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CSR training ‘lacking in FM managers’

Dubai, August 21, 2011

Eighty per cent of facilities managers in the UK do not receive any training in CSR, a recurring trend that holds true in other countries such as the UAE, a report said.

Echoing the results of a UK study about CSR in facilities management, Imdaad, a leading provider of integrated facilities management solutions in the UAE, noted that time constraints, lack of understanding of the business case, lack of information and training, and affordability are the most common inhibiting factors that prevent organisations from fully integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their operations.

Imdaad further stated that with facilities managers responsible for overseeing the whole lifecycle of buildings from conception and design through construction to operation, they can help shape a culture of accountability within the community and support the sustainable development strategy of the UAE government.

“We now live in an era that puts a premium on sustainability and environmental accountability, which only magnifies the important role being played by facilities managers,” said Jamal Abdulla Lootah, CEO, Imdaad.

“Facilities managers contribute in many ways in improving energy efficiency, addressing health and safety issues, and even helping secure our communities. In our continuing efforts to promote sustainability and social responsibility, facilities managers should definitely step up and serve as role models in the society.”

“We understand that time constraints and lack of information and training are among the barriers that prevent facilities managers and other organisations from fully integrating CSR programmes in their business strategies,” Lootah continued.

“In this case, there is a need to develop a culture of CSR right from the top, wherein senior officials must be the ones to actively encourage and initiate the integration of CSR in the business.”

“According to a relevant study in the UK, CSR is often given higher priority in an organisation when it is driven from the top. In this regard, I am proud that Imdaad has a very firm foundation for its CSR programs because our commitment emanates from the commitment of the company’s board and senior management to develop a culture of corporate social responsibility across all levels of the organisation,” added Lootah.

Imdaad has also been actively initiating and participating in various civic-oriented activities, including its flagship program called “Be’ati”, which raises environmental awareness among school children and youths in general, Lootah said. – TradeArabia News Service




Tags: facilities management | Dubai | CSR | Corporate Social Responsibility | Imdaad | Managers |

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