When mall occupancy increases, FM costs increase
Here’s what Vikrant Yadav, Center Director, Pacific Mall, NSP Pitampura has to say about coping with the changing FM requirements of malls:
As occupancy ratios and types of occupants of malls change, how are the FM requirements of a mall influenced?
With the change in occupancy, the fixed costs of facility management – including manpower, consumables and utilities – also go up, depending upon the percentage increase in occupancy. It also depends on formats. For example, F&B operators demand more services than retail formats.
How are high ceilings, such as those of the lobby/atrium, cleaned? What equipment is used?
We have deployed man lift machines for high ceiling maintenance. It not only helps us with cleaning, but is used for maintenance as well.
What SOP do you have in place for cleaning glass facades? What equipment is used?
We do not have glass on the mall facade as these days, mall developers follow the concept of inverted facade. However for glass railings, we use a basic tool kit which has squeegees, telescopic rods, scraper, dusters and light chemicals etc.
How is the parking area kept clean?
We use ride-on sweepers to maintain the floors.
What measures and technology have you introduced for energy efficiency?
We have a rooftop solar system that generates clean energy for us. We use a central dashboard which can be accessed from anywhere to monitor the usage of electricity and manage it more efficiently. In less used areas like staircases and basements, we have sensor-based lights that are activated only when required.
What best practices do you follow for elevator and escalator cleaning?
We are using a machine called Wizard to help us keep the escalators clean. It helps us save a lot of time and manpower.
In what ways do you use software/digital tools for mall facility management?
We are using different softwares for different purposes such as Pazo, Scoop and an SAP-based application.
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