GREEN FACTS - ECO FRIEDLLY FACTORIES

Sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly operations are becoming the standard in every industry to increases bottom line and protect the future of our planet.

Energy efficiency to cut

Regularly replace HVAC filters, check window seals and use caulking and weather stripping to insulate buildings. Make use of CFL fixtures and programmable thermostats to reduce energy waste.

Renewable energy and

Green energy from wind, solar, hydro, or biomass sources is a reliable and consistent source of clean on-site energy that can even contribute back to the grid. Build your own source of renewable green energy on the premises.

Reduce and reuse cycle

Less waste means less money spent on waste removal, lower costs on raw materials and higher levels of efficiency overall. Use inexpensive post-consumer recycled raw materials and redesign packaging to avoid wasteful materials.

Planned and pre-assembled building components reduce waste to 10%. Because the building parts are factory-made, measurements are precise. Large pieces fit together whereupon the unit is sealed tightly to conserve energy. The construction renders almost zero waste and air & noise pollution.

Conserve water

A water efficiency program is a smart way to conserve water in heating, cooling, treating and disposing of it. Appropriate technology can help to minimize discharges to sewers and waste-water.

Cut back on pollution

Staunch the flow of waste at its source, eliminate raw materials from the manufacturing process that aren't needed in the final product. Use in-process recycling to get the most out of the materials and recycle used equipment instead of sending it to simmer in a landfill.

CHEMICALS TO COMBAT HOSPITAL INFECTION (HAI)

The medical care industry in India has grown multifold and upgraded its facilities by providing a clean environment or even a five star hospital experience to its patients. But to what level have hospitals upgraded their cleaning programme is a subject to be revisited.

Disinfection of the patient environment is a key component of the infection prevention and control process in a hospital. One of the most critical interventions that can be performed to decrease the risk for cross-transmission and the development of hospital acquired infection (HAI) is routine cleaning and sanitizing of the medical care environment. This includes both medical equipment and environmental surfaces. In order to gain cleaning efficiencies, one needs to be strong enough to justify its labour resources and have the tools to forecast staffing, chemical and equipment needs. Medical care facilities:

• need to protect their patients, families and staff
• need both conventional and sustainable programmes and products to aid in reducing infection rates and cost within their facilities

Threat and Objectives:

• Gain cleaning efficiencies

• Mitigate HAI risk

• Reduce overall maintenance costs

The Indian cleaning market now consists of a wide range of products both domestic as well international, making selection of the right product a challenge. One needs to assess the level of cleaning, disinfecting, sanitation and sterilization required in the facility. There are a few simple steps to identify the right product.

Common Surface Disinfectants:

Synthetic phenols kill a wide range of organisms and are widely used in operating rooms. They are excellent products for destroying the tuberculosis organism and do not lose their effectiveness in a soiled environment. They are corrosive and should never be used around newborns.

Quats are the most widely used disinfectants in market today. Due to their versatility and cost effectiveness, they kill a wide range of microorganisms including Staph, Salmonella, and Pseudomonas.

Quats are less corrosive and are used in schools, institutions, supermarkets and hospital settings.

Hypochlorite/Bleach is corrosive and should be restricted in use. It should not be used in general building operations because of the potential of interacting with other chemicals, which can result in a toxic gas. Although it can be used as a disinfectant or sanitizer, it is not an effective cleaner. Never mix bleach with another chemical.

Hydrogen Peroxide is more user-friendly ingredient versus bleach and will perform similar tasks. Peroxide products demonstrate versatility in cleaning glass, hard surfaces, carpets and restrooms. These are the most sustainable of the disinfectant products.

Iodine is a powerful disinfectant that, when used in the form of iodophors, will kill a wider range of pathogens than quats and phenolics. As a primary use disinfectant it is not desirable due to its staining properties. Because of iodine’s acidic qualities, its use is restricted to specialized areas, such as surgical settings.

Alcohol provides an efficient means of killing pathogens. Typically, ethyl or isopropyl alcohol is used for smaller area surface disinfection. These products are usually packaged in sealed aerosols or smaller-use containers, since alcohol can pose a fire hazard.

Sanitizers are used to reduce, but not necessarily eliminate, microorganisms from the inanimate environment to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations. Sanitizers are normally used in food service, food preparation, food processing areas and hand care products. The entire range of these products is available now in the Indian market. It is important to understand these chemicals not only for their efficacy, use and application but also in terms of their environmental effect. These products are mostly used in closed small areas and thus, the level of VOC needs to be referred to as acknowledged by the EPA. High level of VOC also has an adverse effect, as it promotes multiplication of certain bacteria.

Hence, there is urgency for the medical care segment to create a standard of cleanliness which is the best line of defense against HAIs. The need for right products for cleaning, disinfection and sanitation has never been so grave before. The time is ripe for facilities to adopt cleaning practices in the best interest of patients, healthcare professionals, and society in general.

HOW TO CONTROL SPENDING AND START SAVING

The biggest challenge for young investors is to control spending. Here are eight ways you can transform from a spender to a saver

You may have landed yourself a good job, earn a fat salary and have a bright future. Yet, none of this is quite evident when you look at your savings. This is not a one-off case and you are not the only one to have not paid heed to saving for the future. Young people often find it difficult to save in the initial years of their careers. Studies reveal that discretionary spending can be as high as 18-20% of the income for young people. A 2011 study by Assocham revealed that almost 35% of the urban youth spend up to 5,000 a month on clothing alone. This is one of the reasons most young people have such low savings. “Gen Y usually focuses on their EMIs, but ignores their SIPs. They want to splurge on the latest smartphones and the newest cars but not save for their future.

Discipline and self-regulation are the cornerstones of a successful investment plan. We know it is difficult to salt away money when everyone around you is spending as if there is no tomorrow.

There is tremendous peer pressure and even the most level-headed youngsters can stumble. Our cover story this week looks at 8 secret mantras that can help transform a spendthrift into a saver.

MANTRA #1 SAVE BEFORE YOU SPEND Many people are not able to save enough because they don't have anything left after all their expenses. Their financial equation is: Income Expenses = Savings. Legendary investor Warren Buffett offers a simple solution. He says the equation should be changed to Income Savings = Expenses. Instead of saving what is left after expenses, you should spend what is left after you are done with your savings for the month.

We know controlling expenses is easier said than done. However hard you may try, there will be some expense that will gobble up the surplus and prevent you from saving. The solution lies in automating your savings. If you give an ECS mandate to your bank for an SIP, the money will automatically flow into your mutual fund even before you can withdraw it. Ideally, the savings should flow into an investment option that does not allow easy withdrawals. This is one of the reasons that make the Provident Fund such an effective tool for long-term savings. Every month, the employee's contribution is deducted from the salary and deposited into his PF account.

The money keeps growing till the person retires. He can access the corpus before retirement only in certain circumstances.

MANTRA #2 WAIT BEFORE YOU SPLURGE The urge to buy something you like can be overwhelming. Easy financing options and plastic money prevent an individual from distinguishing his wants from his needs. Whenever you want to buy something expensive but not essential, follow the 30-day rule. Just postpone the purchase by 30 days. During that period, think hard whether you really want the item. At the end of the month, if you still want to buy it, go ahead and purchase it. However, if the item was not really essential, you will get over the urge to buy and will probably junk the idea.

This simple rule works very effectively in case of gadgets, apparel, footwear and accessories. It's also not very difficult to follow because you don't actually deny yourself the item. You merely postpone the purchase by a month. As a fringe benefit, you also get to research the item over the next 30 days.

There is another guideline that can help you know the difference between wants and needs. The 30-minute rule says that if you are unlikely to use an item for at least 30 minutes a day on average, you should not buy it. The fancy coffee maker is really no use if you take it out once a month. Of course, this rule is only for gadgets and appliances and should not apply to other essential household items.

MANTRA #3 AVOID USING PLASTIC MONEY Credit and debit cards are essential because an increasing number of our financial transactions take place online.

However, plastic can be dangerous in the hands of a reckless spender. Studies show that people tend to overspend if they use a credit card for a purchase. If they have to make the payment in cash, they feel the pinch. Since the credit card user only signs on the slip, the full impact of the purchase is not felt.

To suppress the shopaholic inside you, leave your debit and credit cards behind when you go to the mall. Take cash instead. Experts recommend some extreme measures for serious shopping addicts. Some say you should just note down the card details and then cut the card into pieces so that you can't use it anymore. Others suggest you keep the card in a paper sleeve and stick pictures of your kids or spouse on it. You will be reminded of the other goals you may be jeopardising when you swipe the card for an unnecessary purchase. “Keep in mind that every craving sets you back when it comes to reaching your long-term goals". One bizarre idea is to literally freeze your card inside a block of ice. It won't damage the card, but the user will have to wait for the ice to melt before he can access it. However, we believe the average spender won't have to resort to such extreme measures.

Just keeping the card in a safe place instead of carrying it around in the wallet is good enough.

MANTRA #4 START SMALL TO SAVE BIG At the beginning of your career, your income may not be very high. In many cases, there is a very small investible surplus after the all the expenses. Still, this should not hold you back from saving. For a young investor, the low quantum of investment is more than made up by the long period available for the money to grow. The magic of compounding ensures that even a small sum grows into a gargantuan amount over the long term. The investment can be scaled up as the income grows in the coming years. However, it is difficult for the average investor to maintain the discipline required for this approach over a long period of time. Mutual fund investors start SIPs but don't enhance the amount every year. Ulip investors pay the same premium year after year without any top-ups. Investors in recurring deposits and fixed deposit don't even have the option to increase their investment in the same account.

MANTRA #5 DON'T BE PRESSURED TO SPEND Everybody's financial situation is different. Just because your colleague has bought a new car or booked a flat in a fancy location does not mean you should follow suit. 

When it comes to big-ticket items like cars and houses, do the math carefully before committing expenses. For instance, the total cost of ownership of a car is much higher than the price quoted by the dealer. You also have to include the cost of fuel, insurance, servicing, spares and repair. There are a few rules for buying a car. The price of the car should not be more than 60% of your annual household income. The EMI should not be more than 15% of your monthly income or 30% of your investible surplus after expenses. Besides, a new car should be used for at least 8 years for complete return on investment. Similarly, assess how much you really need the new smartphone before upgrading.

MANTRA #6 LEVY LUXURY TAX ON YOURSELF The intention of this article is not to make you deny yourself the very luxuries that you have worked for so hard to attain. Every now and then, you need to treat yourself and your family to some fun as well. 

If a dinner and movie with the family costs him 2,000, another 2,000 is put into his savings. There is another advantage of this rule. 

MANTRA #7 DON'T SPEND TO DE-STRESS For many people, spending can be therapeutic. It is a way to unwind after a stressful day and gives the person a sense of control. However, the aftermath of this de-stressing exercise can be even more stressful if it burns a big hole in your pocket. Worse still, if the bills you pile up remain unpaid, because it will definitely hurt your credit score and you might find yourself denied a bank loan if you happen to require one. “You must use your credit card wisely and with caution. If you use more than 30% of your total available credit card limit, it will affect your credit score adversely.

Do you also frequently head to the mall and pick up stuff to fight depression and anxiety? Get a grip on the situation and look for healthier (and less costly) alternatives to unwinding. When you feel overwhelmed by the urge to go on a shopping spree, go for a stroll in the park or do some light exercise.

This will act as a distraction and ease the urge to spend.

MANTRA #8 FIX A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT This should have been the first mantra, but has been deliberately brought up at the end because Gen Y is put off by the B word. The fact is that setting up a budget is the first step towards prudent financial planning, and it's not too difficult. You have to just set a limit on how much you are going to spend on your clothes, travel, movies and eating out in a month, and stick to your budget. Budgeting also helps you keep tabs on the itsy-bitsy expenses, such as casual shopping for clothes, eating out, gifting, and entertainment. Most of the time, these smaller items go unnoticed even though they take up a large portion of the total monthly expenditure.

In the good old days, financial planners advocated the `envelope' method, where the outlay for each head was put in separate envelopes. Now you can sign up with a money management portal.

These websites aggregate all your finances, from savings bank accounts and credit cards to loan payments and mutual fund SIPs. They help you keep track of your money , alerting you when a payment is due or when you have overspent under a certain head.

20 THINGS TO START DOING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Family isn't always blood.  They’re the people in your life who appreciate having you in theirs – the ones who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways, and who not only embrace who you are now, but also embrace and embody who you want to be.  These people – your real family – are the ones who truly matter.

Here are twenty tips to help you find and foster these special relationships.

1.  FREE YOURSELF FROM NEGATIVE PEOPLE.

Spend time with nice people who are smart, driven and like minded.  Relationships should help you, not hurt you.  Surround yourself with people who reflect the person you want to be.  Choose friends who you are proud to know, people you admire, who love and respect you – people who make your day a little brighter simply by being in it.  Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.  When you free yourself from negative people, you free yourself to be YOU – and being YOU is the only way to truly live.

2.  LET GO OF THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY GONE.

The sad truth is that there are some people who will only be there for you as long as you have something they need.  When you no longer serve a purpose to them, they will leave.  The good news is, if you tough it out, you’ll eventually weed these people out of your life and be left with some great people you can count on.  We rarely lose friends and lovers, we just gradually figure out who our real ones are.  So when people walk away from you, let them go.   Your destiny is never tied to anyone who leaves you.  It doesn't mean they are bad people; it just means that their part in your story is over.

3.  GIVE PEOPLE YOU DON’T KNOW A FAIR CHANCE.

When you look at a person, any person, remember that everyone has a story.  Everyone has gone through something that has changed them, and forced them to grow.  Every passing face on the street represents a story every bit as compelling and complicated as yours.  We meet no ordinary people in our lives.  If you give them a chance, everyone has something amazing to offer.  So appreciate the possibility of new relationships as you naturally let go of old ones that no longer work.  Trust your judgment.  Embrace new relationships, knowing that you are entering into unfamiliar territory.  Be ready to learn, be ready for a challenge, and be ready to meet someone that might just change your life forever.

4.  SHOW EVERYONE KINDNESS AND RESPECT.

Treat everyone with kindness and respect, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.  There are no boundaries or classes that define a group of people that deserve to be respected.  Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.  People will notice your kindness.

5.  ACCEPT PEOPLE JUST THE WAY THEY ARE.

In most cases it’s impossible to change them anyway, and it’s rude to try.  So save yourself from needless stress.  Instead of trying to change others, give them your support and lead by example.

6.  ENCOURAGE OTHERS AND CHEER FOR THEM.

Having an appreciation for how amazing the people around you are leads to good places – productive, fulfilling, peaceful places.  So be happy for those who are making progress.  Cheer for their victories.  Be thankful for their blessings, openly.  What goes around comes around, and sooner or later the people you’re cheering for will start cheering for you.

7.  BE YOUR IMPERFECTLY PERFECT SELF.

In this crazy world that’s trying to make you like everyone else, find the courage to keep being your awesome self.  And when they laugh at you for being different, laugh back at them for being the same.  Spend more time with those who make you smile and less time with those who you feel pressured to impress.  Be your imperfectly perfect self around them.  We are not perfect for everyone, we are only perfect for those select few people that really take the time to get to know us and love us for who we really are.  And to those select few, being our imperfectly perfect self is what they love about us.

8.  FORGIVE PEOPLE AND MOVE FORWARD.

Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate.  Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.”  It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.”  Forgiveness is the remedy.  It doesn't mean you’re erasing the past, or forgetting what happened.  It means you’re letting go of the resentment and pain, and instead choosing to learn from the incident and move on with your life.  Remember, the less time you spend hating the people who hurt you, the more time you’ll have to love the people who love you.

9.  DO LITTLE THINGS EVERY DAY FOR OTHERS.

Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.  You can’t be everything to everyone, but you can be everything to a few people.  Decide who these people are in your life and treat them like royalty.

10. PAY ATTENTION TO WHO YOUR REAL FRIENDS ARE.

As we grow up, we realize it becomes less important to have more friends and more important to have real ones.  Remember, life is kind of like a party.  You invite a lot of people, some leave early; some stay all night, some laugh with you, some laugh at you, and some show up really late.  But in the end, after the fun, there are a few who stay to help you clean up the mess.  And most of the time, they aren't even the ones who made the mess.  These people are your real friends in life.  They are the ones who matter most.

11. ALWAYS BE LOYAL. 

True love and real friendship aren't about being inseparable. These relationships are about two people being true to each other even when they are separated.  When it comes to relationships, remaining faithful is never an option, but a priority.  Loyalty is everything.

12. STAY IN BETTER TOUCH WITH PEOPLE WHO MATTER TO YOU.

In human relationships distance is not measured in miles, but in affection.  Two people can be right next to each other, yet miles apart.  So don’t ignore someone you care about, because lack of concern hurts more than angry words.  Stay in touch with those who matter to you.  Not because it’s convenient, but because they’re worth the extra effort.  Remember, you don’t need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends you can be certain of.  Paying attention to these people is a priority.

13. KEEP YOUR PROMISES AND TELL THE TRUTH.

If you say you’re going to do something, DO IT!  If you say you’re going to be somewhere, BE THERE!  If you say you feel something, MEAN IT!  If you can’t, won’t, and don’t, then DON’T LIE.  It’s always better to tell people the truth up front.  Don’t play games with people’s heads and hearts.  Don’t tell half-truths and expect people to trust you when the full truth comes out; half-truths are no better than lies.  Remember, love and friendships don’t hurt.  Lying, cheating and screwing with people’s feelings and emotions hurts.  Never mess with someone’s feelings just because you’re unsure of yours.  Always be open and honest.

14. GIVE WHAT YOU WANT TO RECEIVE.

Don’t expect what you are not willing to give.  Start practicing the golden rule.  If you want love, give love.  If you want friends, be friendly.  If you want money, provide value.  It works.  It really is this simple.

15. SAY WHAT YOU MEAN AND MEAN WHAT YOU SAY.

Give the people in your life the information they need, rather than expecting them to know the unknowable.  Information is the grease that keeps the engine of communication functioning.  Start communicating clearly.  Don’t try to read other people’s minds, and don’t make other people try to read yours.  Most problems, big and small, within a family, friendship, or business relationships, start with bad communication.

16. ALLOW OTHERS TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS.

Do not judge others by your own past.  They are living a different life than you are.  What might be good for one person may not be good for another.  What might be bad for one person might change another person’s life for the better.  Allow people to make their own mistakes and their own decisions.

17. TALK A LITTLE LESS, AND LISTEN MORE.

Less advice is often the best advice.  People don’t need lots of advice; they need a listening ear and some positive reinforcement.  What they want to know is often already somewhere inside of them.  They just need time to think, be and breathe, and continue to explore the undirected journeys that will eventually help them find their direction.

18. LEAVE PETTY ARGUMENTS ALONE.

Someone else doesn't have to be wrong for you to be right.  There are many roads to what’s right.  And most of the time it just doesn't matter that much.

19. IGNORE UNCONSTRUCTIVE, HURTFUL COMMENTARY.

No one has the right to judge you.  They might have heard your stories, but they didn't feel what you were going through.  No matter what you do, there will always be someone who thinks differently.  So concentrate on doing what you know in your heart is right.  What most people think and say about you isn't all that important.  What is important is how you feel about yourself.

20. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF.

One of the most painful things in life is losing yourself in the process of loving others too much, and forgetting that you are special too.  When was the last time someone told you that they loved you just the way you are, and that what you think and how you feel matters?  When was the last time someone told you that you did a good job, or took you someplace, simply because they know you feel happy when you’re there?  When was the last time that ‘someone’ was YOU?

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHILE BUYING A HOUSE

First-time home-buyers do not make property investments in a hurry. Take your time, study the market carefully and then make an informed choice.

No feeling in the world compares with moving out of your parents’ house or rented accommodation any buying a home of your own. And while the real estate market is currently very much in favor of buyers – buying a home as soon as you can afford to can sometimes be a mistake.

Some of the mistakes many first-time home-buyers commit can have serious repercussions on the value that they are finally able to obtain from their property purchase. Here are some of these mistakes:

Not checking out all the options

Due to limited knowledge of the local real estate market or dependence on a broker with a limited portfolio, we choose a home merely because it fits our budget. There is a sense of helplessness involved, we wish we had more options, but there do not appear to be any. This is a patent mistake. In any large city, new projects are being launched regularly and fresh options on the resale market become available almost every day. Any of these projects or units could represent a better deal.

Often, we succumb to pressure of the real estate broker and accept that even this particular unit will be gone within a couple of days. If one is using real estate brokers at all, it makes sense to engage more than one of them as the spread of options increase dramatically.

Inflexible focus on ready-to-move-in

In any growing real estate market, under-construction projects are cheaper than ready-to-move-in properties. In many cases, the locations and specifications of these projects are superior to anything that is currently available.

If one has been living in rented accommodation for a considerable length of time, opting for an under-construction flat and waiting for a year longer can make a huge difference in capital expenditure as well as overall comfort and lifestyle. You could have the benefit of a larger home and the advantages of better security, a clubhouse and a swimming pool for the same price that a normal ready-to-possess home would cost you today.

Failing to get home loan pre-qualification

Few people buy a house these days without bargaining with the developer, nor should they. This is a privilege that every aspiring home owner has, and one should make use of it.

However, attempting to negotiate with developers without being able to demonstrate actual purchasing power is a mistake. There are two essentials for success at the negotiation table – a down-payment and pre-qualification for a home loan. These two factors combine to give the developer sufficient reason to take the buyer seriously, and offer a better deal. Without them, he or she could be just another ‘window shopper’.

If your job is contractual in nature, make sure you take into account your other assets in case you are not able to pay your equated monthly installments on time. A lender generally takes into account such risks, the number of years you've been with a company etc. before finalizing a loan.

Not factoring in your family’s growth

A single bedroom flat or even studio apartment will undoubtedly meet the requirements of a bachelor or a newly married couple.

However, there is a ‘growth curve’ that needs to be factored in – most bachelors eventually seek to marry, and most married coupled will have children.

Also, elderly family members who are still able and content to manage on their own today may not be able to do so in a few years’ time.

In other words, it does not pay to think too small while buying a flat. It makes sense to budget for both finances as well as future needs while buying a home.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Here are some pointers for getting your daily work schedule under control:

Start a log: Get a clearer idea of how you currently use your time. Keep a daily log for a week. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you need to allot for each task. Energy levels may vary throughout the day – most people function at different levels of effectiveness at different times. Once you have logged your time and tasks for several days, analyze the log. You may be alarmed to see the length of time you spend opening mail, talking to colleagues or dealing with disruptions.

Set reasonable goals: No one can be perfect. Difficult tasks usually result in avoidance; therefore, you need to set reasonable, achievable – but challenging – goals.

Create a plan of action: A lot of time management has to do more with what we are not doing rather than what we are doing. You need to start your day with a plan of action to be the most productive. Instead of responding to other people’s demands, do what is important for you to do.

Prioritize: Another way to manage your time is to prioritize your responsibilities and engagements: assignments need to get done that day; tasks are important and should be completed within the week; items are those tasks that are relatively trivial and can be done after the first two has been done. It is all right to carry some items to the next day.

Clean your desk: Besides keeping a log and prioritizing, cleaning your desk or work area is important.

Allow for quality sleep: Studies have shown that nearly 75% of us complain regularly that we are tired during the workday. If you plan your day and then work your plan, you will get more done and feel a greater sense of accomplishment – allowing for a more restful night’s sleep.

Take a break: Many managers and business owners do not take a lunch break and work through that time period in the hopes that it will give them more time to get things done. Studies have shown that the effects may be just the opposite.

After giving time management a fair chance, it will eventually become a habit.

EMERGING FACILITY MANAGEMENT (FM) TRENDS FOR 2014

As FM organizations continue to evolve and reposition themselves to gain a competitive advantage, the focus remains on increasing customer satisfaction and uncovering new ways to boost the bottom line.

The year ahead should bring an increasing trend in customers exploring how FM can help their business achieve competitive advantage, with companies taking a more strategic approach to FM resources and contracts. There will be more focus on aligning FM services with operational performance, to result in tangible cost savings, enhanced productivity and workforce efficiencies. The focus is rapidly shifting away from service-oriented discussion to value driven dialogue, meaning FM high achievers are thinking more strategically when responding to new opportunities by articulating a clear and measurable value proposition.

Cloud Computing

This year will see two main forms of cloud based building automation – hosted building management software (BMS) and active management analytics. Businesses that offer this combined package via the cloud will be well positioned for 2014.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) for HVAC

The use of BIM software application integrated with CAD systems will help architects, construction engineers and HVAC companies maintain greener and more sustainable buildings. The use of 3D, 4D and 5D modeling technology helps HVAC engineers in design, without needing to engage architects in decisions about duct sizes, electrical co-ordination or airflow specifications. It delivers significant energy savings by enabling engineers to focus on optimizing an entire building or system instead of its individual components, a compelling reason for the use of BIM in the FM world.

Data & Infrastructure Security

Biometric systems identification software is being used across a range of industries. The FM and commercial sector will see an increased use of Biometric systems over the next five years, delivering a more precise and environmentally friendly technology that provides a range of options – from access control to identity documentation.

The increased co-existence of motion detection devices and video surveillance being used in conjunction with HVAC systems is evident within the FM space. There lies huge benefit for FM managers where this technology aids the identification of maintenance issues, such as the detection of water leaks. Ultimately, motion detection allows businesses to be more functionally sound and proficient in day-to-day operations.

Software & Mobile Applications

Anytime, anywhere access to people and information via a mobile device is an integral component to businesses today making mobile technologies a critical element in the workplace. The year of 2014 will see the increased use of HTML5, fast becoming the mainstream method for deploying enterprise software on mobile devices. This is mostly because web apps provide native-like functionality and are cheaper to develop. They also offer almost the same level of interoperability with smartphone features as a native app, and accessible via a browser.

BYOD (bring you own device) technology and mobility integration will facilitate all facets of the workplace allowing for a doubling or even tripling of the mobile workforce. In response to this trend, we are seeing the introduction of enterprises policies on employee-owned hardware that outline clear objectives around employee access to company networks via personal devices. In 2014, organization should aim to create mobile policies that balance flexibility with confidentiality and privacy requirements of the business.

Total FM (TFM) contracts and workforce integration

Growth in FM will be driven by the proliferation of ‘Total FM’ style contracts, whereby opportunities in FM outsourcing will also include the needs of niche sectors, such as energy management and workplace planning. Margin pressures and the rationalization of internal processes has led companies to re-evaluating their maintenance contracts in order to gain value and reduce risks. Companies successful in FM over the coming years will be those that offer ‘end-to-end’ contract that cover multiple services, continuing the escalating trend of Business Process Outsourcing arrangements.

Outsourcing will be a strong trend continuing in 2014, meaning future leaders in the FM arena will need to be workforce integrators. FM managers will need to become strategic partners, as well as information providers with an emphasis on corporate and social responsibility practices and new technologies will be a key focus for FM integrators looking to remain competitive this year.

PROPERTY & ASSET MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

Property & Asset Management (PAM) practices, even globally, have taken time to evolve into a sophisticated business and delivery model. In India, its benefits are now available in the form of comprehensive real estate management.

Property Management is a discipline that integrates people, place, processes and technology to ensure the day-to-day operational functionality of a real estate asset. It involves handling of the routine operational functions on behalf of developers (engineering, security, soft services, landscaping, etc.) Further, Property Management involves planning and implementing strategic management plans such as coordination and procurement of service agreements, vendor management, risk management, operational health and safety and effective human resources management. Asset Management, on the other hand, is a long-term function. It involves creating and implementing strategies to optimize financial returns from a real estate asset and includes augmenting income streams, lease management, risk mitigation and enhancement of the utilization of the real estate asset in terms of benefits and financial returns.

Importance of Property & Asset Management

Property & Asset Management plays an important role in the real estate lifecycle. The adoption of professional management practices from the pre-occupancy stage optimizes a real estate asset’s performance and reduces its operating costs. This beneficial confluence of process efficiencies and cost savings is possible because PAM can assemble various resources, capabilities and technologies across the lifecycle of a real estate project to achieve the best possible delivery outcomes.

Pre-Occupancy Management: Involves coordinating the physical plan and design with the management plan and benchmarking equipment and other operational costs.

Post-Occupancy Management: At this stage, continuous upkeep of both built environment and equipment is required and minimizing of operational risks.

Renovation Management: Needs reassessing of the on-going services and infrastructure to optimize physical conditions.

The Indian PAM Scenario Today

With the growth of the Indian real estate market over the past decade and the increased focus on the quality of buildings by buyers and sellers, Property & Asset Management will play a vastly amplified role in the immediate and long-term future. Developers as well as companies have understood and accepted that professional management of a property results in very significant cost savings, increased customer satisfaction via improved environment and better safety levels.

Outsourcing PAM services enables developers to concentrate on their core business and leverage the expertise of specialized service providers. Developers now engage the services of International Property Consultants (IPCs) to deliver their requirements for PAM which is no longer viewed as a luxury expenses but as an effective tool for property maintenance, management and optimization. This change in mind-set is very evident in the increasing number of housing societies that now use professional property management services by IPCs as a matter of course.

While the PAM industry in India is doubtlessly still at a nascent stage, it is evolving rapidly as a result of the fast pace of growth in the construction sector. With a massive supply of real estate projects coming in the near future, the availability of high-quality property maintenance and management will be a distinguishing factor for the consumers of these projects.

IMPORTANCE OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS IN BUILDINGS

It is hard to comprehend why people continue to die in fires when advances in fire safety technology are readily available. This is because the need for sprinkler system had been overlooked by the industrial and non-industrial sector in India.

Most of the organizations believe that manual firefighting using external fire tender and / or yard hydrants are more or equally effective. But the fact is manual firefighting is often hindered by physical barriers and smoke that may prevent them from aiming the hose streams directly at a fire. However, sprinklers operate only over the fire area and discharge water directly onto the fire resulting in less water damage as compared to hose streams.

The fire sprinkler system discharges water when the effects of a fire have been detected, such as when a predetermined temperature has been exceeded. Fire sprinklers are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. In buildings protected by fire sprinklers, over 99% of fires were controlled by fire sprinklers alone.

Builders have issues with the cost / benefit of this added fire protection and seek trade-offs to off-set their cost and effort to stay affordable. Tough the industrial clients in buildings see the safety benefit of sprinklers, they are not sure about the value addition from the sprinklers, and are more worried about water damage.

Fire sprinklers are most effective during the fire’s initial flame growth stage. The benefits of using fire sprinkler systems include:

• Immediate identification and control of a developing fire – Sprinkler systems respond at all times, including periods of low occupancy.
• Immediate alert – In conjunction with the building fire alarm system, automatic sprinkler systems will notify occupants and emergency response personnel of the developing fire.
• Reduced hear and smoke damage – significantly less heat and smoke will be generated when the fire is extinguished at an early stage.
• Enhanced life safety – Occupants will be subject to less danger when fire growth is checked.
• Design flexibility – Fire and smoke barrier placement becomes less restrictive since early fire control minimizes demand on these systems.
• Enhanced Security – A sprinkler controlled fire decreases demand on security forces, minimizing intrusion opportunities.
• Decreased insurance expenditure – Sprinkler controlled fires are less damaging than fires in non-sprinklered buildings. This results in lower insurance reimbursements. Insurance underwriters will usually offer reduced premiums in sprinkler protected properties which can save a large amount of capital.

It is also not necessary for everyone to learn in the hard way. The lessons learnt during large losses should be studied by all and to be used in the larger interests of the society. Sprinklers do more than save lives; they also protect property from destruction by fire. ‘Saving lives’ means more than just preventing deaths.

COLOUR STYLES

Each of the colours in this edition of Colour Styles is represented with its impact on the body chakras and brings together a plethora of colour combinations. The lotus characterizes different groupings according to the 60-30-10 principle to achieve a balanced healthy colour palette. The flower is divided into three shades – the center petal gives the highlight or the accent colour (10%), the two adjacent petals represent the main colour (60%), while the extreme petals show the secondary colour (30%).

White Purity: Pundarika – White Lotus: White contains all colours of the rainbow and projects a powerful ray of confidence, assertiveness, truth and mental clarity. It is an excellent colour to use if one has mental negativity or lacks faith in oneself. Always versatile and adaptable, whites can be combined with a dash of bright colour to liven up one’s space.

Violet Vision: Sahasrara – Crown Chakra: The colour of wisdom, the colour of meditation and the colour of luxury; violet in its darkest values is dramatic, elite and sophisticated. Associated with the crown chakra, it balances physical and spiritual energies, thus increasing intuition and introspection. It is often used in the treatment of epilepsy and nervous disorders. It also aids in strengthening the nervous system and helps in purifying the body. Being the colour of mediation, violet works the best in libraries, bedrooms or a study. Used as an accent colour it gives the room depth and richness. Lavender and lilac, the tints of violet, impart a restful quality to the space.

Intuitive Indigo: Anja – Third-eye Chakra: Indigo has a calming, sedative effect on the mind. Related to the brow chakra or the third eye; indigo enhances a sense of responsibility and stability. Indigo is a great colour for the bedroom as it is believed to cure insomnia and soothe stress. It is a colour related with intuition, imagination, fearlessness, loyalty and empathy. Indigo needs to be balanced with a complementary colour as too much of indigo can generate a feeling of depression and loneliness.

Tranquil Blue: Vishuddha – Throat Chakra: Blue creates calming, tranquil effects that harmonize our conscious awareness to the subconscious mind. Associated with the throat chakra it is believed to enhance communication skills and aid artistic expression. Blue is also believed to bring relief from migraines, itching, jaundice and eye irritations. This serene and calming colour is said to bring down blood pressure and slow down respiration and heart rate. Blue is a perfect colour for the living room; one can opt for warmer shades such as turquoise or cerulean.

Tender Green: Anahata – Heart Chakra: Synonymous with the colour of nature, green acts as a balancing agent in healing as it stabilizes all the vibrational influences around us. The use of this colour promotes an attitude of acceptance and can inspire and nurture our ideas and feelings. This colour is extremely beneficial to someone with low immunity or high stress and is also know to aid relief in ailments like asthma or bronchitis and is effective in treating hyperactivity in children. It is also a great colour for balancing blood pressure, the nervous system and the heart. Green is ideal for the rooms where you wish to relax after a stressful day, like the living room or bedroom.

Yellow Warmth: Manipura – Navel Chakra: Awakening, inspiring and stimulating, like the rays of the sun, yellow awakens our mind and spirit. A strong colour psychologically, yellow enthuses confidence and optimism. It can be thus effectively used for more lethargic conditions such as laziness or lack of enthusiasm. Associated with the stimulation of internal mind, yellow helps break through inhibitions and creates a more fun and carefree attitude towards life. One can use yellow almost everywhere – cheerful yellow for a teenager’s room as it sharpens memory, deep gold for a dining room as it aids digestion, buttercup yellow can be very effective in a child’s room.

Orange Pleasure: Svadisthana – Sacral Chakra: Orange is associated with the sacral and regulates circulation and metabolism. Orange is in fact quite similar to yellow in the effect it has on us. The only difference is that orange works more closely with the emotional strength compared to the psychological effects of yellow. It is said to alleviate depression, kidney and lung problems and is beneficial in treating pancreatic and digestive problems. Orange is a great colour for office spaces and entertainment areas as it increases creative energy and concentration. It is also a good colour for an exercise room.

Energizing Red: Muladhara – Root Chakra: Red is linked with our root chakra and provides the power from the earth. It is a great colour to be surrounded by when you are feeling drained out of energy or down and out. A highly earthly and magnetic colour it can stimulate the core emotions of human being – love, passion and warmth and can create a sense of balance between your emotions and expression. Different shades of red had different effects – a bright red is used to increase vitality and inhalation, while a dark ruby is associated with enhanced vigour and willpower. It’s a great colour to use as an accent in a living room to create warm and cozy atmosphere, or in the dining area where it stimulated appetite. However, one needs to be cautions as an excess of red can over stimulate and promote aggression.