800tek Communities saved $653,400 (AED2.4m) at a multi-use high rise community in DIFC as a result of a retrofit projects

800tek Communities, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group and a leading regional provider of management services to premium residential and commercial communities, has announced year on year energy & water savings exceeding AED 4.75 million between January and September 2019, through the implementation of initiatives to reduce consumption. Driven by a dual strategy to drive cost savings and minimalize environmental impact, the coordinated effort has produced extremely positive results across the entire portfolio of communities during 2019.

Utility consumption represents the most significant single component of property operating and maintenance costs in the GCC region, often reaching 30-40% of the total cost budget. In line with this, 800tek Communities worked with its FM partners to implement innovative solutions that have led to water, chilled water and electricity usage decrease across more than 20 different communities in the UAE. In total, 10 locations recorded electricity reduction, 9 achieved water consumption reduction and a further four saw a decrease in chilled water usage for a combined savings of AED 4.75 million. The single biggest impact was on an iconic multi-use high rise community in DIFC where a total of AED 2.4 million was saved as a result of an extensive retrofit project that included the installation of multiple energy and water efficiency measures.

Mohammed Alsharaf, COO of parent company Eltizam Asset Management Group, added: “In 2019, 800tek Communities have set the standard for all companies under the umbrella of Eltizam Asset Management Group with regards to energy savings and giving back to society by reducing negative environmental impact. Ultimately, we want to make a strong contribution to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The strategy aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 per cent to 50 per cent by 2050 and reduce carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent by the same year. Through the foundations that continue to be laid, Eltizam and our subsidiaries will be heavily involved in the national effort and I am proud of the efforts being demonstrated by everyone in all departments.”

Alan Rowlands, General Manager, 800tek Group, said: “We are very proud to have achieved these energy savings and are even more delighted when considering the figures recorded exceeded our set annual targets. Lower energy use not only helps reduce our communities’ environmental footprint (by way of reducing burning of fossil fuels and resulting CO2 emissions), but directly contributes to lowering the operating costs of the communities which we manage. This allows owners associations to invest in community improvements and ensure continuity of services within their communities.”

Alan continued, “As one of the region’s largest, most reputable and highly qualified owner’s association management (OAM) companies, we strive to build sustainable communities and benchmark ourselves against the best in the business while maintaining the highest international standards. In managing every aspect of a real estate development, we provide clients and residents with a happy community in which they can live, work and play. We look forward to retaining the high levels of their satisfaction and enhancing our services even further in the coming years.”

In terms of electricity, a set of energy conservation measures was implemented by the 800tek Communities team working with each community’s facilities management partner. These measures include: monitoring and controlling lighting use in parking and common areas with only essential lighting at night; Optimizing HVAC operating parameters to maintain desired air temperature, by switching off fresh air handling (FAHU) units after the office hours in commercial buildings; Changing the day/night temperature settings of FAHU per ambient temperature; Controlling the chilled water flow by adjusting the variable-frequency drive (VFD) parameters, etc.

As one of the region’s largest and highest qualified OAM companies, 800tek Communities are responsible for running over 115 premium communities across the UAE and Sultanate of Oman; provide comprehensive owner association management services to master communities, residential and commercial towers, mixed use developments and villa communities.

800TEK Maintenance Solutions Company, a subsidiary of Eltizam Asset Management Group, has announced its strategic new partnership with E-Movers, a market leader in professional moving services, to ensure a safe home moving process during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The collaboration complements 800TEK’s ongoing efforts to ensure the health and safety of building occupants and visitors in the projects it serves as part of the frontline response to the global COVID-19 crisis.

Under the terms of the agreement, which aims to protect the health and welfare of individuals, business owners and employees alike, the two parties will provide end-to-end services to tenants while moving in or moving out of their residence or office. As part of its service delivery protocol, 800TEK ensures that its employees, including the handymen, are fully trained to follow the precautions such as wearing face masks and gloves and practicing social distancing that are necessary throughout the moving procedure. Also, in light of the pandemic, 800TEK will help process the required security clearances if tenants are able to provide a move in/move out permit. The company will conduct virtual meetings if further assessment is needed.

Ala’a Al-Khraisha General Manager, 800TEK, said: “We recognize the significance of observing all necessary measures to prevent any form of infection. Our team members are trained and prepared to perform their tasks according to the highest standards of quality and excellence without compromising the safety and health of everyone involved. During this crisis, we understand that tenants are hesitant and worried about pushing through with their plans, but we are going to do our best to assist them while keeping their safety and that of our employees in mind. Cooperation among all parties involved is undoubtedly highly critical during these moments. We are delighted to have E-Movers as our partner in our efforts to help safeguard public health.”

As one of the reputable integrated Maintenance Companies in the UAE, 800TEK offers services to homes, communities among other sectors. One of its services is deep cleaning and sanitation delivered by its staff who underwent an accredited training at the British Institute of Cleaning Science.

800TEK has also undertaken key company-wide procedures since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, which include regular body temperature checks at the security gate; distribution of hand sanitizers and face masks to employees; and the designation of quarantine and isolation wards at staff accommodations in Abu Dhabi, where pandemic-related advisories and guidelines have been posted.

The company has also included a personal hygiene and COVID-19 safety advice in its grooming and etiquette training video created for its employees. COVID-19 testing for all employees is integral to its response to the virus as well.

800TEK is a tech-driven firm that provides households and business owners with tailored home, office and retail maintenance services. It leverages Eltizam’s technology platforms to deliver a wide range of fast, competitively priced and high-quality maintenance solutions to its customer base.