Farnek Services As Dubai’s Expo City prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference from 30th November to 12th December, Farnek Services CEO Markus Oberlin explains why the event comes at a pivotal moment for climate action.
Through international media reports, most of us are well aware of record global temperatures, as well as unprecedented wildfires, floods, storms and droughts worldwide.
Experts, including Chatham House and the UN’s Global Stocktake synthesis report, state much more must be done to meet the goals of the landmark Paris Agreement. COP28 presents a critical opportunity for governments to put the world on a more sustainable path.
Vital issues facing negotiators will include implementing the loss and damage fund (established at COP27) and establishing a framework for the Paris Agreement’s global goal on adaptation (GGA). Other issues under the spotlight will include energy transition and food systems transformation, as well as climate finance.
COP28 is expected to have a significant influence on the UAE and Middle East FM industry as increased global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change will put pressure on facility managers to adopt sustainable practices
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COP28 is expected to have a significant influence on the UAE and Middle East FM industry as increased global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change will put pressure on facility managers to adopt sustainable practices within their buildings such as energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources.
Climate change discussions often result in promoting green building standards and regulations such as LEED and Green Globe. Facilities managers will need to be aware of these updated standards, to ensure that their buildings and processes are compliant. This may include retrofitting older structures to meet new sustainability requirements.
It is also likely that the UAE will review its own net zero strategy still further, with new targets on an accelerated timeline. Facility managers will play a crucial role in helping organisations meet these revised targets by optimising their facilities for energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
COP28 will also focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and facility managers may find themselves exploring opportunities for onsite renewable energy generation, such as solar panels.
COP28 will also focus on transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and facility managers may find themselves exploring opportunities for onsite renewable energy generation, such as solar panels. Facility managers will also need to implement effective waste management programs and encourage recycling within their facilities.
To that end, facilities management is increasingly relying on data and technology to optimise building operations. COP28’s influence may encourage the adoption of more advanced technologies for energy management, predictive maintenance, and sustainability monitoring.
Farnek is providing its green FM services for the Expo City and is supporting the client in achieving their sustainability and net zero goals while adhering to the international standards and the COP28 sustainability guidelines.
Over 15 years ago, we established our sustainability division with a primary mission to assist our clients in achieving their own sustainability objectives. Initially focused on making our FM practices more sustainable, we later expanded our services to encompass sustainability consultancy and solutions.
