

About the HENDRY Group Derek Hendry is the Managing Director of the HENDRY group of consulting companies that include HENDRY Building Surveying Consultants, HENDRY Disability Access Consultants, Essential Property Service, Emergency Plan and Work Place Safety Assessors. HENDRY pioneered the private certification system of building approvals in Australia, and the consultancy assists clients nationally in all facets of building control and disability access compliance, essential safety measures audits, emergency planning and occupational safety requirements. HENDRY publish an e-newsletter entitled ‘Essential Matters” and a suite of web and blog sites designed to assist property practitioners in understanding their regulatory obligations.Visit http://www.hendrygroup.com.au to locate more information relating to your property requirements.

Empire Hotel, Jerudong Brunei.

The Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas. Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lampur. Piscine Hotel Meridien, Tahiti. Shangri-La, Pudong China. Westin Hotel, Kuala Lampur. Kings Pools, Melbourne.

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AUSTRALIA’S FIRST

WORLD AQUATIC TM HEALTH CONFERENCE 17-18th July 2014, GOLD COAST, QueensLand

Alan Lewis I Aquazure

Where science meets policy & industry

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his year the SPLASH Pool and Spa Trade Show which is held every two years at the Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast has been expanded to include the Inaugural World Aquatic HealthTM Conference. It will be the first of its kind to be held in Australia and as such is vitally important for all those working, designing, building; and CPOs, therapists, swim teachers, competitive swimmers; trainers and consultants. We are indeed fortunate that the National Swimming Pool Foundation of the USA, whose dynamic CEO, Dr. Thomas M. Lachocki, has forged a functional bond with the industry in our country and initiated this first event in conjunction with the SPLASH Pool and Spa Trade Show on the Gold Coast. This year the Show brings together the Swimming Pool Retail Association of Australia; SPASA Australia; ALFA (Australian Leisure Facilities Association) Queensland; and the Aquatic Recreation Institute (ARI), and NSPF courses for Certified Pool Operators; in an event packed week of activities. Hopefully this opportunity will enrich those important common matters which impact on the aquatic industry, government, sport and academia. The W.A.H.CONFERENCE includes experts brought in from the USA such as: • Michele Hlavsa of the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) who will discuss how to understand and prevent recreational water illness; and also describe the Model Aquatic Health Code;

For More Information, Contact Peter Rabbidge on (02) 4651 2377 or 0407 078 075 | www.zelbrite.com

• Dr Chip Blatchley, who will discuss disinfection by-products in swimming pools, how they are formed and how to prevent them; • Dr Alex Antoniou who will show how to develop risk management plans associated with recreational water-borne illnesses.

As well there will be distinguished Australian presenters including: • Llew Withers, who will discuss developing legislation and a code of practice for aquatic facilities in Western Australia; • Rachael Poon, a microbiologist with the Victorian Department of Health, who will look at the results of an investigation into the 2012/2013 outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis in Victorian aquatic facilities; and • Rob Stowell of Learning Australia, who will discuss how we can improve quality and safety in the swimming pool industry through national qualifications.

Why should I care about science? CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation, Dr Thomas M. Lachocki, asks why the industry should care about scientific research and outlines some of the reasons why the WAHC is coming to Australia at this time.

CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation, Dr Thomas M. Lachocki

The World Aquatic Health Conference brings science to service technicians, builders, retailers, government regulators, educators and manufacturers.

• Most people believe that our eyes, skin and noses get irritated from noxious inorganic chloramines that result from ammonia getting into the water and reacting with free chlorine. Most pools are built and updated with single-speed pumps. Most pools are constructed with piping diameters similar to what we used 20 years ago. Many people believe if the water is clear, it is fine. • It turns out that organic chloramines from contaminants like urea, amino acids, and proteins, break down over weeks to produce ammonia. The ammonia in turn reacts with free chlorine to produce the noxious chloramines. It is still rare that pools have variable speed drives and larger diameter plumbing; even though the world is shouting that we need to be more energy efficient. Just a better pump/motor and wider diameter plumbing or better circulation design, can cut energy consumption by more than half. Industries that waste precious natural resources risk society turning away from them. Because the water is crystal clear does not mean the water is free of disease-causing micro-organisms. Clear water may also be dissolving our customers’ heaters or pool surfaces. Humans don’t care about filter media types or surfaces. They, like us, care about their family and their health. • In just these few examples, it is clear that our industry’s success is defined by chemistry (chloramines), engineering (hydraulics and energy consumption), microbiology (control of germs), and psychology (human values). Of course, business/economics; physiology/healthy exercise; maths/calculating dosages, volumes,

turnovers, total dynamic head, etc; and even therapy, also apply. Why should we care about science? The pool, spa, and aquatics field is all based on science! • Ironically, until 10 years ago, our industry did not have a scientific conference. That is why in 2004, the US non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) launched the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC). The WAHC’s objective is to spotlight issues that help keep pools safer and keep them open. In reality, issues properly viewed are opportunities. The WAHC is also a key means to disseminate the most recent research and learning for our field. It has become a forum for industry, government and academic leaders who are interested in the diverse aspects of this field. The first 10 conferences were held in North America; there was one small symposium a few years ago in Australia. The seminars from 2013, 2012, and 2009-2011 were video recorded and are available for free around the world. • Clearly, science is important to our field. The better we understand issues, the better we can apply chemistry, microbiology, engineering and psychology to solve problems and help more people live healthier lives. If we can help more people become aquatic-active, families and neighbours will be healthier. As a result, the pool, spa and aquatics industry will grow, helping us to better support our families. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed similar leadership by coordinating the development of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), scheduled for full launch in July 2014. The MAHC is a science-based, public domain (free) code planned to help states adopt consistent operation, training and design requirements that will help keep pools safer. Of course, the science described in the code annex is applicable around the world. The code language has been influenced by outbreak and drowning investigations that have been conducted and published for the past two decades. Like Australia, the MAHC has involved industry, government and academia. The development of the MAHC in many ways follows the same path used to develop a national Food Code that has helped standardise food safety around the world. The 2014 World Aquatic Health Conference “Down Under” is “Where Science meets Policy and Industry.” The seminar schedule includes two of the leading scientists from the US, including Michelle Hlavsa from the CDC, and several key health officials and educators from Australia. The Americans will gain insight on how Australia is elevating the industry and evolving and standardising codes. Similarly, I believe, Australians will gain insight on lessons learned from outbreaks and how the US is moving to a national code. In addition, Dr Chip Blatchley will teach the latest on understanding the formation of chloramines and disinfection by-products and how we minimise them to help make water safer and healthier. The WAHC Down Under will complement the World Aquatic Health Conference that will be held in Portland, Oregon in the US, October 8-10, 2014.

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Pool Heating

David Watson I Shenton Aquatic

During Winter many Hotels will be heating their swimming pools and spas only to find they are under utilised and effectively an ongoing cost with only a marginal benefit apparent. However being in the Hospitality industry there is an expectation on the hotel the pool is ready to use at all times. So how can you balance these conflicting needs?

• Spas 36 degrees Celsius Often though in our 21st century comfortable lives it is common to see pool temperatures 2 degrees warmer than this guideline, we are obviously going soft. By reducing your temperature 0.5 degrees you can pick up a significant amount of energy and usually no one will notice a change this small.

Why did our poolheating bill not decrease when we turned our system off overnight?

n this short Article I want to go over the options you may have considered or tried and found effective and other strategies you may find beneficial to assist in reducing the energy consumption of the pool or spa.

Reduce the Temperature Fairly obvious I know, however it is surprising the conflicts that arise over what should be such a simple thing as the pool set temperature. As a guideline the following are acknowledged internationally as acceptable pool temperatures: • Competition swimming 24 degrees Celsius • Leisure swimming 28 degrees Celsius

The heat lost from the pool needs to be replaced. This replacement will occur whenever the heating system reads the heat is required. So overnight the pool cools down and requires an amount of energy to return to usual temperature. It does not make any difference whether this energy is trickled in overnight as the losses occur or supplied in great chunks after the pool water has cooled down – the same amount of energy is required either way. Turning off the circulation system overnight will only save electrical cost no pool heating savings should be anticipated.

Can we expect our pool-heating energy consumption to decrease by switching our system off overnight? Turning off the circulation system overnight will only save electrical cost no pool-heating energy savings will result.

In thinking this through the saying kilowatts in to kilowatts out is the way to look at this; for example say overnight the pool temperature falls 3 degrees. Turning the gas heater off wont stop the pool water falling 3 degrees; running the gas heater will still make up the 3 degrees whether this is in 0.5 degree lumps or in one large 3 degree lump. In other words the 3 degree temperature fall for your pool needs to be made up whichever way you choose to do so. The energy consumption will be the same no matter how that energy is introduced.

Why will reducing the wind affect our gas usage? Wind encourages evaporation. The more wind exposure the pool has the greater the heat loss. Any reduction in wind across the surface will affect positively on your pool heating consumption. Possible sources to consider for wind induced heat loss are: Evaporative pool edges or Vanishing Edge as sometimes called: • Pool side channel or scum gutters • Fountains or water features • For spas don’t forget blowers • Location of trees, buildings and similar

• Hydrotherapy pools 32 degrees Celsius

clause in their warranty regarding chemical levels. Copper and Cupro-Nickel are not chemically inert. If you then introduce automatic chemical dosing in the pool filtration circuit before the heater you wont have a long life expectancy anyway. In any event the pool chemical treatment is slowly negatively impacting the gas heater

How can I stop the loss on a Vanishing Edge pool? In short you cant. You can stop the vanishing edge from working by retrofitting skimmer boxes and diversion valves in the plant room so that when the pool is not in use the pool becomes a skimmer box driven pool rather than a vanishing edge. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

seen this done but have drawn it up and know it could work.

Why do standard gas heaters seem to fail so often? Standard pool heaters use copper or Cupro-nickel for a heat exchanger. In either case the manufacturer always includes a

What is wrong with the gas heaters we have and why canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we simply swap to another brand to get better life expectancies? Unfortunately gas heaters contain a heat exchanger which is constructed from copper or Cupro-nickel. For commercial installations the traditional choice has been Cupro-nickel heat exchangers and naturally these are available in different grades. However in any event neither copper or Cupro-nickel are immune from chemical attack by standard pool chemicals. This

means even with the most robust gas heater available a heat exchanger life of around 5-7 years is not unusual. Using Titanium heat exchangers in combination with a gas heater is the preferred option on all commercial installations. This removes the possibility of corrosion of the gas heater heat exchanger and enables unlimited use of pool chemicals. Previously this type of system has been exorbitantly expensive however with the Aqua Demand Heatpac this cost is dramatically reduced.

Control is Important? The pool and spa industry as a general rule manufactures for the domestic pool market. After all this is the larger market and will be of the most interest to a manufacturer. This market is very price driven and as a result control is often adequate but not ideal. On a backyard pool adequate is fine. On your pool in your commercial facility adequate may not be cutting it. You may find

you have peaks and troughs out of synch with the weather.

Under sizing Equipment Will Help Wont it? A common misconception is under sizing a pool heating system will save money, after all a 50 kW heater is cheaper than a 100 kW... well yes it will. Absolutely it will save you some up front capital outlay in the first year of purchase. However it will still require the same amount of kW to heat your pool to the same temperature whichever heater you choose to use. The real difference will be the 100 kW would run half the time of the 50kW and generally be less prone to breakdown and premature failures.

Why do you size the pool heating against the surface area and not the volume? All your evaporation loss is from the surface of the pool. As a consequence it is more accurate to work sizing from the surface area. For example a dive pool which has a small surface area but a large volume will not need as much heating as the same volume pool with five times the area.

Can a solar system be installed with a Gas Heater or Heatpump? You can install either typical swimming pool solar collector or evacuated tube if this of interest to you to operate in tandem with the other heating source you choose. There are some control issues here to consider and they are beyond the scope of this article, but could be overcome with off the self control. However either system can be retrofitted in the future if funding allows.

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

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I WISH TO BECOME A NEW MEMBER VIA: (a) Fellow – a member of at least 10 years standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of hotel engineering (as determined by the management committee) or this association may be advanced by the management committee to the grade of Fellow. This membership class is a life membership of the institute. (b) Honorary Fellow – any person who has rendered conspicuous service to the hotel industry (as determined by the management committee), or any person prominently connected with but not necessarily in the hotel industry who may be approved by the management committee, shall be eligible as an Honorary Fellow. This membership class is a life membership of the institute. (c) Member – a person shall be eligible as a Member if the applicant holds a certificate, degree or diploma or such other qualification in engineering approved by the management committee, and has at least 5 years experience in a head of engineering position and shall be directly engaged in hotel engineering. (d) Associate Member – a person shall be eligible as an Associate Member if the applicant holds a qualification in engineering approved by the management committee and is directly engaged in hotel engineering and his/her qualifications and/or experience do not in the opinion of the management committee entitle him/her to admission as a Member. (e) Student Member – a person who is attending an appropriate course of instruction at an Institution approved by the management committee shall be eligible as a Student Member (f) Affiliate Member – shall be a person of 21 or more of age who is associated with the Hotel Industry and whose, qualification or experience do not in the opinion of Council entitle them to admission as a Member or Associate member. (f) Corporate Member – entitles applicants endorsed by the Council to be eligible for Corporate Membership, which will carry those rights and entitlements of an Affiliate Members, with a maximum of (5) members of the corporation being eligible to attend monthly meetings. In addition, this membership will entitle the Corporation to receive all specialised material sourced and published by the Institute for overall benefit of the Hotel Industry. All applicants’ membership classification shall be determined by Council in accordance with the above guidelines.

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Back of House

Neil Weenink

The dreaded Waste Water Treatment Plant!

kid you not; there is more than an element of fear here. What would happen if I fell into that stuff? Who will believe it was an accident? Oh cursed design: no railings no warnings, no how-to manuals, oh woe is me... I’d actually heard the thing on approaching the hotel. Out in the bush you might say, from the country style airport, along an unlighted approach. The Thing was a rotary rotary swish swish device complete with and reminiscent of swallowing or regurgitating if you will. Like some monster under sea animal devised out of the abysmal brain of some nasty animal in Film world.

One was acquainted with rotating paddles, the horizontal wooden blades either pulling in air, for which read oxygen, or diffusing the disgusting stench of the sewerage effluent, or is it influent, the subtle differentiation really of no matter to the incoming chief engineer. This was in 1982 and I had been offered a bang on position with a brand new property in Melbourne. Hold up boy, just a couple of things. The property is still under design and would you take a look at one of our older properties out there in the Pacific while you’re waiting. Just for a few weeks; you know the score. So of course I did, which is how I got into the clag so to say.

Image copyright Old Picture of the Day, http://old-photos.blogspot.com.au

I need to point out that the old property was truly old, and the lads were not entirely connected, which may explain why some of their habits were a tad off centre, like the extraordinary monthly usage of refrigerants. Never saw so many empty gas bottles. It was assumed and accepted that gas would leak from shaft seals, and that the gas should be replaced; not the seals Mavis, the wretched gas. Thing’s got a leak, so top it up boy. Took days to convince the Supervisor chappie that here was an entirely different box of works to a truck engine. Is what invariably happens when those who claim to be of a higher order, go out to preach to those seen as a bit off the scale. We bung it up dammit! A tad more

empathy and understanding and the other-side has a better chance of sliding into the proffered gear. Ho. But here we had a double whammy, as they say at Lords. Here was I without a clue on the mysteries of wastewater treatment being schooled by those who likewise it seemed to me did not. And meanwhile 600 guests + umpteen staff were contributing to Operation Beyond the Red Line at the sewerage plant. She was on overload begorrah, and all hell was about to break lose. Which it did, but I am grateful to record that it was contained; not by me, the new chappie on the block, but by the unsung and unwashed heroes out there. Bless em. And so Mavis, now the panic level is reduced, take a look at what we [the hotel should have] been aiming for: A process of removing contaminants from wastewater, including hotel sewage and runoff (effluents). Including physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove physical, chemical and biological contaminants. Its objective is to produce an environmentally safe fluid waste stream (or treated effluent) and a solid waste (or treated sludge) suitable for disposal or reuse (usually as farm fertiliser). Then there’s this: With suitable technology, it is possible to re-use sewage effluent for drinking water. Ho Mavis did you get that last bit? Truly exciting in a world of political barriers, don’t you think? Too right she says! And so to round off this Letter at the close of the Institute’s first 25 years, here is an Ode to the Sewerage Plant which I wrote some time after the above – when the senses had returned to normal you might say. Good luck to all, and steady as she goes.

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Is Glass filter media better than Zelbrite filter media, just a myth? A recent scientific study proves THAT IT IS ONLY A MYTH It has been long debated which filter media is best for your swimming pool. Today, 3 major types of filter media exist in the market – sand, glass and Zelbrite. Traditionally, sand filter media has dominated the Australian market, however in the last decade the presence of Zelbrite filter media has become more and more evident. This is because of the superiority of the Zelbrite material. Its sponge-like structure enables it to have a high capacity to filter impurities and particulates, in some cases far better than the glass and sand counterparts. But it is not just the removal of particulates that your swimming pool requires. Consumers have become increasingly aware of the harmful bacteria and micro-organisms that can grow in their backyard swimming pools if not maintained properly. In addition, with the ever increasing electricity bills, consumers have given more attention to the costs in maintaining swimming pools, in particular with backwash frequencies, carbon footprint, pump sizes and flow rates, media life span, filter sizes, etc. So it is only logical to compare these three filter media based on the scientific data available. Test against bacteria and micro-organisms Independent tests have shown that glass and Zelbrite filter media do not have an effect on the growth of bacteria, algae or any form of micro-organisms. A test conducted over 1 month measured the bacterial count of Zelbrite filter media and compared the results to that of glass filter media. These results were similar. Neither glass, nor Zelbrite promoted or reduced the growth of common micro-organisms. They both carry the same amount of bacteria. These results were quite surprising to my eyes. It has been claimed that Zelbrite filter media harbours and promotes the growth of bacteria, but this scientific result conducted by an independent

company contradicts these claims. Dr.Prasad of Neptune Bio-Innovations has proven with scientific experiments that both glass and Zelbrite act the same when it comes to bacteria in swimming pools. He further comments that since you cannot differentiate the two media by their properties, Zelbrite would be a better choice as it can filter down to 2 microns whereas glass cannot. This is very important as mobile bacterial species typically range in the size from 1-40 microns so the majority will get trapped by Zelbrite but not by the glass filter media. Dr Prasad further comments that Zelbrite also assists in keeping the pH neutral. With its unique ion exchange properties, the Zelbrite media can top up the pH, if there’s not enough acid in the pool and alternatively, it can “hold” the acid in the event the consumer adds too much acid. But this is not the case for glass or sand filter media. Unlike Zelbrite, both glass and sand cannot equilibrate the pH to any extent. The right pH is very important, if the pH isn’t correct pH 7.4 to 7.6 chlorine becomes very inefficient as a bactericide. Time and water saving Consumers are always looking for a filter media that lasts longer can do a good job by reducing backwashing, chemicals and electricity usage. There are numerous claims as to which of the three filter media has the longest life span. Most claim that sand lasts approx. 5 years whereas Zelbrite will last 10 years plus. Sand over a period of time, grinds with other sand particles in the filter giving it a smooth surface making it less efficient as a filter media. Zelbrite is produced from a volcanic mineral which is much harder than both river and silica sand and even after backwashing it does not breakdown. N.B. Glass is made from silica sand and has a far bigger carbon foot print than both sand and Zelbrite. When glass media comes to the end of it’s working life

it’s disposal is more difficult than Zelbrite which can just be dug into the garden. Tests show that Zelbrite has a far greater surface area than both sand and glass and therefore has a far greater dirt holding capacity and therefore will double the time between backwashing. Test against debris and particulates Tests conducted by the Australian Water Quality Centre on the ability of each filter media to filter debris and particulates from your swimming pools are indicated in the graph below.

Of the three filter media, it shows that sand can filter down to 15 microns while glass filter media can filter down to 10 microns. What was a surprise was the ability of Zelbrite to filter debris and fine particulates. Test data indicated that Zelbrite filter media could remove particulates down to 2 microns. This means that with the use of Zelbrite filter media, you will have crystal clear swimming pools, virtually debris – and particulate – free. Consumers that have changed over from sand to Zelbrite have noticed the clarity of their swimming pool water virtually overnight. Zelbrite, once again has proven effective as the filter media of choice for your swimming pools. It has excellent filtration efficiency, does not harbours or promotes bacteria growth, has pH balancing effect, efficiently remove ammonia and most importantly, Zelbrite is environmental friendly. It can be disposed in your garden at the end of its life to act as a fertiliser carrier. Numerous golf courses also use Zelbrite to keep their courses lush and green.

The Ventmen The Ventmen are the only company in Australia that can offer a nationwide, affordable, high quality solution to unsightly, unhygienic and problematic ducted ventilation systems. Recognising the need for a solution to corroded, blocked and bacterial laden ducted ventilation systems, The Ventmen designed and manufactured the 100% Australian made In-Vent System. The In-Vent System is a unique and innovative product that provides a like-for-like vent replacement solution, resulting in proper exhaust ventilation, minimised dust/bacterial build

up, reduced cleaning times, improved energy efficiency and easier maintenance. A removable centre plate allows for simplified cleaning and maintenance, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Manufactured with corrosion free, durable ABS plastic, injected with industry leading UV stabilisers, anti mould and anti bacterial agents, the In-Vent System provides a long-term, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing solution to a potentially serious health hazard.

Vent replacement with the In-Vent System requires no painting or patching during installation and can be carried out with minimum interruption to hotel, retail, commercial or health services. There is no minimum order required and a full vent cleaning service is offered as standard. The In-Vent System is designed to instantly resolve the headache of dirty, blocked, hard to clean vents that are a ticking time-bomb in terms of poor air quality, allergies and sick building syndrome. For further information visit: www.theventmen.com.au