Satbir Singh

Real estate company Piramal Group ensures that facility inputs are taken during planning stages to enhance designs, deploy natural resources vis-a-vis cost-saving factors, etc. Performance must encompass both design and operations, believes Singh, and must have sustainability considerations taken into design.

The FM team plays a key role in making the workplace more efficient and cost effective, with regular feedback from employees. Facility managers today have to plan their assignments rigorously, after considering business needs and the industry they cater to. They also need to create backup plans for emergencies, seriously monitor budgets, run cost-saving initiatives, upgrade standards as per emerging technology, and deliver user-friendly and efficient workspaces.
“In our own offices, across the country, we have applied best practices suited in a multi-tenanted scenario. In the area of energy cost-cutting solutions, we have targeted air-conditioning and electricity usage. Employees working beyond business hours are encouraged to occupy a section instead of remaining dispersed throughout the office. We ensure that artificial lighting is not used during the day. As an operational practice, we raise the blinds in the morning, permitting sufficient natural light in. We have also changed over to low-energy power savers,” says Singh, who feels that skill development, performance recognition and occupant support will immensely help the FM industry.