Table of contents for April - May 2018 in Facility Management

As with the general workforce, the average age of facility managers is increasing. The seminal ‘Raising the Bar’ report showed that for facility management professional members of the Royal Institute of Chartered surveyors, more are over 70 than under 30. There’s no doubt the industry needs to attract new blood, as well as continue to upskill the people working in FM. In this issue, consultant Donald Macdonald looks at what can be done to win the battle for talent and address the skills gap. Macdonald acknowledges the average school student isn’t likely to identify facility management alongside fire-fighter or astronaut when dreaming about their future careers, but notes FM needs to be embedded into the curriculum. To that end, there’s an amazing pilot program in the UK that is taking…

A new study by ‘Quality of Life’ service provider Sodexo has found that teams managed by a balanced mix of men and women are more successful across a range of measurements. The five-year, one-of-a-kind study of 70 entities across different functions represents 50,000 managers worldwide. The study found operating margins, client satisfaction and employee retention, among other key performance indicators, were all higher among gender-balanced teams, meaning a ratio between 40 and 60 percent women to men. Sue Black, Sodexo Global HR director, Energy and Resources, said: “These results add a new, compelling dimension to a growing body of research that demonstrates the business benefits of gender equity. “The distinctive nature of the study, with its examination of both financial and non-financial performance indicators across so many levels of management…

CIMIC Group company UGL has been awarded a contract to continue to provide asset management and project-related services at BP fuel terminals across Australia, by Australian Terminal Operations Management (ATOM). Under the contract extension, UGL will provide project, engineering and maintenance services to ATOM, an incorporated 50:50 joint venture between BP Australia and UGL, generating revenue to UGL of around $150 million over several years. CIMIC Group chief executive officer Michael Wright said: “We are proud to extend our longstanding relationship with BP and to continue to provide leading asset services to the downstream oil and gas industry in Australia.” UGL managing director Jason Spears said: “Securing this contract extension reflects UGL’s commitment to delivering innovative and cost-effective operations and maintenance services that optimise asset utilisation and the reliability of…

As the service assurance manager for BAE Systems Australia, Marcus Zeuschner is leading the redesign of the property and facilities management capability for the defence contracting giant. And his goal is simple – to elevate those capabilities from the basement to the boardroom. “With my team, we’re looking at how we make the shift from a product focus to service excellence and I see there are many parallels with facility management – moving FM from that ‘basement’ scenario focused on technical expertise into areas where it can drive strategic value for a business,” Zeuschner says. “So what I’ve been doing here with BAE, and especially the facilities function over the last two years, is to understand its role within the business. Why does the function exist? What are the value…

Since the beginning of recorded history, as soon as humans have had anything of value there has been the commensurate need and desire to protect it and prevent others from acquiring it. Keeping objects safe has been mirrored by the necessity of keeping people safe – utilising a security system that ensures danger is kept out. With our rapidly ageing population and concurrent rise in people in need of in-home care, this has become increasingly paramount. But the particular requirements of those in such situations mean that the traditional mechanical lock and key system may no longer be the best solution when it comes to access control, both for those in need of security and those who need to gain access to such premises. The huge advantage this system has…

When it comes to the construction sector, the importance placed on energy conservation, efficiency and reduction of emissions, while maintaining operational performance is of upmost priority. This was truly reflected in a recent project undertaken by Perigon and NHP – Student One, 363 Adelaide Street in Brisbane, Queensland. Also based in Brisbane, Perigon brings to market an extensive portfolio of successful projects, ranging from industrial installations and high-rise buildings to small call-outs and maintenance services. Like NHP, Perigon is Australian owned and operated, providing electrical and communications engineering and contracting services to industry through specifically tailored designs, quality installation and sustainable solutions. Toward the end of 2015, Perigon was engaged to supply and install the electrical, communications and security services on a high-end student accommodation refurbishment that occupied almost 15,000…

When I was interviewed for my profile in the October 2017 issue of FM magazine it was an excellent opportunity, at the milestone age of 40, to pause and reflect on my career and achievements to date. I now find myself facing a very common midlife conundrum, taking stock of my career to-do list and pondering… ‘what next?’ My husband builds shopping centres. He enjoys what he does, but still quietly yearns to build a football stadium or a power station for the thrill of the new and unknown. It’s a shared sensation among my peers and I believe being professionally curious is an underrated virtue and one that should be encouraged at any age. I am naturally inquisitive about things outside my normal scope of work and recognise how…

As many facilities managers will be aware, the roll-out of the NBN (national broadband network) has brought with it some significant issues for lift operation, in particular with regards to the disconnection of emergency lift phones. In January of this year, The Sunday Telegraph reported that lift phones across Sydney were being affected, leaving thousands of people “at risk of being trapped and with no way to call for help”. The Federal Government’s NBN scheme is intended to replace most existing fixed telephone and internet networks, but this means that during any power outages, emergency lift phones will no longer be operational. This has serious wider ramifications, with fire service panels and medical alert systems also potentially affected. The NBN good practice guide itself advises users to “find an alternative”.…

Keeping tight security on a building is essential for its tenants and owners, making access management a high priority for facility management teams. Facing challenges around maintaining site security has been commonplace, however, especially in view of the inherent flaws of mechanical master key systems. This really comes to the fore when a key is lost or, worse, stolen. Ask any security, facility or asset management firm and they will know intimately the major compromise to a site’s security a missing key can bring. Such was the case at the iconic 1 O’Connell Street building in Sydney’s financial district near Circular Quay. In 2014 Vaughn Papworth and a JLL management team, took on the management of the building; however, keys had gone missing previously and the site had already patched…

Martin Leitch FM Scope Martin Leitch is a prominent Workplace Management (FM) professional with in excess of 30 years’ experience in delivering a wide range of consultancy and education services. He is principal consultant with strategic workplace consultancy, FM Scope. Martin has delivered a range of strategic FM consultancy services to public and private sector organisations in the UK, Australia and SE Asia. Rodney Timm Director Property Beyond Rodney Timm has in excess of 30 years’ experience in the construction and real estate industries, having been involved in property and facilities management, agency, valuation, strategic planning, investment and development. He has provided consultancy services to the property funds managers, government agencies and the corporate real estate sector. His particular focus is portfolio strategy, functional reviews, asset life cycle, outsourcing arrangements…

Adam Beck Executive Director SMART CITIES COUNCIL AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Adam Beck is founding executive director of Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand, an organisation dedicated to accelerating sustainability outcomes in cities and towns through the adoption of technology, data and intelligent design. Adam is also an ambassador with Portland-based think tank EcoDistricts, where he was previously director of innovation. Prior to this Adam was executive director at the Green Building Council of Australia, and lecturer and studio lead in social impact assessment and community engagement at the University of Queensland. Adam Schultz GM Australia & VP Business Development BUDDY PLATFORM Adam Schultz is the Australian GM and VP Business Development for Buddy Platform, where he is jointly responsible for the Australian operations as well as business development opportunities for…

Academy Services Pty Ltd – D36 561 CHURCHILL ROAD KILBURN SA 5084 T: 1300 300 959 W: www.academyservices.com.au E: maurov@academyservices.com.au Our commercial cleaning services are backed by a 39-year heritage, industry-leading innovation and a drive to deliver quality, consistency and value. Through continual improvement processes, we constantly refine our approach to service focusing on what our clients desire most in a commercial cleaning provider: quality, consistency and value. Access Hardware – D15 74-92 GRACIE STREET NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051 T: 1800 555 600 W: www.accesshardware.com.au E: online@accesshardware.com.au Access Hardware started as an architectural hardware and locksmith business in 1975. If you manage a commercial, residential, government or industrial site, we can help with security upgrades and maintenance programs. Our branches are in most capital cities and we operate a mobile…

A Facility Management content partner is an organisation with which we’ve entered into a partnership to collaborate on content for the magazine. In this issue, thought leaders from their respective organisations are: ASSA ABLOY’S SCOTT SIEGA Scott Siega is the national sales manager – EAC for ASSA ABLOY Australia. BILLI’S ADRIAN CUGNETTO Adrian Cugnetto is the marketing manager for Billi Pty Ltd. HUMANSCALE’S JAIME SINCLAIR Jaime Sinclair is ACT manager – Humanscale.…

The Australia and New Zealand Recycling Platform (ANZRP) has announced the appointment of Warren Overton as its new chief executive officer. In a statement, ANZRP said Overton is a highly regarded advocate and spokesperson with more than 20 years’ experience in sustainability, including executive roles in business, industry associations and government. Most recently, he served as director, Business and Built Environment at Sustainability Victoria. Before then he was co-founder and managing director of Viridis, a national sustainability consulting business operating in four states. Overton will lead ANZRP through the final stages and aftermath of the current regulatory review of the Product Stewardship Act, and drive further expansion of its mission to be a leading product stewardship partner. Please see page 30 of this issue of FM for an article by…

In the last issue of FM we travelled back in time to look at how drinking water has been accessed in kitchens historically, coming right up-to-date with the innovative filtration chilled, boiling and sparkling water systems available today. But kitchens aren’t the only rooms where a constant supply of clean water is a necessity. Bathrooms and washrooms also require an uninterrupted flow, not just for plumbing and sewerage systems, but for hygiene purposes. Before we go any further, though, let’s consider terminology. English people often get either frustrated or amused by the use of the word ‘bathroom’ to denote a room that simply contains toilets and washbasins and yet is completely devoid of baths or showers. Likewise ‘rest room’ seems a strange euphemism. Of course, people often take a seat…

Globalisation, the gig economy, increasing property costs and automation are greatly changing our daily work. This is particularly relevant in facilities management, which is at the forefront of workplace change. But not only that – how people interact and work together is shifting dramatically. And this impacts facilities management in a different way. According to research from The Foundation for Young Australians, by 2030 today’s young people will need to work more independently and rely less on receiving explicit instructions and dedicated teaching. This means that both leaders and employees will need different skills for the future of work. It’s no secret that the average age of facilities management professionals is 47. For some time, the industry has failed to attract younger professionals. The need for the facilities management profession…

In 2018 we return to Melbourne with an exciting new Smart Zone, our largest education program ever, as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of the MCEC expansion, leadership breakfasts, networking events and more. All this sits alongside the largest showcase of facility products and services in the southern hemisphere. So while there are over 150 leading FM brands to meet, don’t forget to factor in all the other events and activities to be found on the show floor. KONE Smart Building Theatre New for 2018, the KONE Smart Building Theatre offers deeper insight into future-proofing your building or workplace for the new era. Join expert panellists as they debate the impact of IoT, energy innovations and real life case studies to help you improve your building performance. Full Speaker Program…

Diversified engineering and infrastructure company RCR Tomlinson has been awarded a contract, valued at around $93 million, by BAE Systems Australia to deliver facility management services for the Australian Defence Force Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) Phase 6 Project. RCR’s scope of work, across all multiple remote Australian radar locations, includes accommodation and cleaning services, fire systems, electrical and power generation maintenance, grounds maintenance, water treatment and waste management, and HVAC and bulk fuel maintenance. The company announced the contract is for five years with a further five year option. It said the billion-dollar JORN Phase 6 project is an essential works program to support the operational life of JORN beyond 2042, and involves the replacement of most of the radar and frequency management system hardware, information and communication technology…

Desks have remained relatively unchanged for decades, yet the workflow and tools that we use have changed considerably. As a result, today’s office workers now face problems with the design of most desks. Considering the various risks of sedentary behaviour, there is more need than ever for a simple yet sophisticated ergonomic solution. Height-adjustable tables and desks can alleviate much of the stress placed on the worker’s body and encourage healthy posture throughout the day. Beyond health benefits, studies show that intermittent standing can increase productivity levels through a reduction in work break time. In fact, in one study, non-standers took an average of 47 percent more work breaks than standers and the duration of work breaks was 56 percent longer for non-standers than that of standers. Fundamental challenges of…

It had been a reasonably straightforward panel discussion on the future of work. Marcus had been asked to contextualise the built environment in an otherwise technology-slanted group of experts. While he didn’t see himself as an expert in that field, he was confident nevertheless with his theories around what constituted progress in facilities management and the impacts technological change were having. By the end of the most thought provoking 45 minutes in his career, however, he was aware of gaping holes in his appreciation of the nature of this change. Instead of focusing on what practitioners should and should not be doing, he realised how exponential changes have become and how technologies are fast converging, at worst rendering the familiar obsolete for some people and at best unfashionable for the…