Entry Details
| Organization: | AG ENGINEERING AND CONTRACTING LLC |
| Login ID: | shanmugam.selvaraj@al-ghurair.com |
| Category applied for: | DISTRICT COOLING CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR |
| Submission date: | 28-Oct-2024 |
| Submission Entry: | 1.) What systemic transformation are you able to report as a specialised District Cooling contractor?Answer: Our response outlined in the same order as the questions: 2.) Given that District Cooling is reported as being fundamentally highly energy efficient compared to conventional air conditioning systems, especially in large-scale applications, how has the goal of 1.5 degrees C motivated you to go that extra mile (beyond contractual obligations/beyond the scope of the project) to improve the performance of the entire District Cooling scheme? (31)Answer: • Our DCPs operate at an optimal energy consumption rate of 0.8 KW/tonne — a feat accomplished through strategic equipment selection and sensor-driven sequence optimization using SCADA processes. 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? (32)Answer: AGEPC adheres to an ESG and sustainability policy provided in the document section. We are resolutely incorporating specific sustainability practices into our engineering and construction processes, even if they are outside the project’s defined scope. Such practices include: 4.) What is your involvement during the Cx & handover phase? (33)Answer: • Key stakeholders, including facility managers, actively participate in the commissioning and handover process of critical equipment. This involvement helps them familiarize with the system and vital functions such as troubleshooting. • To ensure an impartial assessment of equipment performance, third-party commissioning agents are appointed for all our projects. • We maintain hands-on involvement during the trial run, conducting periodic follow-ups and ensuring timely maintenance to prolong operational efficiency. • The commissioning process involves diligent updates of on-site conditions incorporated into the BIM model at LOD500. • Front-line operators receive comprehensive training and quick-reference materials, enabling them to operate the plant reliably and efficiently for superior customer experience. • Our utilization of BIM for all engineering activities guarantees reliability in terms of equipment placement, maintenance access, and replacement paths within the plant. • The comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals provided cover the necessary maintenance regime, ensuring high efficiency throughout 5.) 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? (34)Answer: AGE is a performance-oriented organization championing equal opportunities for all employees. Every role is assessed using the Korn Ferry Evaluation Methodology, determining its pay grade — which serves as the basis for salary structures. Salary increments are contingent on business outcomes, budget approval, and performance evaluation conducted through our quarterly recognition program, Game Changers. 6.) What management strategies and guidelines have you established to counter payment delays and other such instances, which are affecting your cashflow as a District Cooling contractor, 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? (35)Answer: Due to a long track record of delivering projects within stipulated budgets and timelines, we have fostered enduring client relationships, granting us the leverage to negotiate favourable payment terms. Our typical strategy includes securing the 25% advance payment supported by bank guarantees, thus ensuring timely payments from vendors and concurrently hedging against metal price fluctuations. Such special agreements, particularly bank guarantees, help release retention monies and ensure positive cash flow. 7.) How can digitalisation ensure transparency in payments, ensuring timely receivables? What other mechanisms would you recommend to ensure you receive monies owed you? (36)Answer: The impact of FinTech and transparent payment channels on the transactional aspect of the MEP business has been profound. The digitalization of banking systems has revolutionized the financial market, increasing transactional efficiency, speed, reliability, and accountability. FinTech's integration with business processes is instrumental in bridging the trust deficit between transacting parties. Digital payment ledger not only streamlines processes but also establishes a common reference point, reducing unnecessary paperwork. 8.) 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? (37)Answer: Our organizational culture and behaviour reflect the integration of various sustainable practices. • Partnering with EEG, we actively participate in CSR activities such as tree plantation and cleaning campaigns. • To curb plastic bottle wastage, stainless steel water bottles have been distributed to all staff members with RO systems installed in all offices. • Technicians are equipped with stainless steel tiffin boxes to mitigate plastic and paper wastages. • Document transmittals have been digitized, and printer usage is monitored for accountability to reduce paper wastage. • In performance appraisals, KPIs for all staff members include the introduction and implementation of sustainable solutions in their respective projects/offices. AGEPC’s Procurement Process: • AGEPC has a dedicated ethical policy and standard operating procedures for the procurement process. • There is a clear process for vendor performance rating and pre-qualification assessment. • Commercial biddings are conducted through an online bidding process using third-party software called Ariba software to ensure transparency. • We have stringent audit procedures to identify any deviations from procurement SOPs and implement corrective actions. • We have a dedicated online platform called iCare for reporting any anonymous behaviour within the organization. • We always promote sustainability criteria into procurement decisions, prioritizing |
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| References: | CCAUAE2405 || prakasha.rudrappa@al-ghurair.com |