Sustainability was the buzz word of the two-day International Cleaning and Hygiene Conference. Delivering the key note address at the conference was Raj Rajan of Ecolab, who stressed upon the importance of water conservation, the current trends and water rights across the world. “One must approach conservation from a holistic level. Long term perspective is very important for things to continue,” he said.
A dynamic panel discussion on the business strategies for maximizing productivity, revenue boosting and quality in facility services had experts like Preben Laustsen, Managing Director, East Asia, Hako Group; Samer Hani, General Manager Business Development and Operations, Cleanco Services; Barbara Macquarrie, Senior Operation Manger, Standard Chartered Bank and Ali Al Suwaidi, Executive Director, Ejaadah Asset Management Group, UAE/ Board of Director, MEFMA. Moderator and panelist Heather Suksem, CEO, South, Southeast Asia and Middle East, OCS, said that the three main focus points of sustainability are people, planet and profit. The discussion touched upon how sustainability is looked on at a macro level in terms of development and strategy. And how they as service providers can support the various markets to achieve sustainability in order to maximize productivity. Here too the panelists agreed that long term planning is required to attain sustainability. “Buildings like humans have a life span so it’s time people plan long term in order to achieve sustainability. More than a building strategy we require a strategy for the City,” said Ali Al Suwaidi.
Mary Miller, CEO, Jancoa Janitorial Services, moderated the panel discussion on sustainability and consumer behaviour, the panel consisting of Anthony Evans, Senior Product Manager, Nilfisk; Sameh Deraz, Housekeeping Manger, Grand Hyatt, Doha and Tim Leech, Group Director of Asset and Facilities Management, PRD Nationwide. Discussed how to balance product safety, reliability, cost and customer satisfaction and performance.
Speaking about safe food and healthy environment in the hospitality, healthcare, food and beverage sector, Raj Rajan said, “What many people don’t realise is that cleaning is also about cleaning what one cannot see. As a company Ecolab has taken a holistic approach towards sustainability development for our customers.”
In his presentation Nathan Kennedy, Renue Systems, USA, spoke about how the cleaning in the hospitality sector is for both guest comfort and health.
Keeping up the tempo and theme of hygiene in the hospitality sector was Pamini Hemaprabha, executive housekeeper, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.
Excellence Awards 2014 announced
The CMEP Expo recognizes the contribution and excellence in services in the hospitality industry through its Excellence Awards. The second edition of the award included three different categories – Public Areas Attendant, Room Attendant and Supervisor Room.
This year’s winners and highly recommended staff under the three categories are: Public Areas Attendant, Room Attendant and Supervisor Room.