Facilities Management September 2015

INCORPORATING

ISSN 2071-9299

SEPTEMBER 2015

FM No. 005

SAFETY & CLEANING ARE YOU ON TOP OF IT ALL? • Activity Based Working • Women in FM • Staying abreast of Security Technology September 2015 FM

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August 2014 jFM

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Terry Owen

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News & Products

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Activity based working

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Neledzi notches up proud legacy

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Preserving treasures challenge in school project

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Women in FM Hellen El Haimer Kim Veltman

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Staying abreast of Security Technology

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Maintain that fire equipment

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Seize the day, FMs! 23 25

New top African man for G4S

Incorporating

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Waste in carpet production Atholl Towers scoop 5-star rating

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s everyone is very much aware, we are in an economic downturn in South Africa and business confidence has plummeted to lows last seen in 2008 – in fact, probably even more so. The general recession in 2008/2009 was a worldwide thing whereas the scenario now is a BRICS thing, with the South African currency sometimes coming in as the weakest of all. That the Rand is undervalued is one point, how we get it back to where it belongs is another.

Anyway, picture this, FMs: has the economic downturn, in fact, created the perfect opportunity for growth in our industry? I think that, indeed, it has, and we can best do this in the form of cost savings that we can bring to the company.

If you have proven your worth to your company, you won’t get the boot in tough times. El contraire, you would be put right up at the top of the list of those to be kept on at all costs. You and your team have been managing this facility on behalf of the core business, and in the process have brought on board significant value in helping the company to cut wasteful and unnecessary procedures, having in mind sustainability at all times. If your core company was simultaneously of worth, it would have ensured that you were a part of all greening issues in either the construction

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Graffiti’s green power

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Greenfield on the home run

Editor

Go Green Column

Layout

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Nedbank notches another clincher

Terry Owen terry@fmexpo.org

Alois Sajanga alois@fmexpo.org

of a new building, or the rehabilitation of a brownfields site.

Facilities managers and their outsourced companies have plentiful opportunities to ensure the implementation of practices and services that are going to add value to the bottom line.

They would have ensured that lighting and HVAC systems are as sustainable as possible, and made efforts towards grey water harvesting and efficient waste recycling.

Even if you are not part of the strategic team, you can add value in giving advice, being at the coalface as it were. Every part of the FM team, top to bottom, works as a combined and powerful unit, and boosting the income stream will see you strengthening your position within the company. That is why FM is one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world and globally it is regarded as the catalyst to growth.

If this is so, and believe me there is absolutely no reason to doubt it, then our time is now, FMs. Seize the day!

Advertisement Sales Chad Dreyer chad@fmexpo.org

Printing ABC Press

@tex_owen

Copyright & Disclaimer Facilities Management (ISSN 2071-9299) is published 12 times a year by T.E. Trade Events.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, employees or publisher.

Published by Subscription Sales & Admin T.E. Trade Events (Pty) Ltd, 1st Floor, Ice Site Building, 263 Oak Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg Phillip Nkomo, phillip@fmexpo.org PO Box 650291, Benmore, 2010. Tel: 011 781 5970, Fax: 011 781 6079.

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NEWS & PRODUCTS

It’s cooler with thermal coatings

FM Breakfast at the Balalaika Hotel in Sandton ‘How many FM’s does it take to change a light bulb?’

Featuring some of the top names in the FM industry discussing perceptions about FM and the reality of doing the job. Ideas and insights galore.

Gallagher Convention Centre The largest FM event in Southern Africa Not to be missed, the FM Expo brings you all that is new, innovative and practical for the facilities manager. A great opportunity to learn, be informed, see new products and network with your peers.

Co-located alongside the FM Expo is the SAFMA Conference, an ideal opportunity to hear from some of the country’s leading experts in the field. The line-up and topics will be announced soon.

Do make sure that you diarise these dates, the events are definitely ‘not to be missed’

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ewly developed thermal roof and insulation panel coatings are enabling architects and building professionals to specify thermal reflective coatings that are able to reduce the internal temperature of a building by up to 10 °C even in dark colours.

Introduced by global coil and industrial coating specialist, Becker Industrial Coatings, the new BeckryTherm coatings will enable roof and insulating panel manufacturers to supply high quality and thermally efficient products to the building trade without the need to change their products nor manufacturing methods.

Beckers’ Managing Director (Sub-Saharan Africa), Willem van Heerden, says laboratory tests have shown that roofs coated with BeckryTherm in deep colours in the near infrared spectrum, are nine times as reflective as standard pigmentation and 40% more reflective than ceramic colours which in-turn leads to significantly cooler roofs and cooler internal temperatures.

“Now architects can specify dark coloured roofs and facades using BeckryTherm and still remain within the parameters of green building. In addition, building professionals can choosecladding or roofing products coated in a selected variety of BeckryTherm colours to ensure cooler interiors of buildings wherever the harsh African sun may have a tendency to overheat buildings.

“The use of thermal coatings on roofs also significantly reduces the need to run air-conditioning and has the additional benefit of reducing heat islands which can develop around urban areas as a result of heat absorption of the closely spaced roofs. It also reduces the carbon footprint of a building, CO² emissions and qualifies for points in building environmental schemes.

The BeckryTherm simulation at Coatings for Africa showed identical house models heated from the top. The one coated with BeckryTherm showed a significantly lower internal temperature.

“Another important consideration is the increase in durability of products coated in this manner as the lower surface temperature has the ability to reduce thermal tension in metal and improve the overall lifespan of the structure,” says Willem.

He adds that architects or building professionals looking for BeckryTherm coated products can contact Beckers for information about suppliers, or speak to their regular roof or panel suppliers about obtaining the coating. Beckers is a world leader in the supply of coil coatings and has developed a variety of solutions for products to survive in the toughest conditions. Other coatings developed include corrosion, abrasion, scratch, UV resistant varieties, as well as advanced

anti-bacterial, self-cleaning and thermally reflective coatings.

The company has developed solutions in other industries including coatings for plastic and metal components.

Globally it also provides earthmoving, construction and agricultural equipment suppliers with coating solutions to meet the arduous demands of machines while ensuring they remain shiny and attractive despite conditions.

The world’s top manufacturers of cellular phones, tablets, computers etc. also rely on Beckers’ Consumer Design Finishes (CDF) division to stay ahead of trends and provide coating technologies that meet future demands of consumers. www.beckers-group.com n

NEWS & PRODUCTS

R100-m makeover for Victory Park

Exterior view of the Victory Park shopping centre in Johannesburg which has received a R100 million makeover and expansion.

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ictory Park – a community shopping centre in the Johannesburg suburb of Victory Park – has been given an extensive makeover by leading shopping centre developers and investors the Bentel Group, which has pumped R100-million into its redevelopment.

Bentel Group acquired the centre in 2010 when it was about

6 500m2 in size and in a flagging state with largely ‘mom and pop’ type stores and just one major anchor. Known originally as Victory Terrace, it was a poorly developed small neighbourhood centre with serious design issues.

However, recognising its latent potential, Bentel bought the centre and has now turned it around into a prime convenience retail property asset not only for the group, but for the area.

“We are really pleased with what we have achieved at Victory Park.

The project has taken time with several challenges, but we now have turned around the centre, effectively doubling its size to around 13 000m2 and with four major anchor tenants,” says Selwyn Bentel, director of Bentel Group.

“When we bought the centre, it had numerous small stores and a single anchor, Pick n Pay. With

our redevelopment, we have strengthened the centre bringing in more national brands and now have four anchors – Woolworths Food, Dis-Chem, Virgin Active and the original Pick n Pay. The centre now has adequate parking bays, while other new tenants include Mugg & Bean, CNA and Levingers dry cleaners. It is home to about 20 retail stores, eateries and service outlets. www.bentelgroup.co.za n

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NEWS & PRODUCTS

An aerial view of the prime 84ha greenfields site where Atterbury will be developing Richmond Park – a new multi-billion rand mixed-use property development in Cape Town, in its biggest and most ambitious project yet in the Western Cape.

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tterbury Property has launched Richmond Park – a new multi-billion rand mixed-use property development in Cape Town on a prime greenfields site in Milnerton adjacent to the N7 highway – in its biggest and most ambitious project yet in the Western Cape.

Richmond Park will be developed on 84ha of land as a landmark business park and mixed-use precinct consisting of retail, light industrial, commercial and warehousing property development. The property has bulk development rights of around 300 000m2 over the next 5-10 years.

“This is certainly going to be a mega development. It will be along the lines of the Atterbury initiated Waterfall development in Gauteng, but will focus more on commercial and warehousing due to its location in Cape Town’s industrial hub of Milnerton,” says Gerrit van den Berg, Atterbury’s development manager for its Western Cape developments.

“The initial development phase of Richmond Park is anticipated to attract investment of up to R5-billion.

This will make it one of the biggest new commercial developments in Cape Town and Atterbury’s biggest development yet in the Western Cape.

“While Atterbury is the major shareholder, we are undertaking this

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development in Cape Town in association with local partners Bethel Property and Qubic 3 Dimensional Property. This is a ground-breaking project, not only from a magnitude and concept perspective, but also from a socio-economic and community upliftment perspective. The land on which Richmond Park will be developed is part of a landmark land restitution settlement,” adds Van den Berg.

A claim to have ownership of the land restored to its original owners in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act was approved and the land was officially transferred back to the Richmond Park Communal Property Association in December 2014.

Richard Glass of Bethel Property, explains: “About 400 families were forcibly removed from this land in 1972 and resettled in Atlantis and the Cape Flats. These families today represent around 5 300 people spanning five generations. They finally had the land transferred back to them in December 2014 in the form of a community trust (the Richmond Park Communal Property Association), which has now leased this prime commercial land to the developers and is also a 25% shareholder in the development company.”

With the commercial launch of Richmond Park, the installation of bulk services to the site is set to commence this year (2015).

Following the first bulk earthworks, construction of the initial top structures is planned for mid-2016, while the completion of the first buildings within the park is anticipated for the last quarter of 2016.

Van den Berg reports that, even before launch, there has been strong commercial interest in the development. He points out the park’s strategic location in Milnerton, with great visibility and access to the N7 highway and other key arterial routes.

“As part of the project, the developers will be investing around R150-million for surrounding road infrastructure upgrades and access to the development. Within the Richmond Park precinct, investors and tenants can look forward to wide landscaped boulevards among other features that will set it apart from other business parks in the region.

The precinct is also being designed to interface well with the surrounding properties and neighbourhood,” he adds. www.atterbury.co.za n

NEWS & PRODUCTS

Perfect for power outages

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handy new lighting range perfect for power outages encompasses a plug-in light, with an adjustable night light function, which also acts as a removable torch; an automatic on-off light and USB adapters. The range is available from Legrand.

“These handy devices, which are available with a slick black or white design, are easily integrated with various wiring devices, adapters and international multisockets,” says Johan Bosch, Legrand’s general manager.

“Legrand has developed these modern DIY gadgets for convenience, comfort and flexibility.”

In the event of a power failure, the plug-in lighting device automatically turns on to maximum intensity, with a cold light LED. By clicking on the lens, the courtesy light function, with a warm glow, is activated. When the light is off, the lens can be pressed for a

few seconds to switch between a warm to cold light.

This unit also acts as a removable torch, which is convenient at night, particularly during load shedding.

In manual mode, the BE lighting device is plugged into the socket and by pressing the lens, it is used as a courtesy light, with warm illumination. In automatic mode, a warm light LED automatically switches on and off, depending on the light intensity in the room.

The dimmer function enables light intensity to be adjusted.

USB adapters, which are suitable for the home, office, or during travel, are plugged into a socket, providing a safe and convenient method of re-charging mobile devices.

Other new Legrand products for the DIY sector include video door entry kits, UPS systems, LED night lights, extension cords, tower charging systems and a range of Arteor switches and sockets. www.legrand.co.za n

The BE range encompasses a plug-in light, with an adjustable night light function, which also acts as a removable torch; an automatic on-off light and USB adapters.

New lease of life for school

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upils at Inkululeko Yesizwe Primary School in Vlakfontein near Lawley, Gauteng, are relishing using the school’s first brick and mortar classroom block and ablution facilities which were constructed by Corobrik’s Lawley factory.

The R1,5-million project, which was first envisioned in 2010, goes towards fulfilling the duty required by government that all mining corporations get involved in the development of the local community. However, Lawley factory manager, Andreas Ntseki, said, more than this, Corobrik’s employees were excited to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative.

“We find a lot of joy in doing this work,” said Ntseki. “It is a costly job but it is so appreciated by the local community that we are proud to have accomplished what we have.”

The school, which has an enrolment of 1 347 learners from

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Lawley factory manager, Andreas Ntseki is pictured with the newly completed Inkululeko Yesizwe primary school in Vlakfontein, Gauteng.

Grade R to Grade 7, is based in the Vlakfontein township.

Ntseki says that the school was made up of entirely prefabricated classrooms which were in a state of severe disrepair.

“The buildings are suspended on stands and some of the classrooms had holes in the floor which was extremely dangerous for the learners. This meant that some of the children had to be

taught outside.”

He said the ablution facilities were also severely lacking and desperately needed to be replaced.

“The ablution facilities were awful, just a mess, so we decided to replace a portion of these as well.”

Physical construction of the facilities began in 2012 with finalisation this year.

The 186 m² buildings were constructed using two of Corobrik’s face bricks; the Montana Travertine and Nebraska Travertine.

Ntseki said more and more social infrastructure buildings are being constructed using Corobrik’s face bricks because of the proven sustainability, aesthetic appeal and superior comfort conditions, safety and security that clay walls provide. www.corobrik.co.za n

NEWS & PRODUCTS

Managing HVAC for greater productivity

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he correct Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) management strategy can make a facility more than just suitable for occupation; it can drive productivity and cost savings. To help organisations refine control of indoor environmental quality, Johnson Controls has introduced a welcome innovation in managing HVAC systems – Commercial Comfort Systems.

Says Neil Cameron, general manager, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency: “Facility and energy costs make up a large percentage of company costs but research shows that organisations spend almost 72 times as much on people. Even a small percentage improvement in productivity through improved Indoor environmental quality can thus make a significant impact on the company’s bottom line.

Our Commercial Comfort System approach is designed to help companies achieve this.”

Indoor environmental quality encompasses air temperature and humidity, lighting, acoustics and air quality. The costs of getting this wrong, either through bad building design, operational strategies or inappropriate HVAC solutions, can be counted in absenteeism, health costs and productivity loss – all of which impact the performance of the business.

Johnson Controls’ Commercial Comfort System combines the company’s HVAC solutions and

Neil Cameron of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency

control systems with its deep sector knowledge, skills and process expertise to give users more options.

Explains Cameron: “To our broad range of mechanical systems, we add integrated controls for the building environment. Whether our customers use disparate lower specification solutions like our rooftop and split system units, or higher spec equipment, or both, we can integrate these solutions using our extensive range of HVAC controls.

“Our customisable packages are as easy to set up as a home entertainment system. The controls offer greater flexibility in meeting heating and cooling needs, helping our customers achieve the comfort and performance benefits of a totally integrated system.” www.johnsoncontrols.co.za n

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NEWS & PRODUCTS

‘Glocalisation’ in Facilities Management

By Philip Gregory

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holesale globalisation suits no one.

While it may look great on paper, especially the numbers, in practice it can be patronising and restrictive.

Companies, with their Real Estate and Facilities Management (REFM) providers, need to strike a balance between the best of global and local. They must satisfy this subtle, contrary demand to achieve the economies of scale, process efficiency and quality assurance needed for their businesses to compete and retain customers in today’s dynamic markets. Achieving this is “glocalisation.”

Obvious as it may seem, there’s no point changing the REFM organisation if the business, its organisation and infrastructure won’t support it.

For example, plant manufacturers in many global manufacturing firms often have autonomous authority to manage their facilities, which makes it difficult (if not counterproductive or entirely impossible) to globalise maintenance and operations.

Some things are too important to a company’s ability to trade, and/ or its image and reputation to allow any flex at local level. Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) is an excellent example, particularly in highly regulated industries where lost-time incidents or sloppy production environments have the potential to damage life and shut a business down.

There are other things which don’t translate across regions and boundaries. Local legislation and culture often dictate that Human Resources (HR) decisions are best made country by country. One leading technology business, for example, recently “de-globalised” HR processes in Asia on realising its global KPIs could never match local expectations around career movement and progression.

There is no one-size-fits-all glocalisation standard. A helpful analogy to visualise enablers on the global/ local spectrum is the abacus. Companies and their REFM

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providers must allow people to operate between the extremes of globalisation and local organisation. Key enablers such as process and technology should match and support their movement with an appropriate degree of flex.

There must be a strong, global element to all processes for quality assurance, and to ensure consistency of service delivery and data generation. Having said that, any new process needs significant local sponsorship to be adopted. The degree of process localisation will vary according to type.

Johnson Controls Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) maintenance processes are predominantly global and 99% non-negotiable, else we’d never deliver the technical excellence we promise. We’re acutely aware of this at the same time as knowing that without local buy-in, their implementation will likely fail.

So, in a recent series of Kaizen events we gathered managers from three regions to re-design several global processes. Initially, everyone believed their way was best. Discussions revealed there was no best way, and over two days consensus was reached on a new, global way of working. It’s about managing behaviours and embedding a culture of ‘we’ as opposed to ‘me’.

Technology will help At first thought, technology is simply universal. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects everything.

However, there are very clear inputs, outputs, aims and objectives associated with technology that oscillate between global and local.

An easy analogy says technology enables strategy at global level; and tactics – or operational excellence through effective deployment of resources, work order management and asset inventory – at a more local level.

A closer look reveals glocal inter-

dependencies for strategists and tacticians: • Global and strategic: The inputs needed to make technology a global enabler hail from local sources. Lease information, occupancy sensors, financial data, asset information – all feed into one platform that enables a portfolio to be viewed transparently, both in its entirety and in granular detail.

A typical series of technology queries, show the beads on the abacus move diagonally from global to local, and then back again.

• Tactical and local: Another view of technology is as an operational enabler. In this guise it facilitates efficiency on the ground as well as generates visibility from the cloud.

Our five key steps to enable a successful glocal organisation can also be viewed as enablers, or change agents, for the people enabler.

Five steps to enable a glocal model 1. Embed a clear decision making structure. The devil, as they say, is in the detail. Don’t assume everyone thinks or works the same; take time to establish mutual understandings and expectations around roles and responsibilities.

Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed (RACI) make authority and autonomy clear on who has final say, what can flex and what cannot.

2. Engage people. The less control people have over change, the more likely they are to resist it. Give them a stake in success – if they feel like they’ve built a process or brought an innovation to life, they’re likely to want it to succeed. If you bark orders from head office expect them to switch off, especially the bright ones. Sign everyone up to a simple global vision and build a

Philip Gregory is Senior Regional Executive: Johnson Controls GWS, Middle East & Africa

truly glocal team: people working in synergy around the world in pursuit of a common goal.

3. Recruit to the model. Healthy tension in any organisation is good. ‘Yes men’ and people who pay lip service are not. It’s obvious you need to recruit fresh blood to invigorate the system, as well as promote and reward existing employees who model and act the right behaviours.

You want to end up with a company that lives and breathes its values – from ethics and integrity, to customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

4. Communicate, communicate and communicate. If you want local teams to adopt your glocal vision you need to communicate it consistently, constantly, clearly.

Left alone, things revert to their natural state. This is nowhere truer than of people, their routine and habits. People need to be reminded what’s expected and included in a real dialogue that affirms why. See point two, above: Engage them.

5. Show strong leadership.

Alignment in the leadership team is essential. Everyone needs to agree - to a very strong degree - on the glocal model, and become its ambassador.

Be diplomatic: show willingness to flex but not to yield. n

NEWS & PRODUCTS

New top African man for G4S

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4S, the leading global integrated security company, has appointed Mel Brooks as their new Africa Regional President. G4S is the largest private sector employer and largest security company in Africa, with operations in more than 26 African countries and more than 124 000 employees on the continent.

With a deep-rooted experience in technology, Brooks will also steer G4S’ global technology strategy.

Brooks joined G4S in 2012 and has held a number of senior roles in the company, including heading the G4S Southern Region based out of India. Prior to joining G4S, he acquired many years’ experience in the field of commercial technology and business transformation, and worked as an underwater and technologies marine engineer.

He says: “Technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in the security sector. As new technologies are integrated to create end-to-end security solutions, G4S is able to provide our customers with access to greater functionality and ultimately, we are able to create superior value for our customers.”

He will also tap into the vast business potential that Africa has to offer. He says: “Many countries on the continent are experiencing healthy economic growth. Africa also continues to attract international business and investment. This creates demand for a safer and more secure business environment. G4S aims to deliver its high-tech security solutions to the region to meet this growing requirement.

Our technology solutions will support G4S’ other core services, namely manned guarding, cash security, facilities management and consultancy services.”

Partnerships will form a key component of G4S’ Africa strategy. “I will be seeking to make G4S a valued partner with our Africa customers through the provision of high value security services to ‘secure their world’. The trusted expertise of our in-country teams is invaluable in providing constant service excellence to our customers, as they grow and expand their

businesses on the continent.”

He is working closely with his team to drive his Africa strategy forward. He believes that working with the best people in the industry, is critical within the African context.

“As an organisation we have long invested in developing management capability and talent. Therefore, the success of our strategy will not be dependent on a single person, but rather the collective value of our peoples’ expert skills and capabilities. Together we will grow and strengthen our position in South Africa and Africa,” he says. n

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FM MANAGEMENT

ACTIVITY BASED WORKING THE WAY TO GO

Activity Based Working gives employees a choice about how, when and where they work. In the office, that means a choice of work settings, each designed for different types of tasks. Outside the office it enables staff to work anywhere, from home to an airport lounge. So, reducing the number of fixed workstations can have a real impact on a company’s bottom line. And for employees, more flexibility means a better work / life balance, job satisfaction and reduced sick time.

By Terry Owen

September 2015 FM

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first met Peter Townshend, MD of Know More, at the SAFMA conference.

It was a breakaway session, and I had been deliberating which of the three sessions to go to as they all sounded as if they could have merit.

I’m very pleased that I chose Townshend’s presentation, on changing workplaces, and was totally mesmerised for an hour. The fact the he is a natural born speaker and kept things going at breakneck speed, made for an even more incredible time.

Later, when I caught up with the man, he told me that the company had only been going for some two and a half years.

The passion for what he’s doing, which is

quite clear, will ensure a great future for this company. The only hurdles I can see are the mindsets that need to change, but they inevitably will. It’s only a matter of time.

He tells me that the first mission is to do research into the workplace for a potential client.

“We launched a consultancy to develop the client base so we could understand the workplace needs from a strategy point of view and through that to start gathering enough data for us to be able to examine it holistically from a South African perspective and from that gather what people actually want and need in a workplace. The consultancy, after being established for two years, is in a position that we are very proud of.

We have garnered some great clients of the likes of Absa Barclays, Standard Bank and Old Mutual. Companies are buying into it because it makes sense.”

He says the company strategy is to go into an organisation and help them understand what their accommodation needs are, and they do this through a series of presentations.

“We start off by doing a space analysis, giving us a very solid understanding of how every square meter is being optimised and utilised. We get the floor plans from the companies, download them onto our system and then upload them onto our tablets.

This activates every seating arrangement, whether it is a desk, soft seating or a meet-

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FM MANAGEMENT

ing room, and we will walk past every single one of these points on the hour for two weeks.

“We will note whether a desk is being used, and if so, what is that person doing?

Is the person reading, working or doing research? If it is not being used we record it as vacant or signs of life (laptop open on desk, cup of coffee next to it) but no-one actually there, and we are given a good idea during that time on what the utilisation rate is and it is very accurate data.”

Townshend says they were amazed at how poorly space is used, and on average of the companies they have examined, there is a 45-48% occupancy rate. In other words, on average, half of the time the

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desks are empty. As far as meeting rooms go, it’s even lower, around a “shocking 30%”.

“On top of utilisation, we also gauge efficiency – like two people in a four-seater meeting room will get a 50% efficiency rate.

We then do a staff satisfaction and analysis survey. It’s an online survey and takes about 20 minutes to complete. It asks staff questions on levels of satisfaction with a range of features, facilities and services and how the building supports those activities. We also find out how important people view the activities.

“The data we then present to our clients really matches satisfaction and importance, and we look at what needs to be improved

“

From a mindset point of view, managers need to realise that you don’t have to actually see someone working at a desk to know they are actually getting the job done. That’s the biggest change that is needed – from mid-management level.

or changed. We also ask questions around satisfaction with corporate identity, environmental sustainability, pride and issues of wellbeing, as well as basic demographics – gender, age, and so on. We then break down the data to very specific needs. With all this information, we add in our final tool called the PACT model – a mathematical model that we use when doing activity profiles.

“How it works is as such: we’ve walked around the people and seen what people are doing. They also tell us in the survey what they think they’re doing, and combining those together we develop profiles.

We know exactly what percentage of time people are doing certain activities. All that information gets put into the model along with the ratio of absenteeism along with allowed work from home.

“The model crunches all the numbers, together with the types of accommodation that is needed – meeting rooms, brainstorm rooms, chill rooms, quiet areas, sleeping pods and open plan areas. It calculates exactly how much of each specific room is needed based on the activities performed in the building. We then inform the company what we believe is the right choice for them and we demonstrate how productivity will increase.”

He says that to support the activity-based working model, the team realised that a core range of services was needed to support it.

“One of these is change management and we have a strong arm in this regard.

We recommend a complete new way of working, so one of our clients, Standard Bank, is now going from a traditional owned

environment to a completely ownerless environment, albeit only in their IT department.

“This requires a massive amount of change management training for staff to understand how it works and why we are implementing it.”

Townshend says that the survey posed the question “how satisfied would you be with an ownerless environment?” On average, of the people that were surveyed, 18-19% said they would be satisfied.

However, after the team has explained activity based working in workshops, and the concept properly understood, the positive rating shoots to 85-90%.

“In Europe, only 4% of companies are not considering activity based working at all, which reflects a staggering acceptance.

Some 40% have it right throughout their organisations, and others in different parts of the business, much like Standard Bank here. Those companies who partly have it believe that certain roles will not work on the activity-based working model, such as developers who need desk-top computers.

However, we believe that as technology increases and roles change, virtually all companies and departments will go this route.

“From a mindset point of view, managers need to realise that you don’t have to actually see someone working at a desk to know they are actually getting the job done.

That’s the biggest change that is needed – from mid-management level.

“In South Africa we haven’t got to the level where we can see the improvements.

Our clients are still in the process of changing. We will have the first post-occu-

pancy analysis in March 2016.

“However, results abroad have shown that productivity increases 10-15%, which is massive. It shows that engagement is increasing, well-being increases because of the increase in movement. They’ve shown that there’s almost a direct correlation between increase in movement and increase in productivity.”

He says for the vast majority of clients, this way of working is recommended as it benefits not only the employee, but has vast benefits for the employer.

“You’re looking at a 40% reduction in floor space and in turn that reduces the running costs, environmental sustainability increases massively and you become an employer of choice, attracting the right kind of staff.”

Townshend says that the company also has an environmental sustainability arm, and he is a green star accredited professional.

“I sat on the working group committee that developed the interior building tool – and of course, activity based working fits in beautifully with all that.

“What people must realise that people come first, buildings follow. To make a company sustainable, you have to get the people challenge right first, and then everything else follows naturally.”

• Know More will be posting a workplace indicator launch online survey, and it can be completed by anyone. The results of the survey will be published in February 2016.

• If you are interested in a presentation on activity based working, call Peter Townshend on 011 880 1490. n

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NELEDZI NOTCHES UP PROUD LEGACY

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Patrick Makhubela, CEO of Neledzi Cleaning Services and chair of the Gauteng chapter of the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA), has reason to feel that things are going in the right direction for the cleaning industry. He’s out to ensure only the highest standards will do and that fair play is the name of the game. Terry Owen met the enigmatic man and was completely won over.

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s a journalist, you’re always looking for the surprise story, always hoping that an angle will suddenly pop into your head that will give your story the edge.

Those in the biz will know it doesn’t happen that often, so when it does, it’s time to celebrate. When it comes from an unusual quarter, it’s even more enthralling.

Enthralling? Cleaning services? You’ve got to be kidding.

Suffice to say that would indeed have been my reaction. But that was before I met Patrick Makhubela, CEO of Neledzi Cleaning Services.

He’s a naturally charismatic man, exuding warmth, wisdom and wit. I take to him immediately, and wonder silently why many more CEOs are not like him.

Makhubela started off in 1998 with just one cleaner and a good account – DHL. His background was in the hospitality industry and he gained invaluable experience. Being the person he is, though, it wasn’t long before he branched off on his own path and once starting his own company “has never looked back”.

“We now have 1 500 workers and some 140 clients across all industries – offices, warehouses, factories, labs, shopping malls, anything that needs cleaning. And everything needs cleaning,” he smiles.

He says there are 20 staff members based at the head office in Edenvale, Johannesburg and with various contracts the company employs site managers, contract managers, operations managers, and so on.

The company’s footprint extends to Durban and Cape Town.

“We don’t want to spread ourselves too thin. We’d rather concentrate on what we have and ensure that everything is done to perfection. The size of the company is a drop in the ocean in this vast industry,” he says.

Patrick Makhubela, CEO of Neledzi Cleaning Services and chair of the Gauteng chapter of the National Contract Cleaners Association (NCCA).

“We probably have a 1% market share and up against all the big guns. So, I think it’s wise that we tread carefully and expertly, and with this as our guiding light we are doing well because we target selectively. Some of the companies target anything that comes their way, but we want to be very focused in terms of who we want to do business with.

“Our focus is on the parastatals, who in turn have strong databases who we get referred to. If you’re good, you get recommended,” he laughs, head flung back and claps his hands. Of course, he hits the nail on the head. Strange, though, how so many get this simple equation wrong.

He says they are “very good” at cleaning shopping centres, and I don’t doubt him for a second. The company has set their hands to most major malls in Gauteng including Cresta, Westgate, Eastgate, Southgate and Menlyn Park in Pretoria.

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“FMs are looking for a one-stop shop, so we handle pest control, garden maintenance as well all cleaning of all kinds.

We started off very slowly handling the basic hygiene services, including ablutions, toilet paper, towels, soap – all the hygiene services. When I first started, I used to outsource a few hygiene jobs, and in the process learned a big lesson. The folk I outsourced to weren’t anywhere near my standards, and turned out to be reprehensible, damaging my name and generally causing havoc. I quickly realised the error of my ways, and started doing all the jobs myself. I needed to have total control.”

Makhubela says the company has built an “amazing reputation” for excellence and it is driven by simple values.

“Neledzi has become a force to be reckoned with in the industry, no doubt because we focus on professionalism and we make sure that what we do is of the highest standard. I know this all sounds like a cliché because so many attest falsely to this, but what we say we mean, and you can test this with any of our clients.

“Our slogan is ‘Actions speak louder than words’ and we adhere strictly to the ethos of excellence. We pride ourselves in working as a team, and it’s a unified team, actually more like a strongly-knit family.” He smiles broadly at me, maybe noticing a hint of cynicism in my eyes. “That, my friend, you can test by speaking to our staff members.”

He says that he tends to lose it when a client is neglected, although I doubt this happens very often.

What he says next really makes me sit up straight.

“You know, my cleaners have my cell phone number and call me at any time if there is a problem. If a cleaner is frustrated, that frustration will be passed onto the client.

Alternatively, if you have a happy employee, you have a happy customer. Handing out my cell number to contract cleaners may be an insane move to some, but makes perfect sense to me. The buck stops with me, and I sort things out very quickly. Your crew keeps you in business, and they must be motivated.

“Most of my staff has been with me for 17 years. When a contract comes to an end, my people are very unhappy. From what I’ve said, it’s easy to see why. I’m also unhappy, believe me, as the business is a living organism, and if it’s not nourished by the people I have on board, it will not survive. I have seen this unfortunately happening to quite a few companies.”

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Makhubela is also Gauteng chairman of the National Contract Cleaners Association (he has just been re-elected for another term), a body which: • Promotes awareness of the industry.

• Is the leading Employers Association for the contract cleaning industry.

• Sets and promotes industry standards • Develops guidelines and frameworks for skills development of industry players and the education of end-users.

He says that there are four regions chaired by the national chairman and eight NEC members who sit on the NCCA board.

“We look after the entire industry and deal with challenges that our members are facing.

One of the biggest challenges is the costing model to include all statutory requirements.

We used to work on 20-25% margins, but now if you make 10%, you’re lucky. You have to keep your operating structure at the barest minimum and your finger has to be on the pulse all the time. The client is continually looking at cost-cutting, and cleaning is one of the first activities that comes up.”

Does the NCCA have a big role to play in the industry?

“Absolutely! We call it ‘The Association’, and it is the centrepiece that holds the industry together because it is the only body that negotiates with the unions, it negotiates on behalf of its members and is an integral part of the industry.”

He says that The Association has existed for almost 25 years and was the most significant move in the industry.

“It has now been agreed to unions, labour, employer associations and government that we should form a national bargaining council, which is a first, and will revolutionise the industry in the way that we operate. That will, indeed, have the possibility of moving mountains!

“All decisions will be based on our collective negotiations, so it will be a clear,

democratic way of conducting business in the industry. We will look at issues such as the national minimum wage, everything, in fact, that members need to have on the agenda. It’s going to have a major impact on our industry. The margins may still be squeezed because our base cost is labour, but at the same time things are becoming difficult for labour brokers.

“The new Labour Relations Act says that cleaners can now take the client to the CCMA. In the past, the cleaners could only take me to the CCMA. Everyone is now involved and business has to be conducted on a far more fair and transparent basis.”

He says that the NCCA has just under 500 members nationally made up of employers and association members, company members and 30 supplier members. The Association in Gauteng has been the first chapter to implement a compliance audit, something which has long been championed by Makhubela.

“This ensures that all members operate on the same basis, the salaries are the same, there are contributions to the NPF, and so on. We have a checklist and make sure all the boxes are ticked. All member companies will be audited and checked for compliance – one sure way of bringing the highest standards to the industry.”

That is a fact you can be sure of.

Compliance and excellence are the two keywords associated with Makhubela, building a legacy in the cleaning industry we can all be proud of.

Enthralling? You betcha! n

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LIFETIME WARRANTY September 2015 FM

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FACILITIES CHALLENGE

The four-storey residential block with the amphitheatre in the foreground. The curved steel fire escape was designed to soften the western red facebrick faรงade.

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The classroom blocks spill out on to a central courtyard with concrete seating where students meet informally.

A unique set of challenges faced the developers of a new school and residences on the University of Pretoria campus.

Jan de Beer reports.

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reserving historical and botanical treasures were among the major challenges Pretoria building contractors, JC van der Linde & Venter Projects, successfully coped with to complete a R49-million contract for the construction of the new TuksSport High School and residences on the University of Pretoria (UP) Sports Campus in Hatfield.

TuksSport High School is an independent co-ed school, catering for about 260 learners from Grade 8 to 12. The new specialised high school, which opened on July 20 this year, forms part of the UP High Performance Centre, and shares its vision of offering both a sporting and learning environment for selected students. It allows current and potential high sports performers to receive sports coaching and training while still continuing their schooling.

The new facility is located on a University of Pretoria Veterinary Science Faculty Experimental Farm (Proefplaas) site, historically a quarantine camp for new livestock or game before the animals were taken to dedicated camps.

Steven Brown, Contracts Director for MBA North member, J.C. van der Linde & Venter Projects of Pretoria, who handled the innovative contract, says the project called for the construction of four primary buildings: *A double-storey administrative building with adjacent single-storey multi-purpose hall. The admin building includes a reception lounge, offices, boardroom, staff room, copy room and psychologist’s room. The adjacent multipurpose shedlike hall is semi-covered with a laser cut screening overhead that extends from its pitch roof. The hall is used for large assemblies as well as students’ meals and is equipped with a kitchen, staff facilities and canteen server area. *One triple-storey and two doublestorey classroom blocks comprising 17 classrooms, an IT centre and laboratory classrooms. The classrooms are clustered around a central courtyard which serves as ‘spill-out’ space for the students. Concrete walkways link the classrooms and provide weather protection for the classroom entrances.

“

We had to preserve some extremely rare trees on site - which created fairly formidable access problems and also had to ensure that specified historical structures on the terrain were not damaged during the building process

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FACILITIES CHALLENGE

The major members of the professional team involved in the project were:

The footprint of the old Proefplaas camp was preserved with brick paving lines in the Neo Dimensions design for TuksSport.

* A residence block for 96 students set over four floors, constructed with a combination of load bearing brickwork and a concrete column structure. The block’s red facebrick façade is combined with plastered and painted walls and the building is fitted with a curved steel fire escape structure enclosed with steel mesh. The block has eight single bedrooms and 44 twin rooms.

“In addition, J.C. van der Linde & Venter Projects also had to provide an open-air amphitheatre, accommodating 260 students,” says Brown.

He says among the major challenges the contractors faced on this contract were the historical and environmental values attached to the site. “We had to preserve some extremely rare trees on site - which created fairly formidable access problems - and also had to ensure that specified historical structures on the terrain were not damaged during the building process,” he adds.

Neo Dimensions architect, Ben Kunz, who handled the design of the TuksSport project, says structures such as the old Proefplaas’ quarantined animals concrete drinking troughs, had to be preserved and incorporated in the design. “The drinking troughs were re-used as landscape elements and the footprint of the old camp re-introduced into the landscaping by means of paving lines in the lawns,” Kunz explains.

“The trees on the site are mainly old exotic trees species from the remnants of a UP arboretum. Eight particularly precious

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trees were identified which included three different species of South African yellowwood trees. Only at the National Botanical Gardens at Kirstenbosch are all four indigenous yellowwood species found. So the experimental farm’s three yellowwoods, in particular, had to form part of the design, building and provision of services.

“The Neo Dimensions design for TuksSport consists of separate and detached buildings, influenced by their various functions, and also to incorporate a sense of openness to the landscaping.

We wanted to keep the farm-like character and so opted for buildings with raw finishes.

Robust red face bricks were used throughout to commemorate the quarantine camps, as well as steel frame structures reminiscent of farm sheds. Off-shutter concrete was chosen for all soffits, columns and walkways for both robustness and the desired look and feel,” Kunz states.

“Environmental concerns were important in the design. For example, the north façade of the residence block features different bedrooms on each level that protrude, or are recessed, from the façade to create natural sun control over the bedroom windows.

Additional steel louvres were provided to the protruding bedrooms with their vertical window design. Furthermore, the flat concrete roof of the building can accommodate future ‘green’ facilities such as water storage tanks and solar panels. The hot water is now generated by a heat pump with a water storage

Main contractors:

J.C. van der Linde & Venter Projects

Architects:

Neo Dimensions Architects

Project Manager:

Neo Dimensions Architects

Quantity surveyors:

GK Projects

Structural engineers:

DG Consulting Engineers

Electrical and mechanical engineers:

Plantech

Landscape architects:

University of Pretoria

H&S consultants:

Oryx

Fire officers:

Adengo Consulting

“

The drinking troughs were re-used as landscape elements and the footprint of the old camp re-introduced into the landscaping by means of paving lines in the lawns

vessel. All sanitary ware was specified and supplied as water-saving elements,” he adds.

The provision of the amphitheatre was influenced by the high difference in contour between the classroom buildings and the residential block. “An amphitheatre was the ideal solution to accommodate this level difference and it also produced the perfect school assembly space,” Kunz feels.

Steven Brown says J.C. van der Linde & Venter Projects started work the contract in August last year, and handover took place in July 2015, as scheduled. His team on site included two senior foremen, a senior site manager, and full-time professional Health and Safety Manager. A total of 1 600 cubic metres of concrete and about 700 000 clay bricks were required for the building. n

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WOMEN IN FM

WOMEN IN FM Who’s who in the FM industry in South Africa? It’s time that we got to learn who our peers are and what makes them tick.

This is Part 2 of “Women in FM”, which makes for great reading, highlighting a few of the movers and shakers in FM. We’ll be looking at other sector groups in the future – and you’ll come to know what a diverse and fascinating range of people make up this exciting industry we’re in!

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HELLEN EL HAIMER

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ell me a little about yourself, a brief overview…where you come from etc.

I am a 40-plus female, originally from KZN, married and currently residing in Midstream in Centurion, Gauteng.

I have one daughter.

Are you in-house (with the core company) or with an outsourced company?

I run a core consulting company, therefore I would say that it is an outsourced service.

Paint a typical day in the life of your job.

Up at 6 or earlier from 6h30am to 7h30 am- school and run household activities. Manage emails. Off to meetings from 08h30, engage with clients, and hanWhat are your qualifications?

B.Soc. Sc; LLB; Honours in Management, dle other FM-related projects until around 18h00. and Advanced Diploma in Property Investment. Family time. Work from around 20h30 to 10h30.

Qualified Attorney.

Are you part of a team, or are you leader What is your job title? of a team?

Managing Director of a consulting company, I am often the leader of a team. However, when the FM Institute; MD of Rhyco Risk Projects I do freelance work I am part of a team. and Non-Executive Director of Atterbury Acquisitions.

Are you recognised by management as being an integral and vital member of the business?

Did you go straight into an FM position, When I consult, to clients, I make them understand or were you first appointed in another the implications of FM, so yes. division?

I started out in the legal field, dealing with Do you attend FM courses, and have they property matters, and moved into construction helped in your function? Which in particular law; and the property & facilities bug hit would you say has been the most beneficial?

Are you encouraged to attend courses, from then. seminars and conferences?

Not often. There are very few FM courses Are you involved in “Operations FM” (daily maintenance, management) focusing on Strategy. or “Strategic FM”, handling more boardroom involvement, strategic Do you make it your business to have a planning and so on? knowledge about the functioning of the Currently I am involved in strategic FM business – HR, IT, and so on?

In my line of consulting, understanding the core and general client advisory services, business of the client, how they function and policy development and more boardroom involvement. the inter-relatedness of FM is important.

“

FM is about creating efficiency for users of buildings, and as such being that catalyst to achieve this, like changing the world, one building at a time.

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WOMEN IN FM

Do you find that your gender has been a boon or an impediment to your progress in the FM industry?

Initially it was an impediment. However, as I moved up into senior ranks, and established myself, it has become less so. It is about delivering quality results Following on from that, do you believe that there is any kind of stigmatisation with regards to women in the industry?

I think there is. Many women do not handle Strategic FM, and the financial side of FM – and can get caught up in the activities like reception management, catering etc.

What is your ambition?

To set up FM software that allows clients to customise their FM policies and programmes and sell the product to companies What would you say were the defining moments of your career so far?

Participating in excellent projects, in government, parastatals and the private sector. Overall starting my own consulting company – and having the freedom of thought, and decision-making Do you believe it takes a certain kind of personality to fit into the FM industry?

Not really. There are all types of roles, and there would be the appropriate personality type to suit that particular role.

Would you recommend this career to others?

Yes. If they want to make a difference and add value, yes.

Personally…..What are your core values?

Fairness, loyalty and trust.

What is your view on leadership?

It is a way of life and not a position or a title.

Financial success is not leadership. Leadership is about inspiring people, and leaving a legacy.

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“

My role model, is my mother, because she inspired me to believe that from humble beginnings, in a township, one can achieve anything, if you are willing to work hard for it.

Is ethics important in leadership?

Yes. Are you a ‘born leader’? How would you define your attitude as a business leader?

No. I give everything my all, and surround myself with people who can deliver, with me.

What are the key competencies to being a successful leader?

Openness, vulnerability, risk-taker; educated, willing to learn from others. Humility.

What are the key competencies to being a successful team player?

Trustworthy, competence in delivery, desire for the team to succeed.

What makes you good at what you do?

Open, straightforward, fair and well-researched, innovative.

How do you ensure self-development?

How do you manage this process?

Ensure I keep abreast of global trends, and maintain a network of like-minded people How do you inspire colleagues and employees?

By reminding them that we are all talented and we need to use those talents How do you measure success?

By how many people you have influenced positively, how many people you have inspired and the battles that you have overcome… it is not about rands and cents or positions or titles.

What is your overriding dream above all others for yourself, your company and for South Africa?

To expand our service offering, and participate in more FM projects and deliver new and innovative solutions for clients.

What message would you like to give to others thinking of joining the industry?

FM is about creating efficiency for users of buildings, and as such being that catalyst to achieve this, like changing the world, one building at a time.

How do you handle failure? What did you learn from it?

I handle failure well- I do not call it failure, but life challenges. I bring on my A-game, and take it head on. I learn from it, and use it as a catalyst for change.

Who is you role model generally, and in the industry?

My role model, is my mother, because she inspired me to believe that from humble beginnings, in a township, one can achieve anything, if you are willing to work hard for it.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

The legacy of an innovator, one that does things good things, differently.

What is your vision for the industry?

More creativity; more alignment with the professional architects and engineers.

What makes you happy?

Spending time with my family, and helping clients re-shape the FM

KIM VELTMAN

T

ell me a little about yourself, a brief overview…where you come from etc.

I am South African born and bred; and have only ever lived in Gauteng. I grew up in Orange Grove and now live in Midrand with my husband. My two sons are grown up and have left home.

What are your qualifications?

I have a public relations certificate from Rosebank College.

What is your job title?

Implementation Manager, SAFMA. Did you go straight into an FM position, or were you first appointed in another division?

I worked at the Social Housing Foundation (an off-shoot of the National Housing Finance Corporation) as PA to the MD and Office Manager. That was the first time I ever thought about FM. From there I was lucky enough to meet and work with Nicolette van den Eijkel who gave me a very different view of FM, for which I am grateful.

Are you involved in “Operations FM” (daily maintenance, management) or “Strategic FM”, handling more boardroom involvement, strategic planning and so on?

No. I just run the association on behalf of the members and Board.

What are your core values?

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

2. Honesty and integrity.

What is your view on leadership?

Leadership is not about your position in an organisation or even about management.

To me leadership is doing things in a professional way with honesty and integrity which people will then respect and appreciate.

Is ethics important in leadership?

100% Are you a ‘born leader’?

No. However I am passionate about SAFMA, and I hope that shows through and inspires and encourages people in the Industry.

What are the key competencies to being a successful leader?

Patience. Empathy. Passion. Integrity.

Good Communication. Decision making.

Flexibility.

What are the key competencies to being a successful team player?

The same.

What makes you good at what you do?

Pride in my job. Energy.

How do you ensure self-development?

How do you manage this process?

Reading, listening to the radio, sharing with friends and colleagues, attending educational sessions.

How do you measure success?

Doing something you love well. Not being scared to go to work in case something has gone wrong or will go wrong.

What is your overriding dream above all others for yourself, your company and for South Africa?

Happiness.

What message would you like to give to others thinking of joining the industry?

Do it. You will learn and grow.

How do you handle failure?

What did you learn from it?

I have learned to take time to think things over and not react immediately. Often distance bring perspective. I learned a lot from my mentor Arvinda Gohil of the Social Housing Foundation.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

An organisation is sustainable, and meets the needs of the members.

“

Leadership is not about your position in an organisation or even about management.

To me leadership is doing things in a professional way with honesty and integrity which people will then respect and appreciate.

What is your vision for the industry?

That FM is understood within the broader business community and that Facilities Managers are recognised as professionals.

What makes you happy?

My family, pets and doing a good job.

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SECURITY

STAYING ABREAST OF SECURITY TECHNOLOGY There have been many advances in security technology, and it’s up to the FMs to ensure they know the best ways of keeping clients’ premises and people safe in an ever increasing volatile world. By Terry Owen.

A

ndrew Seldon, Editor of Tech News, says that FMs are becoming increasingly involved in the field of security, which includes physical security and cyber security, as part of their ever-growing portfolios.

“Technology is helping them do that,” says Seldon. “For instance, with Building Management Systems (BMS) that are integral to the FM performance, security has now been incorporated into the system.

It controls a myriad of functions, such as if you are in an eco-friendly building the lights go on only when a person passes, the cameras controlled by the BMS will capture that, as well as if doors open and an unauthorised person enters, that person will also be featured in the system.

Everything from access control to alarms, remotely opening doors and recording anything which falls out of normal parameters are incorporated.”

He says that with CCTV surveillance, the main trend is the increase in intelligence within the camera itself. Analytics has been happening for a while but he says it’s only been in the last year that you can have automated systems that you can actually

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rely on. In the past, you would have lots of false alarms, with wind being the big culprit.

“The analytics have moved onto the camera, which is a significant move.

The cameras themselves have huge processors. They are basically computers and much of the intelligence-based applications can be processed within the cameras. This is a major advance. Previously it would all be broadcast to a central server which would then do the analytics. You needed huge servers to analyse the feed. Now, it’s incredible to have cameras with all that ability!

“Technology has also given rise in the building management, or security management, fields to the use of the black screen approach. Instead of having operators constantly staring at the screen to analyse movement, shapes, and so on, the camera captures it on screen and will inform you that an alarm has been triggered in a restricted area. On the screen you can draw a line, known as the trip wire, a metre towards the right of the fence. If someone goes over that trip wire, an alarm will be activated. You can also draw a “box” around a restricted area, and every time someone approaches it, the alarm will sound.

Andrew Seldon, Editor of Tech News

“Cameras now can also differentiate between an animal and a person, leaves blowing in the wind and actual people movement. This is now a highly sophisticated environment, and it’s no wonder that many companies are opting for it.”

Seldon says the most recent example is at Monagham Farm estate near Lanseria Airport. It is a luxurious residential estate which has an 8km perimeter fencing around it. There are two fences – the first acts as a “stay out” warning and a second fence, which is electrified.

“There is a fibre wire running around the 8km stretch, and the fibre detects motions or vibrations. It can detect, say, if someone walks within 2 metres of the fence. It will raise the alarm, and will inform you that at a certain position there is a problem. If someone is actually climbing up the fence, a high priority alarm will be activated. Security personnel are busy installing cameras now and as soon as the fibre indicates that in a certain area there is a problem, the cameras will focus in on that particular area and everyone can see what’s happening.

“Medupi power station is also trying to use it but they can’t do so at the moment because of all the construction activity that is happening there. However, all the technology is in place for them to have a virtual perimeter. They have got three very powerful cameras 150m up poles that will cover the entire area, and creating the virtual perimeter. If anyone crosses the perimeter, there will be an alarm and the camera will focus on that area.

“The black screen approach is really taking over and with that the advancement in technology, freeing the operators to do other tasks and not focus on the screen the whole time. The high-tech additions are a great value add for security and FM personnel who are alerted to what is happening at any given time without having to be screen focused. They can also alert armed response or police much faster knowing where the incident is and what actually is happening there.”

He says this advancement in technology is not only confined to the CCTV arena.

“Access control is one area where there have been advancements. For example, with access control, if someone steals your access card and goes into your building and uses it, the camera will scan the card and the person using it and raise the alarm that there is an intruder. It’s a highly sophisticated technology and not many have it as yet. This system will also apply with other methods of access control.

“A lot of people are still using cards, but the ones that do go the biometrics route are using finger biometrics because it’s the most reliable at present. Previously there was an issue with facial recognition and iris recognition but in the last six months facial methods have taken a leap forward.

You can actually recognise faces in crowds and people walking by. This is excellent for places like security at shopping malls. You can get excellent hi-res pictures for identification.

“In parking areas, upgraded cameras are used again and number plate recognition is very reliable these days. Many of these systems are linked to E-Natis and the police, so if it’s a stolen car, they can pounce! They are also starting to link with

“

Cameras now can also differentiate between an animal and a person, leaves blowing in the wind and actual people movement.

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SECURITY

loyalty programmes. Say, if you happen to be a frequent shopper at Sandton City, because of number plate recognition, you could be offered free parking for the day.

OR Tambo airport is also a good example.

When you receive your ticket, a camera takes a picture of you (the driver) and the number plate, so this can be matched when you leave the parking area.”

In terms of firearm control there have been some excellent advances.

Stellenbosch University has developed a system for the Western Cape government so if there’s a gunshot, the technology in the cameras can actually pinpoint where that came from.

“So, if you’re in the control room or in your car (fitted with a screen) the system will inform you within 20 metres where that gunshot originated. As facial and analytics have improved, the system will recognise a gun on camera. This technology has not been perfected, but we’re getting there.

Analysing behaviour is also new on the agenda. If there is a violent incident, the alarm will also be activated and an investigation launched.”

He says that in terms of worldwide trends, South Africa is up there with the best of them.

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“A lot of technology we use is imported, and this affects FM and the budget. It’s crazy I know, but security is seen as a grudge purchase, so people tend to go for the cheaper options which don’t always provide optimum performance. There are pockets of excellence though, such as the revamped security at Sandton City, and Monagham Farm.”

As far as online security is concerned, it is related to physical security because cameras are seen as physical security even though it’s attached to the network. The cameras don’t get secured and this has caused many problems.

“A police department in China had their network hacked, and the hackers came in via the cameras. This is something people generally don’t think about but FMs would do well to keep that in mind. Statistics have shown that cybercrime is the second most lucrative crime in the world. FMs should also ensure that firewalls and other protection systems are constantly updated and they should keep abreast of all malware that’s out there.

“But whether it’s physical or network security, the name of the game is to keep updated on all the technology that is out there and secure it if possible. It’s the only way that you can keep ahead of the criminals.” n

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But whether it’s physical or network security, the name of the game is to keep updated on all the technology that is out there and secure it if possible. It’s the only way that you can keep ahead of the criminals.

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ADVERTORIAL

MAINTAIN THAT FIRE EQUIPMENT!

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outh African law requires that all fire equipment is inspected, serviced and maintained on an annual basis. Therefore, it is essential that businesses fulfil their legal obligation by using reputable fire service providers. Failure to regularly service and maintain fire protection equipment in the workplace is a criminal offence punishable by a harsh fine or even imprisonment.

There are more than 516 registered fire protection companies operating in South Africa. However, there are also a number of companies that are not registered with the South African Bureau of Standards or the South African Qualification & Certification Committee for Fire (SAQCC), and are still servicing equipment. Using a non-registered fire servicing company or technician may result in prosecution and action taken by the Department of Labour, says Steve Bastuba, fire products consultant, Chubb Fire & Security South Africa.

“In addition to being a long-standing FFETA member, Chubb Fire & Security South Africa boasts over 60 registered technicians accredited by the SAQCC, who are qualified and registered as being competent in their ability to perform all safety critical maintenance work on fire equipment in terms of SANS1475 Parts 1 and 2,” he says.

According to SANS 10105 fire standards, monthly checks and record-keeping on all portable and fixed fire equipment is another legal requirement for businesses. Bastuba points out that this may be done either by a SAQCC-approved Chubb fire technician, or by any other competent person.

“The appointment of the responsible person must be made in writing,” he says.

That designated person assumes all responsibility for the site control of all fire equipment and for keeping necessary records. Regular checks include ensuring that all fire equipment is accessible and visible and that all escape routes are free from obstruction. The appointed person must confirm that the correct extinguisher is in the correct area and that all fire signage complies with legal requirements.

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Chubb powder extinguisher

If any defects are found, Bastuba concludes by adding that the responsible person must take immediate action to implement an effective solution. Businesses often feel these important set of responsibilities are managed well by certified professionals.

Chubb offers a full range of fire protection services, from comprehensive audits to general advice.

To find out more, visit www.chubb.co.za. n

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Failure to regularly service and maintain fire protection equipment in the workplace is a criminal offence punishable by a harsh fine or even imprisonment.

SECURITY

Our cOmmitment tO safety will never flame Out Chubb Fire & Security offers advanced fire protection systems suitable for all kinds of buildings. Chubb helps ensure that buildings and their occupants are kept safe from fire while maintaining business continuity. Chubb is the supplier, installer, and maintainer of a broad range of intelligent and integrated fire systems like Ziton and Edwards, through to fire extinguisher supply and servicing.

Fire risk audits • detection • suppression • evacuation Fire products • Fire signage • servicing and repairs

Contact us | 0861 002 211 | www.chubb.co.za Chubb Fire and Security, SA (Pty) Ltd. Company registration number 1950/036293/07.

Registered as a security service provider by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, registration number 3352. Managing Director: Neville Rothfusz

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Green FM News

FISH, CHOCOLATE WASTE USED IN CARPET PRODUCTION Interface, the world’s largest modular flooring producer, is now using biogas produced from anaerobic digestion of fish, chocolate and other food waste to drive its main production plant in Europe.

Fish waste, historically regarded as unpleasant and useless, is now being used to provide ‘green energy’ to the Interface flooring production plant in the Netherlands.

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nterface flooring is widely used in South Africa in upmarket interior design specifications, particularly those seeking maximum sustainability features. The company’s products, which have set the global benchmark in the green production of flooring, are solely distributed in South Africa by Kevin Bates Albert Carpets (KBAC), which has operations in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

The anaerobic digestion which produces the biogas now used by Interface at its main European production plant in the Netherlands, consists of a series of biological processes in which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in an oxygen-free environment.

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Neil Duncan, Chief Financial Officer of KBAC, says using biogas as a component of the renewable energy used for carpet production forms part of Interface’s quest towards ‘Mission Zero’, a campaign to achieve a zero environmental footprint and become the world’s first sustainable, restorative carpet manufacturer by 2020.

“In Europe, Interface has for several years been using green production energy derived from various renewable sources, such as solar and wind power. The decision to now add biogas to the green power at Interface’s main European production plant at Scherpenzeel in the Netherlands, brings the company closer to its Mission Zero 2020 target. Through the use of biogas – derived from fish and other food waste, including chocolate waste – the

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Using biogas as a component of the renewable energy used for carpet production forms part of Interface’s quest towards ‘Mission Zero’, a campaign to achieve a zero environmental footprint and become the world’s first sustainable, restorative carpet

The Interface plant at Scherpenzeel which is now using biogas as one of its renewable energy sources for carpet production.

Scherpenzeel plant is now almost carbon-dioxide neutral. Waste is employed in an innovative way that benefits both business and the environment,” Duncan says.

Eneco, supplier of Interface’s biogas, sources the gas from a Dutch fish processing plant that constantly and inevitably generates massive stocks of fish waste because the edible portion of fish can be very low, particularly in some species such as catfish (only 35% edible) and herring (53%). The processing plant also obtains other food waste, including rejected chocolate (which it sources from local bakeries and other chocolate outlets), to add to its biogas ‘recipe’.

Upgrading fish and food waste to green gas involves fermentation of the waste, followed by the removal of sulphur, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from the biogas. Once the biogas has been compressed, dehydrated, filtered and odourised, it is transmitted via a gas grid to the Interface plant.

Duncan adds: “Interface has, by securing green gas for its production plant, made it possible for the factory to achieve both 100% renewable electricity and 100% renewable biogas, making it the first Interface facility to have this distinction. Furthermore, the move resulted in a 98% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the company’s European facilities compared with 1996. There are plans afoot to also introduce biogas as a source of energy at other Interface plants overseas.

“All bio-degradable production residues can theoretically be converted into biogas and there are now an increasing number of initiatives in this regard worldwide with major factories investing in initiatives to salvage fish, chocolate, confectionery, and other green waste – even from whisky distilleries – from the sewer to generate energy. It is most satisfying to see organic waste, which for so many years was regarded as completely useless, being used to drive production plants. Green gas has a bright future,” Duncan says. n

manufacturer by 2020.

Interface not only uses ‘green energy’ for production of its flooring ranges but also strives to mimic nature in its carpet tile designs. Pictured: the company’s Near and Far range launched in SA recently by KBAC.

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Green FM News

Atholl Towers, Katherine Street View

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he Atholl Towers office development in Johannesburg was recently awarded a 5-Star Green Star SA rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). Aurecon was commissioned by ALW Estates to provide environmentally sustainable design (ESD) services for the project, which exceeded the initial Green Star ambitions for the building by incorporating a range of innovative sustainable features.

Located between Katherine and Patricia streets in Sandton, Atholl Towers was developed in two phases. The first phase was completed in 2011 and comprises a 4 500 m2 office building with the Volkswagen Group South Africa’s Sales and marketing operations as tenants. The second phase, which was completed in April 2015, consists of 10 211 m2 of offices and 480 parking bays, with five basement levels.

Marni Punt, Environmental Sustainable

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Design (ESD) Consultant at Aurecon, says the building is a modern, iconic design with open concept spaces. Some of the noteworthy aesthetic features include full-height façades, frameless glass and overhanging elements that create uniquely framed views of a shared public outdoor area between the two phases.

“Aurecon’s ESD team worked closely with AMA architects and other project consultants to create an exceptionally energy- and waterefficient building that meets the sustainable development needs of the client. For example, the frameless, full-glass façade is not only energy efficient, but it has a self-cleaning silicone base that ensures minimal maintenance over the coming years,” says Punt.

Some of the other energy efficiency features include optimised air conditioning, a central heat recovery system and motion sensor light fittings.

The domestic hot water system is integrated with the air conditioning system to receive recovered heat during cooling or simultaneous cooling and

heating modes. When cooling is not required by the air conditioning system, it acts as an air-cooled heat pump to efficiently deliver heat to the domestic hot water system.

Sustainability initiatives that were incorporated include the use of recycled shutter boards for concrete casting, recycled steel components, the use of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint, low formaldehyde timber and finishes, the smart application of insulation materials and blinds to maximise thermal comfort for building occupants, as well as a rainwater harvesting and water conservation systems. Otis GeN2 regen drive elevators, which are up to 75% more efficient than non-generative drive lifts, complete the green features.

“We initially set out to achieve a 4-Star Green Star SA – Office v1 Design rating but, by incorporating extra cost-effective green features and initiatives, we were able to achieve the 60 points required by the GBCSA for a

Atholl Towers, Patricia Road View 5-Star Green Star Rating without incurring additional costs for the client. Atholl Towers marks the first Speculative Green Star Rated building for ALW Estates and Aurecon is proud to be involved in this landmark achievement for our client,” says Punt.

While the building is efficient in terms of energy and water consumption, the project team took the concept of ‘building efficiency’ one step further when planning the design, layout and building services. Instead of simply looking at the savings for the client, the team put a great deal of thought into the use of the building by the client’s clients – in other words, the future tenants.

“Building efficiency refers to the efficiency of the usable area to meet functional needs such as tenants’ workflow requirements, office design, and personnel comfort. The efficiency of a building is dictated by a variety of aspects including the building shape, core location, floor size, leasing depth and corridors. These are conventionally addressed in the building design stages but not conventionally carried over to the system design and building operational stages by its tenants,” explains Kyra Young, ESD Consultant at Aurecon.

The approach of the Atholl Towers Design team was to not only create a highly efficient design but also to ensure this was carried over into the operational stages of the building and maintained by any prospective tenant as well. Efficiency principles were also incorporated into the electrical and mechanical systems design of the building.

Aurecon has created a Building User’s Guide that includes details for tenants, owners and facility managers. Some of the efficiency initiatives include a power grid system that was planned around the building installation design. The power grid and outlets were designed in such a way that tenants will have flexibility in terms of how they plan and use their spaces.

“Tenants at Atholl Towers won’t have to lay a host of data cables after they move into the premises,” explains Young. “Materials that will be needed to make layout changes for future tenants have been minimised. By thinking ahead and merging the building layout, systems and operational design, an innovative and highly efficient building that will have reduced measureable operational costs has been created. Tenant fit-out costs and most importantly reduced impact on the environment will be direct results of these efficiencies,” says Young.

The project also has an extensive metering system connected to a fully automated Building Management System.

A total of 55 power meters are distributed throughout the building and water meters have been installed for all major water uses.

This is an important building management tool that will assist the facilities managers to efficiently manage the building in future.

Access to consumption data is provided via the local facilities management PC or via a web browser. Trend logs will display the history of the water and electricity meter values, allowing usage trends to be

“

Building efficiency refers to the efficiency of the usable area to meet functional needs such as tenants’ workflow requirements, office design, and personnel comfort.

The efficiency of a building is dictated by a variety of aspects including the building shape, core location, floor size, leasing depth and corridors.

accumulated and analysed to identify when and where peaks occur.

“Green initiatives like these help owners, tenants and building users understand how sustainable buildings are performing and where improvements could be made.

Aurecon is proud to be a part of this noteworthy project,” says Young. n

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Green FM News

GRAFFITI’S GREEN POWER FOR SOLAR CAR

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raffiti, a creative marketing services company that has pioneered the field of transit branding, has applied its extensive expertise to designing, wrapping and branding the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s solar car, set to compete in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in October. The first time that Africa will compete in the event – this is also the first time that Graffiti has branded a solar vehicle – giving it green power of a different ilk.

Graffiti was tasked with designing the artwork and wrapping the peculiar cut of the 230kg, 5m long solar vehicle which has been shipped to Australia ahead of the 3 000km race from Darwin to Adelaide.

A fairly challenging application, skill and experience won the day and the wrap was perfectly applied on the first attempt. The 13-strong team from South Africa has four drivers who will take turns behind the wheel of the car that will be powered by 6m2 solar panels – at speeds of up to 130km/hour.

Graffiti Director David Ferguson says: “We are pleased to have been able to align ourselves with this project and support the University’s contribution towards advancing sustainable and renewable technology. This is a landmark event for South Africa and it’s exciting for our team to have been part of something this significant, particularly with our heritage being so firmly rooted in the motor vehicle industry.”

Lecturers and students from the KZN University are driving the project and it’s reported that many of the entries (50 from 25 countries) have cost more than 10 times that of the South African model. Despite this, the team believes this year’s design is innovative and better than in previous years – representing “engineering for social impact”.

With a concrete reputation, a national footprint, and a green agenda where sustainability practices are constantly being enhanced, Graffiti was the obvious choice and approached by the University to design, develop and wrap the unusual design of the vehicle. On the vehicle branding side, Graffiti runs the largest application depart-

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The University of KZN’s solar car, all ready to take the world by storm!

ment in Africa and can push up to 1 000 vehicles through the factory each month.

While just one vehicle had to be branded for this project, the Group’s volumes directly correlate with its innovative approach, experience and operational efficiencies all of which secured the project for Graffiti.

Graffiti is a creative, young at heart marketing services company in the business of high-impact, head turning branding. It supplies cradle to grave, premium indoor and outdoor branding solutions for the mobile (vehicle and trucking) and retail industries, and has a national footprint. The Vehicle Branding, Tarpaulin Services, and Retail Solutions divisions are supported by a fully equipped in-house production department and design studio. Known for its quality and guaranteed warrantees, Graffiti attracts blue chip companies from a variety of industries, including FMCG, automotive, security, logistics, cleaning, petroleum, financial, office automation, communication, and insurance among others.

Find out more about Graffiti and other ways in which to improve the sustainability of your brand visit www. Graffiti.co.za. n

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This is a landmark event for South Africa and it’s exciting for our team to have been part of something this significant, particularly with our heritage being so firmly rooted in the motor vehicle industry.

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Green FM News

GREENFIELD ON THE HOME RUN

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rowthpoint Properties’ R150-million Greenfield Industrial Park Development will introduce a quality, modern industrial park on a prime 3,4-hectare site in Airport Industria, near Cape Town International Airport.

Set for completion on November 30 2015, Greenfield Industrial Park is the landmark redevelopment of the former Wasteman site. It will benefit the entire area by introducing an upmarket, efficient industrial property to the site. And, true to its name, it will provide innovative green industrial space as part of its leading, sustainable development.

With its excellent location, Greenfield Industrial Park is well situated in the high-demand Airport Industrial Node, on Manchester Road, adjacent to Borcherds Quarry interchange and Airport Approach Road. It is positioned for easy access with good proximity to the N2 highway, for both north- and south-bound routes.

It also benefits from excellent visibility with prominent signage opportunities.

Riaan Munnik, Development Manager at Growthpoint Properties, comments: “We are extremely positive about the Airport Industria node. Greenfield Industrial Park will bring to market a prime industrial property in a growing business hub with proven strong demand.”

Greenfield Industrial Park includes 21 000m2 of flexible, sub-divisible space, intended to meet the needs of modern business. Ideal for a single large user, the design of Greenfield Industrial Park can also be tailored to client needs with multiple units starting from around 3 500m2.

It features internal stacking heights of 12 metres, and Growthpoint is providing fully-finished office components as well as a tenant allowance for clients to use as required.

The site is designed for efficiency, including optimal use of warehousing, yard area and roadways. The park includes two entrances and exits, and features generous parking facilities.

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On the construction site of Growthpoint Properties’ Greenfield Industrial Park development in Airport Industria, near Cape Town International Airport, are, from left: Mauro Donato, Stefanutti Stocks’ General Manager; Vuyo Xintolo, Stefanutti Stocks’ Site Agent; Riaan Munnik, Growthpoint’s Development Manager; David Stoll, Growthpoint’s Regional Head; and Brandon Goldworthy, Stefanutti Stocks’ Financial Director.

It has also been designed with sustainability in mind, with positive environmental innovations so significant that Growthpoint is in the process of registering for a Green Star SA – Custom Industrial Rating Tool rating with the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA). The building is targeting a 4-Star Green Star SA rating.

Integrated features to reduce utilities costs at Greenfield Industrial Park include alternative energy from solar panels, waterwise landscaping, well points, waterless urinals, and recycling. Greenfield Industrial Park will also feature low-energy light fittings that complement its smart design, which uses natural light to save on lighting costs.

This means it will become a landmark industrial property that is respectful of its environment, and also save its occupants money.

Moreover, it will create a healthy and appealing working environment with breakaway areas for staff as well as shower facilities for cyclists and runners. n

NIFTY NEW NINEBOT A ‘ROBOT REVOLUTION’

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ust when you thought it couldn’t get cooler than free line skates, stowboards and T-boards Imperial Green Mobility has glided into the next generation with the introduction of Ninebot ONE. A curiously cool walking and running ‘robot’ that’s as intelligent savvy as it is fashionably futuristic, the exclusive Ninebot ONE is set to take South Africa by storm and revolutionise the way today’s youth sees personal transport. See link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCrh-LJsS18 Ninebot ONE is an electric eco-friendly space age device that’ll see you waving good-bye to the crowds and enjoying the freedom and pleasure of being master of your world. Hot off the (w)heels of the Segway two-wheeled transport system by Imperial Green Mobility, the Ninebot ONE is the perfect blend of science and technology – with all the added cool gadgets and tools needed for the perfect glide. It’s all about thinking green and travelling smart.

Already a global phenomenon the Ninebot ONE, which can go a maximum speed of 18 km/h, is like a super refinement of the skateboard - but not quite! Sort of like a giant coloured shell on steroids - but not exactly! In fact, Ninebot ONE is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, or ridden before.

“The Ninebot ONE was first introduced globally in 2014 after months of research and development to ensure a quality product,” says Jonathan Cowen of Imperial Green Mobility. “There are other models already in the country but ours is the next generation. Once people step onto the Ninebot ONE there is no going back. We believe that electric transportation is the way of the future and the Ninebot One is the next step in the green mobility generation of personal transporters. It boasts no emissions nor does it use any fossil fuels for the greenest adventure ever.”

Made from top high-pressure magnesium used in the alloy frame and pedal, the Ninebot ONE is sturdy and strong. It’s also super safe. In addition to being skid resistant, it boasts a triple safety alarm including a sound, light and vibration that will emit to ensure a safe driving experience.

The alarm will be triggered by speeding, over leaning, low power, internal malfunction and overheating. The Ninebot ONE’s electrical system is fully sealed and safe to use in inclement weather (Capetonians can smile). The unit is also easy to clean with a simple spray down.

Additional features include a 16 inch ultra-thin

powerful brushless motor with Ninebot sine wave frequency conversion technology, an instrument dashboard and customisable light setting and remote firmware updating. A noteworthy benefit of the Ninebot ONE’s modular design is that it allows riders to disassemble and replace components on their own – even those with little to no DIY skills.

Shells come with tens of thousands of colours choices, with various colour kits available, so you can change your hue to suite your mood. A Ninedroid 2.0 App will also be available in Apple store and Android Market soon so you can download information and keep track of where you are, at any given time and in any given location.

“Imperial Green Mobility continues to inspire through innovative transportation products and solutions, with a goal to create a simpler more sustainable future,” says Cohen. “The Ninebot ONE has all the makings needed to revolutionise the transport industry.

There is no reason why it cannot one day become an alternative to conventional transport and help with inner city congestion. As it is portable it can be taken on public transport, used to get you to the public transport stop and to complete the journey after alighting from your chosen form of public transport.”

The Ninebot One is available online through Imperial Green’s website (www.imperialgreen.co.za) and will be available at retail outlets soon.

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There are other models already in the country but ours is the next generation.

Once people step onto the Ninebot ONE there is no going back. We believe that electric transportation is the way of the future and the Ninebot One is the next step in the green mobility generation of personal transporters. It boasts no emissions nor does it use any fossil fuels for the greenest adventure ever.

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Green FM News

NEDBANK NOTCHES ANOTHER CONVENTION CLINCHER

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urthering its commitment to greener, more sustainable South African buildings, Property Finance at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (NCIB), will again be the principal sponsor of the Green Building Convention hosted by the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

The annual Green Building Convention is leading the sustainability journey in the South African property industry by bringing the country’s significant property players together around inspirational thought and action for our built environment.

This important event has built a formidable reputation for helping move South Africa towards more innovation and future-orientated thinking to “inspire better buildings”.

Property Finance at NCIB has long been a strong supporter of the convention and the efforts of the GBCSA. It has sponsored the convention since its inception eight years ago. This strong partnership is helping to create healthier and more productive environments for people and communities.

Widely recognised as South Africa’s ‘green bank’, Nedbank has achieved an impressive sustainability journey of its own, which includes an array of notable firsts in the industry.

Its head office on 135 Rivonia Road was awarded South Africa’s first ever Green Star SA rating issued by the GBCSA in 2009.

Today, Nedbank owns and occupies five Green Star SA rated buildings including the Menlyn Maine Nedbank Falcon building, which has just become the first building in the country to achieve a 4-Star Office v1 Design, 5-Star Office v1 As Built, as well as a 4-Star EBP Pilot Green Star SA ratings.

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA says Nedbank’s continued support and sponsorship of the Green Building Convention further reinforces its green leadership.

“The support and primary sponsorship

by Nedbank over the past eight years has elevated the stature of the Green Building Convention to a platform for serious change,” says Wilkinson.

The GBCSA’s annual Green Building Convention will be held from November 2-6 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This year’s programme promises a host of top-notch speakers and thought-provoking topics as well as outstanding networking opportunities with key decision-makers and industry professionals. n

Brian Wilkinson, CEO of the GBCSA.

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Newell Rubbermaid

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Franke Kitchens

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Subscription Request 5

Knowmore SA

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Red Alert

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Ritlee 24

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IFC

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August 2013 jFM