Entry Details

Organization:Sobha Constructions LLC
Login ID:SobhaConstructions
Category applied for:MEP CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR (LARGE PROJECTS: >AED 100M)
Submission date:28-Oct-2024
Submission Entry:
1.) What systemic transformation are you able to report as a contracting or sub-contracting company?
  1. Is your sense of responsibility towards sustainable development radiating beyond the specific area of focus of your company? (Sustainable development includes energy efficiency, water use optimisation, better Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), etc.)
  2. Have you established or strengthened your company policy towards addressing the bigger picture (of helping in the effort to limiting global rise in temperature or improvement in IEQ, etc.) and working in an interconnected manner with other stakeholders?
(128)

Answer: As a contracting company, we are deeply committed to a transformative approach that integrates sustainable practices across our operations. By aligning with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification standards, we emphasize a holistic approach to energy efficiency, water conservation, and enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) throughout our projects.

2.) Given that buildings consume 40% of global energy, within which at least 40% is consumed by HVAC systems, how has the goal of 1.5 C additionally impacted your project construction strategies? What specific initiatives have you taken as a contractor to support the 1.5 goal? (129)

Answer: The transformation towards achieving LEED certification for our projects involved an investment that was approximately 2% higher than traditional building practices.
In terms of time, we anticipate that the entire process will take over one year to complete. This timeframe includes conducting comprehensive assessments of the existing building systems, designing sustainable solutions, and coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with LEED standards.

3.) What is your ESG and energy-efficiency policy? How do you work around restrictive client budgets to ensure greater energy efficiency? What do you never compromise on when it comes to working towards greater energy efficiency, even if not in the specific scope of work? (130)

Answer: Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policy prioritizes sustainable development through resource conservation, reduced emissions, and fostering eco-friendly construction practices. We emphasize energy efficiency as a core pillar, aiming to meet and exceed LEED standards in all projects. Our approach includes selecting sustainable materials, optimizing HVAC systems, and implementing advanced energy management strategies.

When working with restrictive client budgets, we focus on cost-effective energy-efficient solutions that deliver high ROI, such as efficient lighting, smart insulation, and EC motors for HVAC units. By presenting the long-term savings potential of these investments, we guide clients toward sustainable choices without compromising budgetary constraints.

4.) What specific IEQ measures have you implemented after the onset of the pandemic? Have they resulted in the building(s) being able to better safeguard the occupants? (131)

Answer: In response to the pandemic, we implemented specific IEQ measures designed to enhance occupant health and safety across our projects.
To further enhance indoor air quality, we introduced bio-organic catalysts to reduce garbage odor in waste collection areas. These catalysts accelerate the breakdown of organic waste, neutralizing foul-smelling compounds and improving the overall environment.

5.) What is your involvement during the Cx & handover phase? (132)

Answer: During the Commissioning (Cx) and handover phase, our involvement is crucial to ensure that all systems function optimally and meet the specified performance criteria. We collaborate closely with engineers, contractors, and facility managers to verify that all HVAC, lighting, and building management systems are calibrated correctly and operate efficiently.
Our role includes conducting thorough inspections and testing of all systems to confirm that they align with design specifications and energy efficiency standards.

6.) In the past one year, how many of the projects have secured a Green Building certification? And under which rating systems and at what levels of certification? Please highlight also the carbon emission reductions achieved on these projects. (133)

Answer: In the past year, we have secured Green building certificate for 8 projects namely Greens Phase 1 & Greens Phase 2, Creek Vista,Creek Vista Reserve,Waves, Waves Grande,OPA, Villa's .Moving forward 3 projects are targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, aiming for Gold level due to their commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials.
By implementing advanced HVAC technologies and optimizing building orientation, we anticipate reducing carbon emissions by approximately 30% compared to traditional building practices.

7.) Please describe your corporate policies for employee motivation and retention - in terms of rewards, etc.? And what is your retention profile? Are you able to assign a team of your choosing, quality-wise, to a project? Does employee-churn have an impact on satisfying clients’ expectations? (134)

Answer: Our corporate policies prioritize employee motivation and retention through a multifaceted rewards system. We offer competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. A key feature of our rewards system is the Sobha Excellence Awards,Sobha Staff & Technician Ideas Reward functions which recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions by employees, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.

Our retention profile is strong, with an annual turnover rate significantly below the industry average, indicating high employee satisfaction. This stability allows us to assign teams of our choosing to projects, ensuring quality and consistency in performance.

8.) What management strategies and guidelines have you established to counter payment delays and other such instances, which are affecting your cashflow as a contracting or sub-contracting company, and are preventing an ideal building construction eco-system (involving all stakeholders) from forming? What creative strategies are you utilising to circumvent/overcome cash flow challenges? (135)

Answer: To address payment delays and maintain healthy cash flow, we have established several management strategies and guidelines. We prioritize clear contract terms that outline payment schedules and milestones, ensuring all stakeholders understand their financial commitments. Regular communication with clients and stakeholders helps us identify potential delays early and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

We also implement a project monitoring system that tracks financial performance in real-time, allowing us to identify cash flow challenges promptly. This system enables us to adjust project schedules and resource allocations as needed to maintain liquidity.

Clear defined SLAs for every department are defined in it's processes. These SLAs ensure the smooth functioning of the organization. We are currently working towards developing a system to address Supplier & Subcontractor greavances.

9.) How can digitalisation ensure transparency in payments, ensuring timely receivables? What other mechanisms would you recommend to ensure you receive monies owed you? (136)

Answer: By implementing cloud-based financial management systems, we can track invoicing, payments, and outstanding receivables in real-time. This transparency enables all stakeholders to access up-to-date information on financial transactions, reducing disputes and misunderstandings.

Example: EDMS, xpedion, SAP (inprogress)

10.) Have you incorporated changes to organisational culture and behaviour that enable a sustainable development approach? Specifically, what measures do you have in place to ensure ethical procurement practices across the entire chain of command and decision-making in your organisation? (137)

Answer: We have made significant changes to our organizational culture and behavior to embrace a sustainable development approach. This involves fostering an environment where sustainability is ingrained in every aspect of decision-making and operations. We promote a culture of accountability, encouraging employees at all levels to prioritize environmental responsibility and ethical practices.
For instance, we have organized initiatives like the "Sustainability Pledge," a tree plantation drive, and the "Clean Dubai" event.

To ensure ethical procurement practices across our organization, we have implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines our expectations for sustainability, labor rights, and fair business practices.

Supporting documents:none
References:CCAUAE2418 || lakshmi.pisipati@sobhaconst.com

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