A Global Paradigm Shift in the Approach to Environmental Management Facilities Operations in Response to COVID 19

Ir Norman CHENG,
Business Development Director, Veolia Hong Kong

Abstract

The evolution of connectivity in the past decades has drastically transformed working behaviour on a global basis. With the ubiquitous availability of wireless communication and network technologies, computational devices are now implanted into our daily lives as they are able to communicate and interact with us in a more efficient and effective manner. Environmental management facilities have the unenviable task to operate continuously without interruption, and therefore they must be managed carefully to minimise potential impacts that might arise as a result of operation and maintenance failures.  The need to integrate Information Technology into operation was especially evident during the pandemic period in 2020 when traveling dwindled to a minimum, which in turn limited access of Veolia's local environmental management facilities to overseas expertise.  In order to overcome this critical challenge, innovative solutions relying on immediate data capture & analysis and the improvement in network connectivity have significantly modified the approach in operations.  For example, development of remote monitoring leading to operation of facilities from a centralised location reduced the number of staff required on site, and thus achieving the requirement on social distancing. Tools such as smart glasses were developed so that overseas experts could provide their knowledge without setting foot on our local facilities.  This presentation will discuss how technology has changed and shaped the future of environmental management facilities operations.

Biography

Ir Cheng is currently the Business Development Director of Veolia Hong Kong, responsible for strategic development of the company in the region, including but not limited to water, solid waste, and energy management activities. He has been in the field of environmental engineering for more than 20 years, specialising in the design, build, and operation of water, sewage, sludge, and waste management facilities. Ir Cheng is committed to serving the society, and is an active member in many professional institutions, namely the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE), the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) Hong Kong Branch, and Hong Kong Waste Management Association (HKWMA).