Growing together

Today’s commercial cleaning landscape continues to be challenged by labour shortages, supply chain disruption, and rising costs, along with lower levels of employee retention, pressure for increased customer satisfaction, and the reality of tech adoption. With hygiene, sanitization, and safety receiving so much recent attention, commercial cleaning companies are competing for growth in a crowded marketplace. However, despite these challenges, some businesses are forging ahead with patience and perseverance. Sumit and Geetika Punchhi have made Canada their home, starting from scratch, and finding success in a matter of months as Master Franchise Owners for Anago Cleaning Systems.

At the beginning

As a family of four, Sumit and Geetika visited British Columbia five years ago, developing an affinity for Canada and recognizing the opportunity for education and prosperity. After briefly considering BC as their destination of choice, they settled in Ontario, interested in capitalizing on the business opportunities they had identified.

With 40 years of combined experience, Sumit’s in sales and marketing, and Geetika’s corporate experience in client and project management, their expertise set them up perfectly to build and operate their own business.

Making a choice

Knowing that they wanted professional change, Sumit and Geetika set about deciding on their first business endeavour together. “We needed to decide how we were going to find success in Canada, and without any business ownership history, it was quite a humbling experience,” confirms Sumit. With the goal of starting their own company, they considered their potential business model, weighing whether independent or franchise options made the most sense for their family.

They decided that the franchise route offered them a chance to hit the ground running, with established processes, credibility, support, and expertise. After analyzing the market, they identified three potential verticals: education, healthcare, and utility-based services, like commercial cleaning. Of the three, commercial cleaning offered the most appealing future because of its scalability, complementing their experience and skill sets. As well, they discovered that the franchise model is largely recession-resistant, with a constant need for cleaners, so it offered a security that the other models could not.

After exploring all the options, they settled on becoming Master Franchise Owners at Anago Cleaning Systems, focusing on “day work” like sales and marketing, client management, accounting, and overseeing unit franchisees.

“Anago stood out to us for its scalability, approachability, and culture of knowledge sharing,” said Sumit.“The commercial cleaning business is very rewarding with huge potential, and we made the perfect choice.”

Finding success

As Anago’s only Master Franchise Operators in Ontario, located in Mississauga, Sumit and Geetika have leveraged their individual strengths to grow the business together, leading them to a swiftly successful venture. Arriving in Canada during the summer of 2023, they incorporated in January 2024, completed training in February, opened their doors shortly after in March, and have been steadily growing ever since. The husband and wife team now lead Anago’s Unit Franchise operations, bringing small business ownership opportunities to entrepreneurs looking for financial flexibility or an additional revenue stream.

What’s the secret to their success? “Talent acquisition is such an important part of our business,” says Geetika. “Identifying the right talent and finding the right business partners means using your emotional intelligence to keep learning and improving that process.”

One of the best parts of the business for Sumit and Geetika is the opportunity to impact people in a positive way and to make a real difference in their lives. “Owning this type of business offers the opportunity to give back to the community. Encouraging others to set up their businesses, helping others to get ahead, and generating financial stability is the best part of what we do,” says Geetika. “Staying connected with the community offers a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.”

In addition, this business allows them to create wealth and opportunity for their family for years to come. “We are building a legacy for the next generation with a solid business for them to find prosperity and security for future generations,” says Geetika.

A higher standard

Working together every day allows the couple to build on each other’s strengths and weaknesses to yield the best results for the business. Faced with the challenge of diverse management styles, maintaining a fluid hierarchy, and working towards the same goals, this endeavour is not without its challenges.

“Conflict can come when you don’t know who is managing whom,” says Geetika. “You might be amenable to taking orders from your boss, but that’s not always the case when it comes to your spouse.” She continues, “Building a bond outside the space of your married life, and creating that division of labour is key.” With their shared passion and investment in the success of the business, the couple’s work discussions are weightier and more passionate, as they communicate as partners on more than one level.

What does the future hold for Sumit and Geetika? Giving back is also at the top of their priority list as they focus on contributing to the community in a meaningful way. “For us, that is a crucial part of the way we want to run our business,” affirms Sumit.

They plan to continue to grow, building a business that provides superior service, refined processes, standard best practices and offers the highest level of cleaning in the industry. It is important to them to contribute to the commercial cleaning industry in a meaningful, progressive way, helping to develop and better the industry as they build their business.

“We want to be a source of passion and growth for anybody willing to invest in themselves and in a franchise model built to support them every step of the way. We remain committed to that goal in our personal and professional lives,” added Sumit.

For Sumit and Geetika, creating that legacy for the next generations with a business that builds community connection, maintains a higher standard, and makes a difference through hard work and dedication will have them seeing success for years to come.

This article was originally published in the Fall/Winter 2024 issue of Facility Cleaning & Maintenance magazine.

Sustainable commercial cleaning practices

The growing awareness of environmental issues and the desire for healthier workplaces are responsible for a significant shift in the commercial cleaning industry. Sustainable cleaning practices are becoming increasingly popular as they significantly benefit employee health and the environment. This remarkable shift in the products and processes used by the cleaning industry demonstrates their increasing commitment to sustainability.

Sustainable cleaning practices and products involve using cleaning products that use less water and packaging, thus reducing a building’s carbon footprint by up to 15 per cent. There is also growing evidence that these cleaning products can improve worker health; buildings that use sustainable cleaning practices and products tend to have fewer respiratory issues and headaches from occupants.

Why sustainable cleaning matters in the workplace

Companies are beginning to understand that sustainable cleaning matters. In the commercial workplace, adopting sustainable cleaning practices can significantly impact the business and the environment. Sustainable cleaning practices can improve the bottom line, employee health, and be kinder to the planet. Sustainable cleaning products can also dramatically improve indoor air quality, leading to fewer sick days and complaints, better concentration, and more productive staff.

There’s also the matter of branding and business reputation. Consumers and employees alike are increasingly eco-conscious and are attracted to companies that embrace sustainability.

Of course, there are some challenges. Some sustainable products may not be as effective on tough stains as their traditional counterparts, and there can be a learning curve as staff adapt to new products and processes. Additional training will likely be required regarding the safe use and storage of cleaning products. Plus, some cleaning products do have a higher upfront cost, but the advantages, such as better employee health and enhanced branding, outweigh any initial price premium.

As we face growing environmental challenges, companies that adopt these practices aren’t just cleaning their offices – they’re cleaning up their act and setting themselves up for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Benefits of sustainable cleaning practices

Compared to traditional cleaning methods using harsh and often chemicals that are toxic to the environment, sustainable cleaning offers several advantages for health, the environment, and the bottom line. While conventional methods may seem cheaper and easier in the short term, they typically come with hidden costs, such as long-term health risks and environmental damage. By adopting sustainable cleaning products and practices, commercial buildings become healthier environments with reduced ecological footprints and position themselves more positively with their branding. There are five main benefits:

Improved indoor air quality: Cleaning products with recognized sustainability certifications will often use fewer harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds resulting in significantly better indoor air quality. This is important as poor indoor air quality can cause or exacerbate health issues such as headaches, respiratory problems, and allergies. Better air quality in commercial buildings leads to healthier and more productive employees. Proper ventilation, microfibre cloths that trap dust and allergens, and sustainable cleaning products work together to produce a healthy workplace environment.

Reduced environmental impact: Cleaning products and practices that make use of renewable materials or are ethically made will help minimize pollution and waste. Commercial buildings already have a large environmental footprint, but sustainable cleaning products and processes help minimize the impact on ecosystems and natural resources.

Enhanced health and safety: Building managers have a critical responsibility to protect the health of cleaning personnel, employees, and visitors. Sustainable and hypoallergenic cleaning products and methods are typically safer for cleaning staff and building occupants than traditional cleaning products with harsh chemicals.

Cost savings: While many sustainable products do have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to long-term savings through reduced operational costs by improving health and productivity while maintaining cleanliness. Plus, they can also require less packaging (or packaging made from renewable materials such as paper or cardboard) and are designed to be used with energy-efficient cleaning equipment and practices. For example, such cleaning methods and products have been shown to reduce chemical costs in hospitals by up to 50 per cent.

Improved corporate image: Adopting a sustainable cleaning approach can enhance a company’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This can be further enhanced by obtaining internationally recognized cleaning certifications and communicating sustainability initiatives in company marketing materials.

Tips for implementing a sustainable cleaning program

Key tips for implementing a sustainable cleaning program in commercial buildings include:

Switch to products with internationally recognized certifications: Swapping cleaning chemicals for certified alternatives such as those with Green Seal, the GECA EcoLabel or EcoLogo is a relatively easy first step, requiring minimal staff training.

Invest in energy-efficient equipment: Upgrading cleaning equipment to include energy-efficient vacuums and floor scrubber machines can significantly cut electricity use and ongoing bills. There will be a higher upfront cost, but the costs can be offset by upgrading equipment as required in a phased approach. Upgrading equipment only as existing machines reach the end of their service life will spread the additional costs over time.

Adopt water-saving cleaning methods: Cleaning smarter pays dividends when it comes to saving water. Train staff in using microfiber mops and high-pressure sprayers to minimize water consumption. Water-efficient cleaning is simple to implement, and though it may require some additional training, it typically doesn’t involve major expenses.

A small change with a big impact

It’s clear that adopting sustainable cleaning methods and equipment isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart business move that can boost employee health and productivity while reducing environmental footprint. There are a few hurdles to jump, like retraining staff or initial equipment costs, but the long-term payoff is substantial. Remember, you don’t have to change everything overnight. A common approach is to start small by swapping out a few products or upgrading equipment as it is nearing the end of its service life. Before you know it, you’ll run a greener cleaning operation that’s kinder to the planet and your bottom line.

Felicity Kelly is the Head of Sustainability at Bunzl Australia & New Zealand. She assists organizations in enhancing their sustainability performance and reputation, as well as managing their entire value chain through stakeholder engagement, communication, risk management, problem-solving, strategy development, and execution.

FCM Fall 2024

CAM September/October 2024

Will Davis joins BCEA as new president

The BC Electrical Association (BCEA) announced the appointment of Will Davis as its new president and CEO. He takes over from Barbette Igonia, who is retiring at the end of November after a career with BCEA spanning over 30 years.

With a diverse background as a small business owner, broadcaster, artist, and not-for-profit executive, Davis brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to lead BCEA towards continued growth and success.

“After meeting Will I knew the BCEA would be in great hands. His experience in not-for-profit strategic planning and his belief in community impact aligns with the BCEA mission, vision, values and is a great fit for the future direction of the association,” said Igonia.

Davis has decades of executive business ownership experience and will bring a structured approach to developing strategic plans and leading teams to achieve optimal results, ensuring BCEA’s continued success.

He excels in nurturing relationships and delivering impactful messaging. His expertise in media relations will be valuable in enhancing BCEA’s brand presence and stakeholder engagement.

Davis and Igonia will be working together until the BCEA’s Annual Awards Luncheon on November 29, 2024.

“My tenure with the BCEA has been a source of deep fulfillment and pride, and I am immensely grateful for the unwavering support, collaboration, and unity that have defined our association’s legacy,” said Igonia.

British Columbia Electrical Association (BCEA) has represented the electrical industry’s interests across British Columbia since 1920. It supports the electrical trade in B.C. through education and advocacy while providing leadership, knowledge and resources.

Posting content to boost your business

Social media has made its way into mainstream marketing, but do you know how to get the most out of social media to help grow your cleaning business? Keeping your content fresh and interesting will keep your audience engaged, get them thinking about your company, and help build your brand to generate revenue.

In a recent episode of ISSA’s Straight Talk, Dean Mercado, CEO of Online Marketing Muscle, gives advice about the type of content cleaning companies should consider to get new clients and boost their business.

“There are really only 3 reasons for marketing: to increase visibility, increase your credibility, and to increase your reach,” Mercado says, emphasizing that you should be focused on one of these goals. He provides a list of the ways that cleaning companies can include content to help establish themselves as experts, build their brand, and increase revenues:

Long-form post: Often posted in blog form, this type of content is an opportunity to get eyes on your website and come up in more Google searches with the keywords included in your post.

Live content: Q and A and interview-style content can help you establish credibility on social media, in webinars, or as a guest on someone else’s platform.

Infographics: These tend to index pretty well in searches and provide valuable information for your audience.

Quizzes: This provides a way for your audience to stay engaged and informed and interactive polls or quizzes can encourage participation and generate leads.

Behind-the-scenes content: Letting your audience get to know your company better is an opportunity for them to take an interest in your business.

Seasonal content: Keeping your material fresh and current keeps people coming back for more relevant content from your business. Things like a spring-cleaning checklist is an example of this type of content.

Customer testimonials and success stories: Potential customers look to referrals and reviews for credible references for your business and this helps to limit any risk associated with hiring your company.

How-to guides: Rather than encouraging companies to take on cleaning services themselves, this type of post often confirms for potential clients that you are the experts who can get the job done.

Transformation: Before-and-after content is a powerful tool for showing potential customers what they could experience when they choose your business.

FAQs: Answer questions your audience asks, popular Google searches, and hot topics is a great way to solve the issues your clients have before they even have them.

Content marketing will help build your brand, reach a new audience, and establish your company as an industry expert. Choose a few avenues that work for you to see results and grow your cleaning business.

Canada’s annual rent growth slows to 2%

Average asking rents in Canada rose by 2.1 per cent in September, marking the smallest annual rent growth since October 2021. Despite the slowdown, Rentals.ca and Urbanation report that rents are still 13.4 per cent higher than two years ago, and 25.2 per cent higher than three years ago, reflecting the lasting impact of the pandemic on housing costs. The slowdown in rent increases aligns with a significant reduction in non-permanent residents entering the country.

“Rents in Canada are increasing at their slowest pace in nearly three years, largely the result of foreign student enrollments dropping by roughly a half from their record highs, with the impact felt most in B.C. and Ontario,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “Meanwhile, smaller, more affordable markets continue to see strong upward pressure on rents as demand shifts to less expensive parts of the country.”

Rents for condominium apartments declined by 1.7 per cent annually, averaging $2,296 in September. This trend was led by major markets like Vancouver (-13.6% to $3,232), Toronto (-7.7% to $2,745), and Calgary (-3.4% to $2,060). On the other hand, purpose-built apartments saw a 5.4 per cent annual rent increase, reaching an average of $2,138, with studio units showing the strongest growth at 11.1 per cent.

Ontario and British Columbia recorded the most significant annual rent declines, with average asking rents for purpose-built and condominium apartments down 4.3 per cent in Ontario to $2,380 and down 3.2 per cent in B.C. to $2,570. Meanwhile, rents surged in Saskatchewan by 23.5 per cent, making it the fastest-growing province in the country.

Among Canada’s largest cities, apartment rents declined in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal. Vancouver rents fell for the tenth consecutive month, down 9.5 per cent year-over-year to an average of $3,023, while Toronto saw an 8.1 per cent decrease, bringing the average down to $2,668.

For the full report, click here Rent Growth in Canada Slows to 2% (rentals.ca)

IFMA publishes accessible guide for leveraging AI

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) released a publication for understanding and leveraging AI in the built environment.

Gamechanger: A Facility Manager’s Guide to Building a Relationship with AI serves as a guide for facility management professionals. From predictive maintenance to optimizing energy efficiency, AI is rapidly reshaping the way FMs operate.

“With AI dominating much of today’s technological discussions, FMs must learn to harness its capabilities and applications,” said Dean Stanberry, past chair of IFMA’s Global Board of Directors and a member of IFMA’s AI in FM Working Group. “This guide serves as both a roadmap and a compass for facility managers. It offers step-by-step guidance on starting, scaling and sustaining AI initiatives. The insights shared are drawn from industry research, expert opinions and practical experiences, making it a valuable companion for any FM looking to stay ahead of the curve.”

Readers will discover clear and practical explanations of key AI concepts, such as machine learning and machine vision, as well as gain insights into how these technologies can effectively apply to real-world FM challenges.

The guide offers a step-by-step approach to successful AI deployment, with actionable advice on aligning AI strategies with business goals, managing organizational change, and ensuring data governance and infrastructure readiness. It is also

Crafted with the busy facility manager in mind, the guide is designed to be accessible, making AI a practical and achievable asset for any FM professional, and helping to improve efficiency, reduce costs and elevate the occupant experience.

“AI in FM brings many questions from the C-suite to rank-and-file employees, and rightly so,” said IFMA Global Chair Lynn Baez “’Gamechanger’ equips FMs to take the lead in answering those questions and turning those inherent challenges into opportunities to prepare their organizations and people to succeed.”

The guide is available in IFMA’s knowledge library.

Reputation management tips for PMs

In every industry, brand reputation matters, and the apartment sector is no exception. Brand reputation is the perception that unfolds in the minds of tenants, employees, and investors when they hear your company’s name. It’s the cornerstone of a successful business, articulating the core values of your team, and setting good property managers apart from the competition. A stellar reputation also builds trust with stakeholders, local residents, and the surrounding community.

“Reputation management helps shape the public’s perception by influencing the information they hear and receive about a company,” says Nicole Harris, founder of Solv Communications. “In the high-stakes, fast-paced world we live in, decisions are driven by credibility and trust. Your company’s reputation is not just one aspect of your business – it IS your business!”

Here, Harris shares her top tips and strategies to help property managers elevate or maintain their brand’s reputation.

1. Monitor social media and third-party reviews. This can be achieved by setting up alerts using your company’s name. Being a part of the discourse, whether positive or negative, shows you care and gives you the chance to respond.

2. Stay ahead of threats by conducting pulse checks with your leadership. Every quarter, ask your property managers, “what is keeping you up at night?” Work to address smouldering issues before they erupt and leak outside your organization.

3. Develop a crisis communication plan before it is needed. Create a rapid response team with roles and responsibilities, identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they become a problem, create hold statements to keep your tenants informed of any issues, and more.

4. Use Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is a powerful ally to amplify your brand by improving your online presence in online search results. By generating content with relevant keywords, you can boost your online visibility, driving more traffic to your website while improving your online reputation.

5. Build strong relationships with local media. Sharing good news stories about how your property management company is providing much-needed housing, or contributing to a charity, makes for excellent PR for building your brand. And in bad times, a good crisis manager knows how to use media to turn potential PR issues into opportunities that showcase your company’s values.

6. Cultivate internal and external brand advocacy via stakeholder engagement programs. Creating user-generated content (UGC), integrating influencer marketing, and other brand advocacy strategies can elevate your brand’s reach.

7. Pay it forward through community involvement. Being involved in your local community by sponsoring events or participating in charity drives not only builds your reputation but also strengthens your relationship with the community. People love businesses that pay it forward.

“The reality is reputation management is an ongoing process,” Harris says. “We live in a fast-paced news cycle, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore bad news that may damage your reputation. Most times, addressing issues proactively is the best way to have your side of the story heard and understood. This helps you shape the narrative and prevents others from filling the void with misinformation. Over time, when people search your company, they will notice that you not only acknowledge and address issues but are proactive to prevent future ones. Nobody is perfect but showing that you are committed to improvement will go a long way to instilling trust and confidence in your brand.”

Nicole Harris is the Founder of Solv Communications, a PR and Reputation Management agency specializing in property management, real estate, and property development reputation management.

Overcoming the hurdles of construction

In late August, Medallion Corporation announced it was embarking on a mission to construct six new purpose-built rental developments in Toronto, Oshawa and Ajax—projects that will bring over 1,500 units to market by 2028, filling a void of need at a time when housing is in short supply. But despite recent policy changes and government programs intended to create a more favourable environment for rental construction, the road forward hasn’t been easy.

“There has been no lack of red tape, especially with the City of Toronto,” says Rad Vucicevich, director of development and construction at Medallion. “So far, we’ve encountered problems trying to get permits, trying to get approvals and trying to get moving on construction. While some delays are understandable given what’s been going on these past few years, there is a housing crisis, and we need to do things faster. Some municipalities appear to have a better handle on it than others.”

Policymakers and officials in Oshawa, for example, have been more expedient at laying the groundwork for Medallion’s epic rental project, while Toronto has not kept pace.

“Oshawa city councillors have pushed things along faster with fewer unnecessary hurdles,” he says. “It’s a large site on Bruce Street comprising many buildings. The first phase will result in 509 rental units in two towers, one being 10 storeys and one being 22 storeys. So, it’s an important project for the city, and they recognize that.”

The other projects in Medallion’s portfolio include a nine-storey building at 3101 Bathurst Street and a 51-storey high-rise at 591 Sherbourne Street in Toronto, and two eight-storey buildings on Rossland Road near the border of Whitby and Ajax. While construction recently kicked off on the latter project, Vucicevich is hopeful the Toronto buildings will gain some momentum before year’s end.

“The level of detail required to get approvals in Toronto is much more onerous these days,” he says, adding that on top of the red tape and permit issues, construction costs are elevated and the demand in unmatched. “Interest rates have come down, which is good, but they still have a significant impact on our project budgets.”

Then there is the matter of development charges—something many jurisdictions continue to impose at rates that can greatly impact a project’s viability.

“Some local governments are taking their housing shortages seriously and recognizing the need to develop and revitalize particular neighbourhoods,” Vucicevich says. “They are waiving development charges, and in some cases, financially contributing to the projects—which is the case in Oshawa and Ajax.”

Meanwhile, at the provincial level, he points out that there have been some improvements in legislation, such as the HST waiver and development charges coming down for purpose-built rentals, signalling the government is finally recognizing that rentals and condos operate with different business models. New federal initiatives like the CMHC Apartment Construction Loan Program and the GST rental rebate have also led to some positive outcomes.

Still, it remains a challenging climate for purpose-built rental construction, and Vucicevich says if he could go back to a time when building rental housing was the most optimal, it would be to the period prior to the pandemic.

“It’s never been a great time for rental development in Canada, but certainly pre-COVID when the interest rates were lower, when development charges were lower, and when rents and and construction costs were lower, the math just made more sense,” he says. “For now, we are relying on governments to recognize the urgency to build more housing and do what they can to support us in our endeavour to speed up construction and keep costs down, which is in everyone’s best interests.”

Rendering of 591 Sherbourne St

Planning and design

Design-wise, Vucicevich says the new buildings will reflect their surrounding communities, each with its own aesthetics and amenities intended to suit a specific demographic.

“We tend to design for the neighbourhood based on the comments we get from the community and the planning department. Essentially, we try to create an aesthetic that will adhere to the needs of the future tenants,” he says. “For instance, our buildings in downtown Toronto will be home to more young professionals and students; therefore, the units will be smaller, and the amenities will include co-working spaces, fitness rooms, party rooms and more urban amenities.”

In the other buildings, Vucicevich says there is an increased focus on two-bedroom units to accommodate families and empty-nesters seeking larger dwellings in commuter-friendly areas.

Scheduled for completion in 2028, Medallion is committed to pushing forth and excited for what the future brings—hopefully more quality purpose-built rentals designed and built for long-term occupancy.

Property highlights

3101 Bathurst (159 suites)

Located near Bathurst and Lawrence, the nine-storey mid-rise will be built on the site of a former commercial tower and gas station, offering a mix of one-bedroom (45%), two-bedroom (47%) and three-bedroom (8%) suites.

591 Sherbourne (532 suites)

This is Medallion’s second new tower in St. James Town and includes a full revitalization of the St. James Town West Park. The property will incorporate Indigenous perspectives into new pathways, seating options, lighting, a medicine garden, skateboard plaza, sculptures, and a drinking fountain with dog bowl. The 51-storey rental building will mostly feature two-bedrooms, and large one-bedrooms.

Rossland Road East (357 suites)

Located in Ajax, this development features two, eight-storey rental apartments consisting of 336 suites and 21 townhomes. The buildings will feature mostly two-bedroom suites, with some one-bedroom and three-bedroom offerings. As part of the municipality’s plans to bring greater density to the area, the Town of Ajax is building a park adjacent to the building as well as improving trails. Some of these projects have become viable due to federal government incentives, namely the GST/HST new residential rental property rebate.

135 Bruce Street (509 suites)

Built with incentives from the City of Oshawa and Durham Region, this property will feature two towers. Medallion will also develop a 27-acre parcel of property to expand Oshawa’s downtown core and provide transit-friendly living options for residents.

For more information, visit: medallioncorp.com

ISSA celebrates inaugural class of emerging leaders

ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, is proud to announce the inaugural class of ISSA Emerging Leaders for 2024. This prestigious group of 30 industry professionals represents the next generation of visionaries in the global cleaning and facility solutions industry. They have been selected from a group of more than 100 nominations of industry professionals under the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions, leadership, and commitment to driving the industry forward.

The 2024 Emerging Leaders Class includes professionals from various sectors of the cleaning industry, including manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, and residential cleaners. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in leadership, innovation, and a dedication to enhancing the cleaning and facility solutions industry worldwide.

“We are thrilled to introduce this dynamic group of global emerging leaders,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to excellence and innovation in their respective fields. We look forward to their continued contributions as they help shape the future of the cleaning and facility solutions industry.”

The 2024 Emerging Leaders Class includes:

Jack Anderson, Business Development Manager, Robotics, Nilfisk, Inc.
Patrick Bannon, Director of Industrial Sales, U.S and Canada, Tennant Co.
Lauren Belskie, Marketing Operations Manager, Imperial Dade
George Boutsalis, Vice President, Impact Cleaning
David Bradley, Custodial Programs Supervisor, Penn State University
Jacob Buchholz, Warehouse Coordinator, Buck Services, Inc.
Ashley Butler, Vice President and General Manager, GP PRO
Nate Calvert, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, KCooper Brands, Inc.
Juan Campos, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Servicon
Ian Charlery, Chief Executive Officer, A1 Cleaning Services
Alex Crowley, Chief People Officer, Vonachen Group
Martine D’Amour, Director of Business Development, Ed/Gov, Diversey
Nathalia De Oliveira, President, Partner Facility Solutions
Konstantin Ekelman, Director of Sales, BradyPLUS
Benjamin Fernandez, Operations Manager, Verde Clean
Adam Fox, Vice President of Marketing, S.P. Richards Co.
Andrew Gower, Field Sales Consultant, Avision
Bethany Harrington, Principal, Western Maintenance Sales
Carl Keil, Vice President of Consulting Operations, Core America
Cheyn Knizeski, Director, HHS
Jessica Laws, Custodial Crew Leader, New Hanover County Government
Moshe Lewis, Corporate Account Director, GOJO Industries
Daniel Lowery, Vice President, Corporate Services, CCS Facility Services
Courtney Marcotte, Capability Development Manager, Kimberly-Clark Professional
Alicia Navarro, Market Sales Leader, Sunbelt Rentals
Sabine Rguig, Business Development Manager for HI&I North America, Brenntag
Noah Scott, Director of Digital Solutions, Elite Building Services
Lyana Spinner, Owner, All Seasons Cleaning
Dinesh Wadhwani, CEO, ThinkLite Air
Chase Yacko, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Canberra Corp.

For more information about the ISSA Emerging Leaders Program and the ISSA Rising Star Award in Honour of Jimmy Core Award, visit issa.com/emerging-leaders/class-of-2024/

Second Narrows water tunnel wins TAC award

Metro Vancouver’s Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel has been selected as the 2024 recipient of the Tunnelling Association of Canada’s Canadian Project of the Year, under $300 Million.

The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is being constructed 30 metres below the bottom of the Burrard Inlet, east of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, between Burnaby and the District of North Vancouver. The tunnel will replace three existing water mains built between the 1940s and the 1970s that are vulnerable to damage during an earthquake and are nearing the end of their service lives.

“I’m so proud that this major drinking-water infrastructure project, which will help us keep delivering water even after earthquakes, is being celebrated,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s board of directors. “Metro Vancouver is working on hundreds of projects at any given time. The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel Project is an excellent example of the kind of award-winning, high-quality, on-budget work that our organization delivers.”

The Tunnelling Association of Canada’s Canadian Project of the Year Award is presented to a team that has significantly contributed to a project in Canada that has demonstrated the highest level of engineering skill and shown insight and understanding of underground construction. Other members of the award-winning project team include Delve Underground, Traylor-Aecon General Partnership, AECOM, WSP/Golder, Mott MacDonald, Malcolm Drilling, and Herrenknecht AG.

“The Second Narrows Water Supply Tunnel is one of the largest tunnels ever built by Metro Vancouver,” said Malcolm Brodie, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Water Committee. “These kinds of water-supply projects are extremely complex, yet so important to our health and well-being. It’s an honour to see this one recognized for its exceptional quality.”

Completed construction works include: two vertical shafts (one on each side of the inlet); a 6.3-metre-diameter, 1.1-kilometre-long tunnel; and three steel water mains. Valve chambers, which will connect the new mains to the existing drinking water system, are nearing completion.

Construction began in 2019 and is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2024. The three new water mains will be tied into the drinking water system over the next few winters and are expected to be in service by 2028.

CDPQ to back decarbonization fund for U.S. CRE

Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) has joined with investment manager, Nuveen Green Capital, to launch a USD $600 million fund to back decarbonization and resiliency in commercial real estate in the United States. It will be available in the 40 states where Nuveen currently offers commercial property assessed clean energy (C-PACE) financing to underwrite water and energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change adaptation in new and existing buildings.

“We are excited to combine our long-term capital with Nuveen Green Capital’s extensive expertise to offer a sustainable integrated financing solution that fully aligns with CDPQ’s climate strategy and commitment to decarbonize the real economy,” says Marc Cormier, executive vice president and head of fixed income at CDPQ.

In the U.S. C-PACE is premised on state-level policy that classifies clean energy upgrades as a public benefit, thus allowing commercial property owners/managers to obtain low-interest, long-term financing for qualifying projects. These are financed with no money down and repaid through a special assessment on the property tax bill. The loan is to tied to the property and transfers to the new owners if it is sold.

The U.S. C-PACE market now represents more than USD $7 billion in financing across approximately 2,300 projects, with Nuveen providing about 41 per cent of loan volume issued in 2023. The newly launched fund will be a single-source program, combining C-PACE and other bridge and construction financing to deliver turnkey projects. Nuveen will serve as the primary sourcing agent.

“CDPQ’s strong commitment to sustainability and track record of innovation align very well with our mission,” says Jessica Bailey, president and chief executive officer of Nuveen Green Capital.

Homelok by Salto: an access control solution for multi-unit living

Managers of multifamily properties tackle a range of responsibilities from maintenance to tenant communication – and everything in between – so making the most of top tech tools can be invaluable. Enter Salto’s Homelok smart access solution, offering safety, security, and simplicity.

Salto, a leading access control solutions provider, made a name for itself with smart locks and access control products, developing its innovative SVN data-on-card technology that doesn’t need complicated infrastructure or require expensive wiring to every door.

In supporting the market’s evolution and the needs of property managers, there has been an incredible rise in demand for cloud-based systems. Homelok pairs Salto’s proven hardware with advanced security technology to create a modern cloud-based access control system specifically designed for multifamily building use.

Providing simple solutions

Multifamily housing technology can be cumbersome and overcomplicated, often requiring separate access tools for the main entrance, common areas, and unit entry.

“We don’t believe that the combination of swipe, tap, and key offers a great user experience and doesn’t maximize security,” explains Preston Grutzmacher, Residential Business Leader, Salto North America. “We have invented technologies allowing management to easily access every property opening from the main entry to the garage, elevator, fitness room, staff leasing office, and beyond,” he continues. “By blending hardware and software, we can manage all those access points through a single software suite.”

Time-saving tech

Often managers have to re-program each lock every time a new occupant arrives, spending precious time on tedious tasks. With Homelok, managers can oversee all residents through a single portal. This means that managers can dispense resident key cards, assign mobile credentials, and appoint passcodes – all from the convenience of their smartphone. Homelok allows property managers the ability to use their mobile device to complete any task previously carried out from their computer, from moving in a resident to remotely opening the package delivery room, changing a user, adjusting permissions, and more.

Move-in and move-out administration is a major part of a manager’s workflow, taking up time and leaving room for human error. Homelok is working to integrate with major accounting software programs to simplify this process. With this integration, when a new resident signs a lease, they will be entered into the system with a name, unit number, and lease start and end date – and that information allows for access control. These details will sync with the property management system for a completely seamless process.

Additionally, in the past, managers have been challenged with renters looking to share access to their units by simply disclosing their usernames and passwords with a friend. Homelok challenges this practice, requiring users to access the system using their SSO log-ins for Google, Apple, or Microsoft accounts, rather than local system credentials. While many people may share a username and password with a friend, most people hesitate to allow friends full online access via their web sign-in. This feature acts as a strong deterrent for sharing unit access, offering a significantly more secure process.

The resident experience

Residents are also looking for ways to enhance their living experience, with 72 per cent of renters amenable to paying more for “smart apartment” features. Homelok’s one-portal system elevates the user experience, empowering residents to do more, take some ownership, and audit unit activity.

Access is easy! Residents can use their Apple wallet to operate access doors within the building using an iPhone or Apple watch without having to open up an app. “We are moving the industry forward with cutting-edge technology that allows people to open a door with one tap,” says Grutzmacher. What about Android users? Downloading the app on an Android phone will conveniently afford users all the same features and benefits.

Staying safe and secure

Cybersecurity is on everyone’s minds. In fact, 75 per cent of property managers believe that cybersecurity is a major concern in property management technology. It’s important to know that your system is protected.

Homelok’s cloud security is unsurpassed in the market. Along with cloud security, there is a layer of hardware security with an additional chip, set into all of their locks, adding additional cybersecurity protection. Independent testing, maintaining global standards, and going the extra mile with hardware upgrades, are all steps taken by Salto to prioritize security.

Unlocking the future

The market continues to shift and evolve, and Salto is moving forward with modern solutions to address common multi-family dwelling access challenges. Homelok offers renters and property managers ease of access, peace of mind, and time-saving tools for an exceptional residential experience.

Salto Homelok: an all-in-one solution for condo living

Managers of multiunit properties tackle a range of responsibilities from maintenance to tenant communication – and everything in between – so making the most of top tech tools can be invaluable. Enter Salto’s Homelok smart access solution, offering safety, security, and simplicity.

Providing simple solutions

Multiunit housing technology can be cumbersome and overcomplicated, often requiring separate access tools for the main entrance, common areas, and unit entry.

“We don’t believe that the combination of swipe, tap, and key offers a great user experience and doesn’t maximize security,” explains Preston Grutzmacher, Residential Business Leader, Salto North America. “We have invented technologies allowing easy access to every property opening from the main entry to the garage, elevator, fitness room, staff leasing office, and beyond,” he continues. “By blending hardware and software, we can manage all those access points through a single software suite.”

Time-saving tech

Often managers have to re-program each lock every time a new owner moves in, spending precious time on tedious tasks. With Homelok, managers can oversee all residents through a single portal. This means that managers can dispense resident key cards, assign mobile credentials, and appoint passcodes – all from the convenience of their smartphone. Homelok allows property managers the ability to use their mobile device to complete any task previously carried out from their computer, from moving in a resident to remotely opening the package delivery room, changing a user, adjusting permissions, and more.

Move-in and move-out administration can be a major part of a manager’s workflow, taking up time and leaving room for human error. Homelok is working to integrate with major accounting software programs to simplify this process. With this integration, when a new unit owner signs a lease, they will be entered into the system with a name, unit number, and lease start and end date – and that information allows for access control. These details will sync with the property management system for a completely seamless process.

Additionally, in the past, condo owners may have been challenged when looking to obtain guest passes for the building or share access to their units. These obstacles are easily overcome with Homelok, when residents take on the role of the unit manager, allowing them to create guest accounts that permit seamless access, with parameters they set to suit their needs.

The resident experience

Residents are also looking for ways to enhance their living experience, and digital amenities help increase tenant enjoyment, as well as helping to raise property values. Homelok’s one-portal system elevates the user experience, empowering residents to do more, take some ownership, and audit unit activity.

Staying safe and secure

Unlocking the future

The market continues to shift and evolve, and Salto is moving forward with modern solutions to address common multiunit dwelling access challenges. Homelok offers condo owners and property managers ease of access, peace of mind, and time-saving tools for an exceptional residential experience.

Lafarge opens low-carbon fuel facility in Alberta

Lafarge Canada announced the commissioning of its state-of-the-art Low-Carbon Fuel (LCF) facility at its Exshaw cement plant in collaboration with Geocycle Canada.

The $38 million facility will reduce the plant’s reliance on traditional fuels by replacing up to 50 per cent of natural gas used for one of its kilns. This alternative thermal energy is derived from construction demolition waste, primarily discarded wood that would otherwise end up in landfills and emit methane.

“Our commitment to building a sustainable future is at the core of everything we do,” said Brad Kohl, president and CEO of Lafarge Canada (West). “The LCF project is a prime example of how innovation and collaboration can drive positive change, lowering our environmental footprint through the use of waste biomass materials while closing the material loop to conserve natural resources.”

Geocycle Canada is responsible for co-processing the CDW into low-carbon fuels. This method ensures no residue is left behind, offering a complete solution. The materials are carefully selected and processed to maintain high safety and quality standards.

The Exshaw plant, a key supplier of cement across Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States, supports major infrastructure projects while advancing Lafarge’s coast-to-coast sustainability efforts. The LCF facility is projected to divert up to 120,000 tonnes of construction demolition waste from landfills each year, reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 30,000 tonnes annually. Sourced from partners like ECCO Recycling, these materials contribute and align with Canada’s net-zero goals for 2050.

The Exshaw plant is on track to become one of Canada’s most carbon-efficient cement facilities, setting a new industry benchmark for low-carbon technologies.

“Advancing technology solutions that will help keep valuable materials in the economy and out of landfills makes good environmental and economic sense,” said Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA). “Our hope is that any positive results or lessons learned will encourage others in the cement industry to do the same, giving this investment a greater, far-reaching impact.”

Hybrid timber construction to meet housing demand

As communities across Canada grapple with population growth and changing demographics, the pressure to create more housing has never been greater. The need for housing has reached critical levels as demand continues to outpace construction. Market pressures such as increasing material costs, regulatory complexities, and skilled worker shortages in jurisdictions across Canada have created significant barriers to the rapid development of much-needed housing.

In this challenging landscape, innovative construction solutions are more crucial than ever. One way to address these challenges, according to Rory Koska, executive director of WoodWorks Alberta, is to bring more of the construction process from the construction site to a manufacturing facility.

“Wood-based systems are inherently well-suited to prefabrication and the growth of offsite manufacturing presents a compelling path forward. Factory-built solutions optimize use of both materials and labour, helping to reduce waste, improve efficiency and productivity, and shorten time on site,” says Koska.

Prefabricated wood solutions, in all their various forms, not only offer a lower carbon approach to construction but are also uniquely positioned to accelerate the delivery of housing and other critical infrastructure. Increased adoption of mass timber and other engineered wood products in construction can help bridge the gap between housing demand and supply with sustainable, manufactured solutions.

The modern suite of mass timber products—such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber (GLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), dowel-laminated timber (DLT) and others—is revolutionizing the way designers and developers approach construction. These advanced panel products enable a wide range of structural solutions that can be tailored to the unique needs of each project, supporting flexibility and driving innovation.

Increasingly, projects are pursuing mixed material solutions that optimize the structural, aesthetic, and performance characteristics of each component. While many hybrid solutions involve a mix of steel and wood, concrete and wood, or even all three major materials together, there’s an interesting ‘all wood’ or ‘mostly wood’ subset of hybrid construction that has found strategic efficiencies by mixing light wood frame solutions with mass timber.

An all-wood approach to hybrid construction delivers many of the same benefits as other hybrid solutions, but without some of the scheduling and integration complexities that can come from mixing disparate materials. By leveraging hybrid systems that combine light wood frame construction, often in panelized forms, with various types of mass timber components, project owners are successfully delivering high-performance buildings in shorter timelines.

Realistically, there’s no universal solution, but the versatility offered by combining light wood frame with mass timber is an effective strategy for developers seeking efficient solutions. This approach enhances a given project’s adaptability to local and regional supply chains, ensuring that environmental and economic efficiency by selecting the product mix most readily available in each community.

A notable residential project in Red Deer is the Red Deer Polytechnic Student Residence. For this integrated project delivery (IPD) project, the composition of the superstructure was decided through a collaborative team exercise called ‘Choosing by Advantages’ (CBA) where concrete, steel, wood, and a composite system were compared to determine the best structural approach. The resulting five-storey midrise building is a hybrid structure with glue-laminated timber (GLT) posts and beams for the structural frame, GLT panels for the floor and roof systems, and dimensional lumber for the load-bearing walls, shearwalls, and interior partitions. This approach was determined to provide the most advantages for the project at the least cost. The only significant non-wood element is a steel skeleton on the first storey which supports a glulam transfer slab. The podium was assessed in a separate CBA exercise where steel was chosen for the first-floor columns and beams.

According to Vedran Škopac, principal at Reimagine Architects, the wood hybrid structural approach had several advantages. “The design minimized beam depth in the ceiling and optimized costs. It also positively impacted the speed of construction for both the structure and plumbing services.” The project had many other notable achievements in terms of sustainable design, energy performance and occupant experience.

A similarly successful hybrid project currently under construction in Vancouver takes a slightly different approach, using Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) over panelized light frame construction instead of GLT. Vienna House is a near zero-emissions rental apartment community that incorporates CLT floor and ceiling panels over prefabricated light frame wall construction. The CLT provides diaphragm/shear stability and transfers the load bearing light frame construction. The system also incorporates seismic reinforcing tension rods in the shearwall system due to the project’s location in a higher seismic zone. Once complete, the community will consist of 123 units, including 56 family units, all mixed between shelter, low-income, and average market rental units.

The highly prefabricated hybrid design, utilizing light wood frame and CLT panels, was selected, in large part, for its environmental performance and its ability to expedite construction. The prefabricated components brought value to the project because they facilitated the advanced planning and digitization of the project, and the manufacturing efficiencies support on-site activities and improve the precision of construction. Other benefits include a safer job site, reduced labour requirements on site, and a reduction of construction noise and other impacts on the surrounding community.

Devin Harding from Kalesnikoff, cited the reduced construction schedule as a key advantage of the project, but also praised the beautiful aesthetic that results from exposing the mass timber. “From a quality perspective, using a manufactured product like CLT for the floor system improves stability and the squareness of the walls, which benefits layout for MEP rough in and finishing trades material usage.”

Both buildings stand out for their innovative, hybrid design solutions and offer desirable solutions that can be replicated. But there are many other mass timber products, such as nail laminated timber (NLT) and dowel laminated timber (DLT), as well as prefabricated light frame solutions that designers can also use to deliver similarly sustainable, high-performance multi-unit housing and mixed-use buildings that incorporate both commercial and residential uses.

By strategically combining light wood frame construction with mass timber products, these systems harness the strengths of each material to create cost-effective, high-performance buildings that can be more quickly assembled on site than a traditional build.

Sarah Hicks is the communications manager at the Canadian Wood Council. She brings 15 years of industry experience to the role, including nearly three years in the mass timber manufacturing sector.

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