Green Training Center for Service Industry Unveiled

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A hands-on facility geared towards education and training for members of the real estate service industry was unveiled in mid-May, with a focus on eco-friendly practices to apply to the workplace.

 
The O.R.A.C.L.E. facility, owned by Parsippany, N.J.-based real estate service firm Planned Companies, is designed to provide learning space for janitorial, maintenance, concierge and security service industry workers.

Oracle Facility

 
"O.R.A.C.L.E.’s primary mission is to elevate the real estate management and service industry, raise the bar on training and education, positively impact asset values and enhance our collective understanding of the basic building functions through promoting education, safety, and overall tenant/resident satisfaction," said Rob Francis, president and CEO of Planned Companies.
 
The 2,000-square-foot facility features 16 workstations created by experts in various fields.
 
Included are a green cleaning and maintenance station, a residential security gatehouse station, a concierge/front desk station and multiple stations on basic functions, preventative maintenance and maintenance of building components.
 
There is also a space to review LEED certification steps and processes designed for students to learn the benefits of implementing green initiatives at the workplace, and 20 work bays equipped with laptops to access Planned’s Online School of Professional Development.
 
The virtual school was launched in June of 2009 and offers associates and professionals training on more than 3,000 courses, from tutorials on Microsoft Office programs to classes on business communications, such as interviewing, customer service, new-business presentations and administering effective meetings.
 
"O.R.A.C.L.E. is about green practices and sustainability, which is demonstrated through our modules and stations energy-saving simulations, non-toxic and biodegradable green cleaning, maintenance practices, and much more," Francis said.

Oracle Facility

 Also housed in the facility is a training room that can seat about 20 students for webinars and instructor-led courses that “together with the 16 workstations provide hands-on training across all service lines offered at residential and commercial developments in the areas of green cleaning, security, maintenance, LEED certification, and education,” officials said.
"With businesses such as Planned implementing sustainable initiatives, Parsippany has earned the distinction of the very prestigious Sustainable Jersey Certification in its first year, becoming one of the 28 towns out of 240 registered municipalities," said Parsippany Mayor James Barberio.