WSHAsia is honoured to nominate VK Parandhaman, an exemplary environmental practitioner with an outstanding track record, for the Outstanding Environmental Practitioner Award. Parandhaman's commitment to environmental protection is evident in his innovative ideas that have made lasting positive impacts. Throughout his career, he has championed a multifaceted approach to environmental protection, advocating for pollution reduction and resource management and inspiring positive change. His leadership role extends beyond his current project, as he actively promotes the company-wide adoption of its sustainable solutions. Parandhaman's unwavering commitment sets a high standard for environmental responsibility and makes him a true leader in the field.

In 2023, Mr. Parandhaman has made remarkable achievements and contributions in the field of safety and health. His innovative ideas have significantly influenced the project, with some recommendations earmarked for company-wide adoption on various projects.

Notably, I received the ECO (SCS) Excellence Award from the National Environment Agency (NEA), which emphasises my commitment to environmental sustainability. In addition, my efforts were recognised with the Construction Environmental Excellence Award from the LTA for the project, highlighting my commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices. My attention to detail and adherence to high standards of cleanliness earned me the LTA's Best Housekeeping Award for the same project. In addition, my exemplary performance in environmental management was recognised with the Exemplary ECMO Award from PUB & IES. My commitment to safety was further emphasised by receiving the Safety Excellence Award 2023 from the Institution of Safety Engineers (India). In addition, my leadership in sustainability initiatives led to the achievement of the ECO Office (Champion) and Green DNA Certification for the project by the Singapore Environmental Council. Finally, the Happy Toilet Certification (4 stars) from the Restroom Association Singapore reflects my commitment to hygienic and comfortable facilities for all stakeholders. My diverse contributions underscore my pivotal role in promoting safety, health and environmental sustainability in the workplace.

In 2023, our workplace prioritised environmental sustainability and employee wellbeing through several Workplace Safety and Health initiatives. To combat mosquitoes and promote relaxation, we have created small eco-fish ponds. In addition, we have also worked to save energy by encouraging a 'lights out' lunch break, which has significantly reduced our carbon footprint. We have also switched to solar panels and adjusted air conditioning temperatures, which has led to significant savings in diesel fuel and CO2 emission reductions. In addition, rainwater harvesting helped us to save water and reduce costs.

Sustainability was also taken into account in the construction projects. We used carbon-mineralised concrete and fibre-reinforced geogrids to minimise embodied carbon. Steel formwork and recycled rebar in the furniture further reduced our environmental impact. Finally, we further reduced carbon emissions by storing data in the cloud. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly working environment.

My influencing skills were critical to the success of our 2023 Occupational Safety and Health initiatives. I championed data-driven advocacy by providing clear reports on potential cost savings and environmental benefits, such as reduced CO2 emissions from solar panels. I fostered collaboration by bringing together departments with shared interests and ensuring everyone understood the value of programmes such as the stress-reducing fish ponds. Through research, I introduced innovative solutions like carbon-reducing concrete and built buy-in with data on their environmental impact. Transparent communication through presentations and newsletters helped employees understand the goals of the programme and actively participate, for example by switching off the lights during their lunch break. Finally, I tracked progress and provided reports with clear visualisations that enabled continuous improvement and even greater impact of these initiatives.

My ability to analyses data, foster collaboration, research innovative solutions, communicate effectively, and monitor progress empowered me to significantly influence the successful implementation of these impactful Workplace Safety and Health initiatives. These initiatives have not only reduced our environmental footprint, but also created a healthier and more sustainable work environment for all.

Our 2023 initiatives go beyond typical workplace safety and health by promoting a holistic approach to environmental and employee wellbeing. Data-driven advocacy for sustainable practises has not only reduced our environmental footprint, but also set a positive example within the industry. By adopting innovative solutions such as carbon-mineralised concrete and cloud storage, we have pushed the boundaries of sustainable building practises, potentially influencing industry standards. In addition, employee-centred initiatives, like the fish ponds and rainwater harvesting, fostered a culture of environmental consciousness and wellbeing, potentially impacting the community. This comprehensive approach has not only improved our immediate working environment, but has also positioned us as a leader in sustainability, potentially impacting the safety and health landscape of the industry and the community as a whole.

A WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award winner embodies a powerful combination of passion, knowledge and communication. They are tireless advocates for safety, driven by a deep understanding of best practises and regulations. However, influence goes beyond expertise. It requires the ability to translate complex safety concepts into engaging, relatable messages that inspire and motivate others to prioritise safety.

In 2023, I exemplified these attributes. My data-driven commitment not only served to save costs, but also ignited a passion for environmental responsibility in our company. My research into innovative solutions such as carbon-reducing concrete not only demonstrated my in-depth knowledge of safety, but also my ability to translate it into actionable plans. Finally, through clear communication and constant monitoring, I have encouraged employee buy-in and made safety a shared responsibility. These qualities make me a strong contender for the WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award. My influence extends beyond our workplace and inspires positive change in the industry by demonstrating how safety can be innovative, data-driven, and a catalyst for a healthier environment.