Facilities management industry mulls over climate change

Singapore

SOME 10,000 visitors are expected at a three-day series of conferences for the architecture and building-services sector, at which climate change and sustainability in built environments are set to be key topics of discussion.

In his opening speech at Architecture & Building Services (ABS) 2019 on Tuesday, Tony Khoo, president of the Singapore International Facility Management Association, said climate change has significant implications for those in the facilities management industry.

Businesses in this industry would need to deal with the ravages of hot weather and heavy rainfall and to implement practical and cost-effective solutions.

At the event, Minister of State for National Development and for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad launched a guide to smart facilities management, aimed at helping companies adopt practices "in a strategic way that makes business sense".

He said: "Smart facilities management refers to the integration of technology into processes and systems to manage building facilities. Doing this well increases productivity and efficiency and improves the well-being of occupants within the buildings."

ABS 2019 continues on Oct 2 and 3, with conferences focusing on security and workplace safety, among other topics. The event is driven by six exhibitions co-located under one roof.

In all, there are 12 conferences, workshops and master classes led by industry specialists. There are also three exhibition halls worth of new technologies and solutions on display.