Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa Real Estate Investor Magazine - May 2017 | Page 45

prefer a more fluid space. Millennials have accepted the existence of Big Brother in exchange for being constantly connected, yet mobile. Certain jobs require dialogue, interaction, and creativity, whilst others need quiet and solitude. Being aware of these differing needs, the certainty of change and the possibility of growth and future development, requires a creative strategic solution – one that an FM professional or FM advisory service is qualified to provide. What is needed for sustainable development? An important aspect of sustainability is education. It is incumbent on the business or company involved in these initiatives to share them with their employees or tenants. Disseminating information, setting a good example and providing explanations and undertaking practical demonstrations is vital for achieving sustainability. Using eco-friendly processes and smart space design also makes for a healthier, greener work environment, which has been proven to result in happier, more engaged and productive employees. If you’re lucky enough to be involving your FM professional in the design phase of a new building or refurbishment, these types of sustainable processes and systems can instigated from the very beginning, thus increasing your asset’s life cycle whilst also achieving green building goals from the start (a somewhat easier process than converting an existing structure to a green building rating). Whether on a new build or in an existing space, an FM professional is equipped to make smart, strategic decisions that ensure sustainable processes and systems are put in place and remain up-to-date, and that maintenance is easily accomplished, which is more important than you might realise. Going green is a global phenomenon, with governments introducing green laws and requirements that speak to an increasing environmental awareness, making sustainable business a legal issue. That said, green is also a growing part of corporate identities as tenants, employees, clients and customers are all asking for greener buildings, greener businesses, greener places to live and work – it makes good financial sense to give them what they want. INVESTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD ENTER & WIN R50 000 Do you think you have what it takes to be the 2017 Real Estate Investor of the year? Do you have a property story to tell? Have you managed to creatively secure a property and maximise your investment? It could be an incredible experience, goal achievement, monetary return, reward, obstacles you overcame, something that you learnt or something that impacted you and people around you. Impress our expert panel of judges with the number, value and types of properties in your portfolio. Go to www.reimag.co.za to download your entry. Submit your application to [email protected] by 16 October and stand a chance to win* • R50, 000 in cash • An all expenses paid trip for two to Mauritius • Plus other prizes and gifts • PR exposure across REIM/SAPIN social media platforms • A feature article in Real Estate Investor Magazine *T&Cs Apply There are many useful resources available to the FM professional that could assist them in making their facility sustainable, including the GBCSA. The theme of the upcoming SAFMA conference is Sustainability and Business Continuity in FM and the speaker presentations will be available at www.safma.co.za from 12 May 2017. RESOURCES SAFMA www.reimag.co.za 2 nd ANNUAL INVESTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 2017