top of page

Search Site

278 items found for ""

  • Changing the way organizations evaluate processes and technologies

    10th March 2023 – VinZero today announced they are in the advanced stages of establishing a global partnership with Bimbeats, a data-agnostic platform designed to democratize data specific to AEC design and collaboration tools, providing a world first in utilization transparency. The partnership launches with the commencement of an exclusive license arrangement for its ANZ customer base from today via its VinZero A2K Technologies subsidiary. The VinZero group of companies recognizes digitalization represents one of the most significant opportunities for the industry in the achievement of net zero. This drives their solution portfolio as they constantly look to stay ahead of the curve by investing, developing, or partnering to provide technical solutions that can streamline processes and deliver efficiencies to the businesses they work with, ultimately supporting them step closer to net zero. “Across AEC and Manufacturing industries, technology adoption is accelerating and the ability to identify utilization of software investments is critical to managing project profitability. Through our Think Future methodology, our Professional Services teams work with our clients to maximize the value they can gain from data insights, irrespective of the data source, and that was a major attraction for us” Paul Laycock, CEO, VinZero. Amongst many features, the Bimbeats platform can measure the uptake, and utilization of any software licenses, plugins, or internally developed tools, against any project, a big attraction for VinZero. Laycock continues, “A key requirement for any business is to boost product usage, being able to definitively understand utilization is critical” With constant onboarding of new technology high on the agenda for VinZero the attraction to Bimbeats provides insight into its own focus on knowledge management. Paul Laycock adds, “Knowledge management is vital in any business, particularly for those investing in the onboarding of new technologies”...”mastering it is essential” With its ability to automatically generate ‘competency profiles’ of any user, enabling learning and development opportunities to be pinpointed and deployed more rapidly, Bimbeats supports this requirement. Added to that, rules can be customized at the most granular levels supporting real-time skills development presenting another big win for the VinZero, Bimbeats partnership and its customers. The sheer volume of data being derived from digital modelling across industry also provides another avenue for the VinZero Bimbeats partnership to generate value, with the platforms ability to measure hardware performance at device level, and to compare cloud verses network infrastructure performance, providing valuable metrics to the IT teams tasked with managing productivity and uptime. "Given the breadth and depth of Vinzero’s industry expertise and its global footprint, this collaboration and partnership supports Bimbeat’s continued growth. Added to which, our shared commitment to the utilization of data for enhancing efficiency and reducing waste makes the partnership with VinZero a perfect fit.” Adam Sheather, CEO, BimBeats Customers will now be able to purchase BimBeats subscriptions exclusively from VinZero's A2K Technologies business across Australia and New Zealand. About VinZero For over 20 years, the brands under VinZero have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize VinZero’s dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, VinZero are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. VinZero are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world. www.vinzero.com www.a2ktechnologies.com.au Contact media@vinzero.com About Bimbeats Bimbeats solutions enables organizations in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry to capture real-time data from their software tools and identify opportunities to increase employee and project productivity, reduce downtime, and manage software licenses. Our tools give companies and leaders the ability to capture and measure their digital maturity and organisational health in relation to best practices on digital systems and processes. www.bimbeats.com We are architects, engineers, technicians turned programmers, hackers, problem solvers. Not that long ago, we too were in the trenches of design and engineering processes. Often working late into our afternoons, making sacrifices so that we could see the buildings of the future come to life before our own eyes. These experiences help us better help you. Our team understands your problems. Our passion for improving design processes has led us to explore numerous ways of making “bims” better. We believe that Bimbeats combines everything that a successful product needs; a dedicated and passionate team of experts with great technology.

  • World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development

    In celebration of World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, VinZero focuses on how engineering is enabling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) to be realized globally. World Engineering Day background and history Eight years ago, UN-Water launched the first World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WEDSD) in 2014. The aim of this day was to raise awareness among engineers about their important role in addressing today’s water challenges as well as to showcase their achievements in promoting sustainable development. On this occasion, UN-Water called for nominations for best practices and good practices in water engineering. The winners were announced at the UN-Water Global Water Week Exhibition and Forum 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico. Since then, World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development is a global celebration of engineers and their contributions to sustainable development. World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development aims to encourage engineering students and professionals to take action that will improve the lives of people around the world. By raising awareness about engineering as an essential part of solving our most pressing problems. For example, a career in Agricultural Engineering involves designing, developing and improving farm machinery, equipment and technology to improve a farms efficiency. Agricultural engineering integrates innovative technology like AI with farming. It combines elements of mechanical, civil, electrical, and chemical engineering with agricultural principles. To become an Agricultural Engineer in Australia, certain attributes are important including having an aptitude for computing and design. World Engineering Day provides an opportunity for all engineers to share their knowledge and expertise with others, to improve the lives of people around the world. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate engineers who have made significant contributions to society through their work. This year's theme highlights how engineering can be used to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today, including climate change and environmental degradation, access to clean water and energy security. The importance of engineering the Sustainable Development Goals is outlined in the UNESCO report from 2021 and is intended ‘’to serve as a reference for governments, engineering organizations, academia and educational institutions and industry to forge global partnerships and catalyze collaboration in engineering so as to deliver on the SDGs’’. The report refers to the time we are as ‘the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution’ and explains why the role of engineers is so crucial in addressing basic humans needs, responding to natural disasters, planning for resilience and security as well as supporting industry on the journey to net zero. A focus of the report is to ensure that engineering is an inclusive and gender -balanced profession - something which is also strongly supported at this time each year with the recognition of Women In Construction week. What does an Engineer do? Engineers are practitioners of engineering. They are professionals who invent, design, analyze, build, and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets, and materials to fulfill functional objectives and requirements while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation, safety, and cost. Engineers also do research which is divided into basic and applied research with most engineers being used in applied research. What is Sustainable Development? It is ‘’development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’’. This phrase was originally used by Norway’s first female Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland in the Brundtland Commission Report, 1987 and later adopted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development to give policy makers the knowledge to act. We are now into the decade of action moving quickly towards 2030 with only seven years left to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Engineers are at the new frontiers in technology applied to sustainable development. SDG 1 No poverty Driving economic growth through the provision of basic infrastructure to improve basic services such as clean water and sanitation and clean cooking fuels is one of the ways the field of engineering supports the SDG of no poverty. In India, a young engineer, @Yash Palmer developed a clean and safe cooking device called AUFLA that is quick, convenient and preserves the taste and quality of the food. The device is an electric pressure cooker which uses local raw materials and local advanced manufacturing of prototypes inspired by cooking devices used in China. Yash was featured in the Global Leader awards and won the prize in energy efficiency innovation. MIT-WPU celebrates Yash’s success and responds to this award here encouraging young engineers to have hope and be patient as budding entrepreneurs. Yash Palmer, Global Leap Award Winner 2020 SDG 2 Zero hunger Digital technology is supporting our agricultural engineers with innovation around the logistics system, waste management and food security. Food waste and loss can be addressed by digitalization to improve the overall efficiency of the entire agri-food system. Innovation around this challenge is emerging in China and in parts of Africa. Reducing food waste requires a re-engineering of the logistics system that moves food from farm to fork. The FAO in China launched a university competition to explore the role of digital technology in supporting smart agriculture last year. The FOA in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), are developing the potential of youth and women in the agri-preneurship using digitalization. In February 2023, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) offered a webinar on Digital Agriculture: Driving Digital Transformation for Food Security. Engineering for change is researching threatened food systems and answers could lie in using Microscopic Algae as food, feed or for crop support. The article explains that there are five applications of Microalgae that can be used in food supplements to address malnutrition and build resilience of crops to climate related stresses like elevated temperatures, water scarcity and soil salinity. It can be distinguished from pant for animal production in that it is largely independent of local weather patterns and could potentially recycle water. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers highlights a new hybrid passive thermal system for greenhouses that is more efficient and holds heat longer than existing systems. It is low cost and accessible to low socioeconomic communities. It helps to extend the growing season and its low cost makes it attractive for use in developing nations. SDG 3 Good health and wellbeing The Covid -19 pandemic has emphasized the need for innovation in engineering using advanced technologies in manufacturing processes, logistics, 3D -printing for personal protective equipment and transportation systems. Engineering has eradicated disease such as typhoid and cholera through clean water and sanitation. In India, non-communicable diseases or NCDs disproportionately affect the poor and rural middle class. One demographic that are at high risk for NCDs are drivers in the trucking sector due to unhygienic living conditions, poor diets and heavy alcohol and drug consumption, exposure to vehicular exhaust and other forms of pollution resulting from India’s industrialization. This is a challenge that software engineering can alleviate through innovation. SDG 4 Quality Education Online education is made possible through the work of our software engineers who are constantly employing new technologies to improve accessibility and costs for students. Information is being delivered more efficiently than ever before though advances and development of software. Technology plays an important role in the STEM learning process. It is predicted that approximately 75 percent of all new jobs will require qualification and skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew AO, says “Infrastructure Australia forecasts labor demand in 2023 to grow by 42,000 to a peak of 442,000, more than doubling the projected available supply. Australia needs to explore new and innovative ways to build its engineering capability, including how we support migrant engineers’’. The University of Technology in Sydney is currently calling for women to apply for scholarships in Engineering and IT. SDG 5 Gender Equality Gender diversity is celebrated within the Engineering field globally. The Institution of Engineering and Technology has a prestigious award honoring the best early career women engineers working in the UK today. Ama Frimpong and Eneni Bambara-Abban were among the winners in 2022. Ama Frimpong, Medical Device engineer is the Head of Product Development at 52 North Health. Ama manages the company’s engineering teams in the development of NeutroCheck®, which is a low-cost, portable device that helps identify people living with cancer who are at risk of neutropenic sepsis - a life-threatening medical emergency occurring in immunosuppressed chemotherapy patients. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/52north/ Eneni Bambara-Abban, Robotics Engineer is the founder of two organizations, the Techover Foundation and Anime and Chill. The Techover Foundation is an international NGO that focuses on encouraging, educating and supporting individuals from underserved communities into technology. Anime and Chill is a safe and inclusive community of people interested in anime and/or gaming to come together and network irrespective of gender, sexual orientation or race. SGD 6 Clean Water and Sanitation Sanitary engineering is also known as public health engineering or wastewater engineering involving the application of engineering methods to improve sanitation of human communities, primarily by removing and disposing of human waste in addition to the supply of safe potable water. The Impact Accelerator | WaterAid Australia is creating sanitation solutions by bring the best engineering minds together in sanitation to create scalable solutions in countries where sanitation is poor and clean water does not exist. In 2022, the Annual innovation in Sanitation Award went to the CARE Madagascar team at The Rural Access to New Opportunities to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (RANO WASH). SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy The UCI School of Engineering featured an article in 2022 outlining how the US will leverage its scale and procurement power with a commitment to investing in clean energy innovation focusing on strategic research areas like clean transportation, clean industrial processes and clean materials. Over the past few years mechanical engineers have looked at improving the design of wind turbines, solar and geothermal power, and every stage of renewal energy development. Since 2017 the renewable energy sector has seen considerable growth, from advances in technology to new sources of energy, demonstrating the global shift to clean energy. As the renewable market matures, there will be more opportunities for mechanical engineers to address the problem of renewable energy storage, one of the key areas that represents both challenges and opportunities for renewable energy engineering today. SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth Economic growth can be directly correlated to engineering achievements in design of capital infrastructure in roads, water, rail and for the Built Environment. Engineers contribute in a significant way towards a sustainable Built Environment by facilitating inclusive and resilient cities, access to affordable housing, public transport, clean air, water and energy as well as the protection of our natural and cultural heritage assets. Advancement in engineering for sustainable development creates jobs and economic growth. As a case in point, the Italian Rail Network (RFI) has awarded a collaboration between Impresa Pizzarotti and Saipem to build the new Florence Belfiore underground high-speed station. The new 8km link will be constructed using artificial intelligence, digitalization and machine learning models which leverage geotechnical and engineering methods. The entire 8 Km project will be mostly built underground and be optimized by automating processes, reducing costs and monitoring risk factors to improve safety. DG 9 Industry Innovation and Infrastructure Similar to SDG 8, a modern economy relies on engineers to design build, maintain and solve infrastructure system challenges. In Japan, the JSCE Innovative Technique Award for reinforcing existing steel bridges to extend the life and increase resistance to earthquakes was given to a team of engineers, a collaboration between the Railway Technical Research Institute and TOKYU Construction Co., LTD in 2021. SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities New technologies enable access to safer work environment and reduced inequalities at work. Accessibility in transport systems is essential to help reduce inequalities by providing easy access to key services such as education, employment, goods and retail. Engineers are helping to broaden accessibility to include all people in the design of infrastructure. New York and Las Vegas are among the 10 most accessible cities in the world for people with disabilities with Singapore at the top of the list and Toyko as number 10. SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities Engineers have been at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the Built Environment for decades. The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) has developed an extensive publication on green building design which sets out some of the key issues facing engineers working on these developments. In addition to providing an overview of some of the challenges faced by engineers working in this area it also provides direction on how to overcome them through innovation and collaboration with other professionals from across industry sectors. The publication's six chapters cover topics ranging from defining what makes a "green building" to exploring emerging technologies for sustainable building design including waste-to-energy facilities and solar panels. In 2021, CABE recognized Dr. Penny Carey who received the Sustainability Award as the leader on innovation engineering services and building environmental engineering solutions for the UK ‘s first Passivhaus Classic health center. The project is a ‘’proof-of concept project that will be used to promote environmental advantages for the future of National Health Service estate projects’’. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portakabin-ltd/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/Portakabin_R?s=20 SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production Australia's Sims Limited is a global leader in circularity ranked in the Top Twenty, at number 14 on the 2023 Global list of most sustainable companies in the world. Sims Metal, and each of its business divisions, especially the engineering department, play an integral role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As the global leader in metal recycling, and data center IT circularity, and with a purpose to create a world without waste to preserve the planet, it is driven to constantly innovate and offer new solutions in the circular economy for consumers, businesses, governments and communities around the world. Listen to Blaise Porter, Sustainability & CSR Director SDG 13 Climate Action Engineering is raising the bar for climate action by new solutions in all areas of renewable energy, manufacturing and infrastructure design. MIT in the United States has announced the winners of the inaugural MCSC Seed Awards for Climate and Sustainability. Innovations must be scalable to deserve the award and the award recognized 20 projects run by research engineering teams at the university. “The MCSC Seed Awards are designed to complement actions previously outlined in Fast Forward: MIT’s Climate Action Plan for the Decade and, more specifically, the Climate Grand Challenges,” says Anantha P. Chandrakasan, dean of the MIT School of Engineering, Vannevar Bush Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and chair of the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium. “In collaboration with seed award recipients and MCSC industry members, we are eager to engage in interdisciplinary exploration and propel urgent advancements in climate and sustainability.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/school/mit/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/MIT?s=20 SDG 14 Below the Water The UNESCO reports says that Engineers have a vital role in preserving and protecting the world's oceans and seas and the life they support. Marine engineers work together with scientists and other engineering disciplines to address the degradation of fisheries, the pollution of oceans and the use of resources, including wave energy. Engineers are coming up with solutions to address challenges such as fertilizer and plastic pollution in oceans and managing ocean assets such as the Great Barrier Reef that are threatened by the impacts of climate change. The Marine Engineering Award was awarded to UK small business, Feritech, in March 2023 for their most recent innovation taking both a sustainability and holistic approach to design and how they are contributing to drive wider progress in the green economy. Feritech Managing Director, Rob Ferris, said: "This is fabulous recognition for all the hard work our team has put into planning and building our new Innovation Centre as well as the other environmental initiatives we are taking''. The £3m purpose-built innovation center has a number of 'special' features including: The site harvests its own water, from boreholes that Feritech has drilled. It has a state-of-the-art solar roof, combined with on-site power storage, and uses air source heating for the offices. Feritech has planted 3,000 trees, to help blend with the rural location and promote biodiversity. A pond captures the surface run-off from the site, creating a heat store and providing new wildlife habitats. Rather than metal fences, Feritech planted 5,500 hawthorn bushes, making a natural, maintenance-free barrier. The building is designed so that there is no light pollution or noise pollution. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/feritech-limited/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/feritech SDG 15 Life on Land Environmental engineers are responsible for preservations of habitats, forestry reserves and managing biodiversity through sustainable practices. Geospatial technology is a tool that allows environmental engineers access to information for infrastructure design and agricultural monitoring. With Graphic Information Systems (GIS), data is captured and stored related to positions on the Earth's surface and by studying relationship and patterns scientists can design to support nature and society to live in harmony. Digital technology is transforming life on land and supports collaboration across all stakeholders in large scale engineering projects. In Australia, North East Water received the Esri award in recognition of their digital transformation project building a first-of-its-kind intelligent water network, providing a digital and scalable view of more than 300,000 assets such as pipes and sewer lines. To hear more about the digital transformation project, check out this video. The solution stands as a best practice approach for utility networks around the world. SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions The purpose of this goal is to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”. The targets under SDG 16 are: To strengthen the rule of law, including through the promotion of human rights, accountability and improved public services To promote inclusion of all, in particular marginalized groups, and equal opportunities for all, including by eliminating discrimination against all persons on the basis of race, color, sex, language, religion or social origin To promote efforts to combat corruption and bribery in all their forms. Peace engineering applies systemic-level thinking of science, technology and engineering principles to directly promote and support the condition for peace. In Sudan, Dr. Nada Fadul and her colleagues founded SuDRO, the Sustainable Development Response Organization. SuDRO is an innovative model with will help Sudan achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through capacity building of youth, women, and community leaders using the project ECHO platform. " I wish this program had existed when I was younger, it would have transformed the way I think about equity and inclusion.'' -Nada Fadul, MD Twitter: https://sudro.org/ SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals Radical collaboration and partnerships are imperative to advancing the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. Partnerships are multidisciplinary in nature and can develop the roadmaps, technologies and tools to navigate a way towards the vision of a sustainable and thriving world. An inclusive multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development is essential where people are able to partner on large Infrastructure projects in a team environment, even if they are on the other side of the world. To facilitate inclusivity of all stakeholders, digital tools that facilitate collaboration such Digital Twins are first designed by research engineering through universities in collaboration with industry, and are then heavily utilized by engineers throughout the project lifecycle. Blekinge Institute of Tecnology (BTH) in Sweden has a world class profile in research engineering on digitalization and sustainability. The research is supported by other disciplines such as computer science, and software engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, strategic sustainable development and more. The research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and collaboration via digitalization leads to new knowledge informing regulations or policy choices and contributing to education in the future of sustainable development. Engineering towards 2030 and beyond There is little doubt that the role of engineers in the advancement of sustainable development is critical for success. The essence of sustainability is to be inclusive. The UNESCO report points to the importance of increasing the contribution of women in engineering for sustainable development. The UNESCO report concludes, Engineering itself needs to transform to become more innovative, inclusive, cooperative and responsible. The engineering profession is being challenged to step fully into the 21st century and to innovate, collaborate and solve to support sustainability. VinZero are proud to be working together with engineers across the Built Environment sector globally to build a better world. #World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development #Think.Future #Sustainablity #Resilience https://youtu.be/INdtcEx8bWA VinZero and it's partners support the delivery of energy efficiency for the Built Environment About VinZero For over 20 years the brands under VinZero have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize VinZero’s dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, VinZero are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. VinZero are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world.

  • Women In Construction Week

    In celebration of Women in Construction week, VinZero is shining a light on professional women that contribute to the construction industry through Architecture, Engineering, IT, Project Management and Science to honor how they are enabling the Sustainable Development Goals to be realized globally. This week is celebrated off the back of World Engineering Day 4th March, for Sustainable Development which emphasizes the importance of women in engineering professions. Clare Montgomery, Senior CAD Engineer, SSEN Transmission Clare is leading and supporting the development of improvements both within the CAD team and across engineering projects as the company introduces new technology to reduce carbon emissions for the UK. Clare leads internal digital collaboration practices for the engineering CAD team as well as contributes to BIM working group initiatives, all with the aim of having sustainable, improved ways of working. Her work is supported by teams from Autodesk and VinZero Cadline in the development of new workflows, creating standards, and rolling out new CAD software to meet ambitious goals for the team and business. "The best part of my job is learning from and collaborating with incredibly knowledgeable and supportive colleagues. In particular, the amazing team of CAD engineers who go above and beyond and never shy away from the challenges set to them. Knowing that the projects we are working on now and in the future will have a direct impact on meeting net zero goals makes all the hard work worthwhile". LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ssen-transmission/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/SSETransmission Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/ssentransmission/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ssencommunity Lucy Tang, Technical Consultant, VinZero Lucy graduated from Unitec with a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Lucy is responsible for providing professional services support for clients using VinZero digital solutions, as well as delivery of digital content. Lucy’s key focus is on Civil 3D and her technical knowledge assists clients to uncover ideal solutions in the Built Environment. Lucy is always excited to learn about how solutions at VinZero A2K have made a difference to our clients’ workflow and productivity. ''It means we play a significant role in assisting the industry to build a better tomorrow for communities in a sustainable way.'' LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinzerothinkfuture/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/VinZeroNews Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/vinzero_thinkfuture/ Facebook Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinzerothinkfuture/ Dr. Dorota Bacal, Sustainability and Innovation Lead, VinZero ANZ Dorota has a PhD in Chemical Engineering and Renewable Energy from Monash University in Victoria, Australia. Dorota has extensive experience working with Australian and global large emitters from AECO&M sectors on energy efficiency, renewable energy procurement and emissions reduction strategies. Dorota helps businesses understand how the technologies they use (or how digitalization) can help them to step closer to net zero and build a better world. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping our customers improve operational efficiencies and reduce costs while minimizing their environmental footprint. By doing so we can drive both, profit and purpose.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinzerothinkfuture/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/VinZeroNews Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/vinzero_thinkfuture/ Facebook Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinzerothinkfuture/ Ciara Mccauley, Lead Surveyor, Vinzero Cadline Ciara graduated with a degree in Archaeology and a Master of Science Degree in Heritage Science. Ciara provides archaeological risk mitigation for the construction industry helping to minimize costly delays whilst continuing to prioritize conservation and sustainability, by working with government bodies and contractors. Ciara now utilizes the power of laser technology to improve the sustainability of the construction industry. By accurately capturing data about buildings and structures, she helps customers make more informed decisions about resource usage and the reduction of waste. Furthermore, the data captured is used to optimize building performance, reduce energy consumption and cut carbon emissions. ‘Being part of a company that is committed to sustainability is incredibly rewarding. It gives me a sense of purpose in my work and inspires me to continually seek out new ways to reduce our environmental impact. I believe that sustainability is not just good for the planet, but it’s also good for business. By prioritizing sustainability, we can attract new customers who share our values and create a more resilient, prosperous future for our industry”. LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadline/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/cadlineltd Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cadline_ltd/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CadlineLtd Favi Medina, Director of Professional Services, Architecture and Engineering, VinZero U.S. CAD Having more than 20 years of experience in AEC project and resource management, Favi started her career as a Technical Specialist, installing and configuring document management systems, and her experience then extended into project management. In her current role, Favi oversees major projects related to training and consulting services, ensuring the successful delivery of client service engagements. Her approach to project management is, first and foremost, customer/owner focused. Listening to and understanding a client’s needs is instrumental in successfully setting up and managing projects. "There is so much work to be done as it relates to sustainability. I’m excited about the possibilities and impact we can make not only as a company, but also individually, what each of us can do outside of work, taking what we’re learning and truly implementing sustainable changes in our personal lives and making bigger impacts in this area, it’s a necessity and overdue for our continued existence on this earth." LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-cad/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/uscad Instagram Page: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/uscad.aecsolutions Dawn Bridges, Vice President, Professional Services, VinZero U.S CAD Starting off in software support, development, and training, Dawn has more than 25 years of experience in the AEC industry. At VinZero U.S. CAD, Dawn helps customers meet their ever-changing requirements by offering a 50,000-foot view of strategy, implementation, and coordination of technology platforms, providing updated/modified process opportunities in design approaches that offer projects with more timely, cost-effective, and innovative solutions. “I look at sustainability as an initiative that everybody has to take up in some way. I personally like to find ways to conserve, reuse, and reserve things that we’re utilizing on a daily basis. I’m excited from that perspective about us leading the way and leading by example. VinZero U.S. CAD is taking it up as a corporation, leading the way for our customers and helping make an impact in their work and the projects that we affect.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-cad/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/uscad Instagram Page: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/uscad.aecsolutions Sunny Watts, Senior Technical Specialist, VinZero U.S. CAD Sunny found a passion for design in high school, while learning about Interior Design and Web Building, and discovered Computer Aided Drafting, while pursuing her degree in Interior Design at LDS Business College. After graduation, Sunny continued to pursue her education in drafting and design, leading her to a career in BIM using Revit for electrical engineering. Eventually, Sunny joined a team to develop virtual design methods for electrical construction, discovering different ways to leverage building information from construction models. In her current role, Sunny provides BIM production and coordination services, including clash coordination, and trains on topics such as Revit Architecture, Revit MEP, BIM basics procedures, technology, and other software. "I think being on the digital side of construction, there is a natural progression toward sustainability. Virtual tools provide the construction ecosystem greater information faster. When teams collaborate to coordinate models through clash detection, data is more accurate. Well-coordinated models reduce field tear-out and rework, minimizing material use. These models can also be used in prefabrication, reducing field time. These benefits help reduce project costs, allow for more intentional planning, material ordering, and execution, which are all so important in construction today and for sustainability. I’m so grateful to be part of the VinZero team. As we lead efforts to help all teams adopt these incredible digital tools and processes, we will naturally see better, faster, more efficient projects." LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-cad/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/uscad Instagram Page: Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/uscad.aecsolutions Jessica Alderslade, Architect and BIM Manager, Greenway Architects Since completing her studies, Jess's career has taken her to Sydney, London, and back again. Jess currently works at Greenway Architects, helping transition the office to BIM. Her experience has primarily focused on the commercial markets, with a particular interest in healthcare and mixed-use multi-residential projects; typologies which lend themselves well to BIM. Jess finds working in 3D to be far more efficient, particularly when coordinating with other disciplines. She is able to see exactly where her services might be clashing with structure and is able to pick these up prior to the building starting on site, which is invaluable. “I think the future of BIM is AI for sure. Already we’re seeing software such as mid journey generating artworks that look like renders. It’s only logical that our software will get smarter – improving our efficiencies and overall outcomes. And the more efficient the design process is, the more time we can invest in creating better, greener, buildings.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenway-architects/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/GreenwayArchSA Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/greenwayarchitects/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenway-Architects/208157565873767 Abby Grant-King, National Steel Construction Technologist, Fleetwood Australia Abby leads innovative projects in the design and construction sector, delivering transformative growth through conceptualization, optimization and implementation of innovation processes. Her areas of focus center around data as a source of truth to inspire and educate, nurturing concepts of minimal impact design, while maintaining optimal organizational efficiency potential. Some of the initiatives Abby is passionately involved in include net zero carbon emissions in construction, steel design software development and structural steel system research and development. Abby holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and is currently completing her Master of Data Science. “Data is the source of truth that drives our sustainability efforts. It is through investing in sustainability that we are also investing in the protection of our future, on both a commercial and personal level.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fleetwood-australia/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/fleetwoodaus?lang=en Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/fleetwood_australia/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FleetwoodAustralia Dr. Namrita Kalsi, Chief Architect, Haryana Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd (HMRTC) Succeeding in the footsteps of a family Icon, Namrita metamorphosed into an Architect from CCA Chandigarh, which was a dream come true. As Chief Architect of New Delhi Municipal Council, Namrita was responsible for on one hand to preserve the unique character of this prime area of Delhi on the other hand the policies for development had to be implemented. All under the umbrella of design and planning of NDMC projects & Landscape, from sanction to completion & issue of occupation certificate of buildings, safety, sealing and control of use in the premises and providing technical input to other departments of NDMC. She received an award for the most Innovative Urban Infra Architect in 2022 as Architect conversant with Metro technology from the hands of ex-Member of the Railway Board and ex-officio Secretary to the Government of India. Namrita, is passionate about sustainable design of buildings and infrastructure and says that using state of art technology to eliminate pollutants from atmosphere is fundamental to reducing urban carbon footprint. She believes that synchronization of Man-Machine-Material is vital for timely delivery of city infrastructure and should be fortified with Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning for attaining level next. “I strongly believe that architecture can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to create buildings and spaces that are environmentally responsible and sustainable. In a world where the effects of climate change are becoming more and more evident, it is essential that we all do our part to reduce our impact on the environment. We have the ability to design buildings that are energy-efficient and have a minimal environmental footprint. By incorporating sustainable design principles into our work, we can help create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Metro Architecture is all about Mega Structures and deep technology driven by precision engineering. Women are appropriate for this role because of inherent multi-tasking, interface and co-ordination strengths.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drnamritakalsi/ Twitter Page: NA Instagram Page: NA Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nkkalsi/ Helen Buckingham, Senior Manager, WSP Having studied Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at University, Helen has enjoyed positions in Fine Chem, Nuclear and Water, but found herself drawn to the pharmaceutical industry and the associated focus on patients at the end of the pipeline. Helen’s first project at WSP involved a full modular offsite build and now 10 years later, every project she works on has more and more elements of modularization and modern methods of construction, with sustainability being an integral part of all her projects. Projects are focused on the reuse of buildings to save embodied carbon and use processes that demand smaller footprints and reduce the use of resources such as water, natural gas, electricity and process fluid demand. The advances in digital technology have also helped significantly reduce time and waste on site. “The privilege I enjoy is being in an organization that is up front and center in sustainability, so there is never any resistance to doing something in a sustainable way. WSP is committed to helping our clients meet their decarbonization targets having pledged to halve the carbon in our designs and advice by 2030.” LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wsp/ Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/wsp Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/wspglobal/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WSPglobal/ VinZero acknowledges that equal opportunities for women in the Built Environment are key to ensuring the inclusive and gender-balanced profession needed to achieve the sustainable development goals. Together we are making a difference! About VinZero For over 20 years the brands under VinZero have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize VinZero’s dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, VinZero are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. VinZero are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world.

  • World Efficiency Day-a look on the bright side

    Background history and development March 5th marks World Energy Efficiency Day, a global initiative dedicated to promoting responsible energy consumption. Founded in 1998 at the International Meeting on Energy Efficiency in Austria, this awareness day aims to reduce unnecessary waste and support production processes utilizing renewable sources whenever possible. Furthermore, it encourages communities around the world to lead by example with sustainable habits while also practicing meaningful recycling of resources. Eight years ago, South Africa took the important step of engaging in a high-level dialogue on energy efficiency and security. Now, with only seven years left until 2030 to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), World Efficiency Day shines a light on the progress with SDG 7; providing access to affordable clean energy for all. It is more urgent than ever that organizations like those within AECO & M industries make use of efficient processes powered by renewable sources to meet that goal. The Sustainability and Environment Network acknowledges that the Built Environment is responsible for 37% of energy-related emissions and 40% of global annual resource demand. The AECO&M Sectors concur that energy efficiency must be achieved across all industries related to the Built Environment if there's any hope of reaching our SDG goals by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050. Global energy efficiency trends and policies over the past decade As the entire world strives for greener, more efficient energy sources and technologies, collaborations between supply chain stakeholders are increasingly necessary to bridge societal demands. In 2011 it was predicted that worldwide energy consumption would increase by a whopping 40% by 2035 - most of this growth occurring in non-OECD countries. It is now widely accepted that the only way forward is to take an "all hands-on deck" approach. The need for dramatic changes to both our transport and building facilities was proposed in 2011 with an investment of $10.4 trillion, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 72% by 2020. According to the UN, the global progress in electrification slowed down in recent years due to several factors: Over the period 2017 to 2019, international finance that supported development of renewables for developing countries declined. Between 2010 and 2019, the total energy consumption increased by 25% yet the share of renewables in the total final energy consumption was only 17.1%. The annual energy intensity improvement rate only increased 1.9% in the decade from 2009 to 2019. The rate of improvement needs to increase to 3.2% by 2030 to meet the demand. In 2020, 2.4 billion people were still using inefficient and polluting cooking systems. Those hardest to reach and remotely located are a challenge. Based on current trends by 2030 the number of people without electricity will be 679 million. Current investment trends. Momentum is building on tackling the energy crisis and addressing energy security sparked by the war between Russia and Ukraine. There is more willingness now to develop renewable sources of energy if government grants, policies and regulations support industries effort to move in the right direction towards net zero. As a case in point, Vast Solar in South Australia recently received a $65 Million financial boost to their dispatchable solar thermal technology from ARENA which will help to create up to 450 regional jobs during construction and 70 ongoing operational roles in the plant operation and maintenance areas. The Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said, "The scale of the energy transformation underway is massive – it’s great to see an Australian company developing breakthrough technology to create jobs and clean, reliable and affordable power in the regions,” and acknowledge that Vast Solar’s technology could be a game changer for Australia and the world''. Australia is a renewable energy giant, capable of supplying not only its own economy but also those of other countries with cost-effective clean power. With this kind of superpower status, the nation has an incredible opportunity to lead in global sustainability efforts! The turnaround in investment sentiment is gaining momentum as Australian companies and households race to power their homes, offices and factories with wind and solar power according to data published by the CER. After years of waiting, the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) is ready to help unlock $10 billion in investment for sustainable and reliable energy options. The landmark agreement with States and Territories will usher in a new era of clean power generation that can be relied on day after day. " This investment means new jobs across the country, and it will support emissions reduction in the electricity sector and puts us on the way to 82% renewables by 2030,” -Minister Chris Bowen Building for Resilience In 2021 the International Code Council (ICC) produced a new framework to support advancements in energy efficiency and GHG reductions strategy with a minimum set of requirements called Leading the Way to Energy Efficiency. The industry statement discusses the important role of energy codes in achieving resilience. Kicking off 2023, the International Code Council followed this statement with the release of new energy codes and building performance standards for communities around the world to achieve their sustainability and resilience goals. The Energy Codes and Building Performance Standards: Supporting energy Use and Emission Reductions in Buildings is a resource that supports a holistic approach to the efficient use of energy across the entire lifecycle of a building and discusses the importance of a coordinated approach across energy codes and Building Performance Standards. It informs building code departments and code officials on broad recommendations between policies for new and existing buildings. Ryan Colker, vice President for the ICC and is the Executive Director of the Alliance for National and Community Resilience (ANCR) is influencing industry on the importance of holistically assessing and improving their approach to building for resilience in the face of climate change. Ryan says that both organizations are looking across how various different systems work. In his conversation with VinZero, in the podcast Building for Resilience in the face of climate change that the ICC and ANCR he explains that the ICC and ANCR are looking at holistic opportunities to drive progress in the world around us and want to understand what influences resilience socially and environmentally. The ICC and ANCR are looking at intersections within the broader community and in the buildings themselves to understand how to best support the people using these spaces. Ryan is seeing forward progress with financial investment from the US market and from government. ''We see a lot of pledges to reduce greenhouse emissions by 2030 or 2050, in the building industry to support construction of high-performance buildings. We are seeing drivers from the financial markets and from governments themselves. At a US government level, the Security and Exhange Commission that regulates companies on the stock US exchange. The SEC is requiring companies to report on what their climate impacts are, and this is bring in the need for a sustainability strategy into the board room and moving the discussion forward''. -Ryan Colker A Systems Approach to Net Zero The challenges of measuring risks and addressing energy efficiency projects for carbon mitigation vary across sectors and global regions and the monitoring, reporting and evaluation (MRV) are not standardized. It is a very complex process and a whole systems approach is the most strategic way to look at energy efficiency within buildings. There is no one size fits all or a silver bullet solution. Radical collaboration is necessary as well as an innovative use of technology. To help address this challenge, the World Green Building Council launched the Circularity Accelerator Program in 2022 and is intent on speeding up the transition to a circular economy which is lagging globally as only 9% of buildings are circular. “Over one-third of the materials used globally are for buildings, but less than 9% of global materials consumed are kept in productive cycles of use”. - Cristina Gamboa, CEO of World Green Building Council. The Energy Outlook to 2050 British Petroleum's Energy Outlook concludes that the energy transition over the next thirty years has been profoundly impacted by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as America's passage of a game-changing inflation reduction act. The Energy Outlook examines three potential trajectories – Net Zero, Accelerated, and New Momentum - to determine how each might shape our collective journey towards 2050. To best prepare for the energy system's future, BP is examining a variety of potential pathways to decide which strategy will keep them resilient when faced with an ever-changing landscape. By exploring three distinct scenarios that could come into play over the next 30 years, they're attempting to anticipate all possibilities to stay ahead of whatever might arise. It is clear no matter what scenario they explore, the future of energy demands is changing rapidly as fossil fuels make way for renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectricity. To fully embrace the low-carbon revolution and the scale of the decarbonization challenge, greater support including policy is required to expediate the approval of low-carbon energy and infrastructure. Industry and Government alike need to invest in various alternative technologies including hydrogen fuel, biomass power plants and carbon capture storage systems. Around the world different sectors are looking at their energy strategies and looking for efficiencies. In the US, there are big changes happening in the HVAC industry and minimum energy efficiency standards were released by the Department of Energy (DOE) in December of 2022. This is significant progress as huge emissions are related directly to HVAC systems and according to the HVAC factsheet, a typical office building HVAC system accounts for approximately 40% of total building energy consumption and 70% of base building energy consumption. HVAC is also a major energy user in other non-residential building types. Technology, Tools and Indicators- which is the fairest of them all? Within each country or region there are energy saving programs, tools, schemes and standards and it is not easy to understand the applications, scope and benefits of using one over the other. In Australia, NABERS measures the environmental efficiency of the building against a set of standards. It also measures the building's water and energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental quality. For private homes and apartments, the Australian Nationwide House energy Rating Scheme or NatHERS rating will increase from 6 to 7 star under the National Construction Code that comes into effect from late 2023 affecting new houses and apartments in a Whole of Home rating. A comparison of Green Star, NatHERS, NABERS and Basic is shown in this table. A comparison of international rating schemes; BREEAM, CASBEE, Green Star and LEED, is presented for each region and the tools are tailored for buildings designed for function and the climate. Each rating system has a unique distribution of prerequisites and credits, and these also change depending on the occupancy classification. These tools are a method and framework of reference for evaluation projects, a guide toward better practices and can facilitate innovation. Building owners who seek LEED certification in the USA for example, can use Digital Twin modelling to simulate several design options and chose the most energy efficient design. A Digital Twin helps to better analyze, understand, and eventually predict operational issues. The Digital Twin can gather data on the energy use of commercial building through monitoring the heating or air conditioning system in peak time in users’ movement and propose the best energy strategy. Siemens suggest that Digital Twins should follow the lifecycle of the building and virtually provide data on energy efficiency from the early days of conceptual design to manufacturing, operational use, and retirement. The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is developing the Responsible Products Framework, to enable manufacturers for the Built Environment to have their products recognized in projects rated through Green Star’s Buildings, Performance and Communities Tools. The GBCA has recognized a number of certifications schemes a manufacturer can be rated through to achieve a Responsible Product Value (RPV). Different rating schemes achieve points in the Framework against five categories: Responsible, Healthy, Positive, Circular and Leadership. Product Manufacturers can assist projects to achieve a Green Star Rating by improving their processes to align with the Responsible Product Framework criteria and encouraging projects to use these products in their projects. A product’s RPV is added together with all products within the same building layer: Structure, Envelope, Systems or Finishes. Products are weighted by cost. There is much to look forward to Potential exists to leverage digital tools at all stages of the policy cycle of design, implementation and monitoring of operations of buildings for the whole life cycle. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) digital twins will be integrated with future policy to achieve greater energy efficiency globally. It certainly is an optimistic thought when we think about the future. We are encouraged to look on the bright side and celebrate that so much progress is being made! #World Efficiency Day #Think.Future #Sustainablity #Resilience https://youtu.be/INdtcEx8bWA VinZero (an ARKANCE company) and it's partners support the delivery of energy efficiency for the Built Environment About VInZero (an ARKANCE company) For over 20 years the brands under VinZero (an ARKANCE company) have been providing software solutions and professional services to Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing industries helping them to understand the role of digitalization for the built environment. Businesses both large and small utilize VinZero’s dedicated industry experts to help navigate technologies as they emerge, driving efficiency and improving workflows. With a global focus on reducing emissions and increased focus directed towards industry, VinZero are now turning their attention to providing the linkages between using technology to digitize, and at the same time leveraging the valuable data insights it brings to build more sustainably. VinZero are passionate about helping their customers understand how the technologies they use today can help them to step towards net zero in the future, to build a better world.

  • Maximizing the Lifecycle for Glass

    Bertrand Cazes is the Secretary General of Glass for Europe, the trade association for Europe’s flat glass sector. With over 10 years at the helm of Glass for Europe, Bertrand has a strong insider knowledge of the flat glass manufacturing and glazing sector in Europe and a unique overview over the challenges faced by the building and automotive glass industry. Join in the conversation as Bertrand shares his vision for the innovation and collaboration required to maximize the lifecycle of one of the built environments most valued materials. Click here to listen now

  • Supporting a World Without Waste

    Sims Metal, and each of its business divisions, play an integral role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As the global leader in metal recycling, and data centre IT circularity, and with a purpose to create a world without waste to preserve the planet, it is driven to constantly innovate and offer new solutions in the circular economy for consumers, businesses, governments and communities around the world. Blaise Porter, Group Director Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility, joins in the conversation to shine a light on the importance of scrap metal recycling for driving circularity and decarbonization of the Built Environment. Click here to listen now

  • A Global Benchmark for Adaptive Reuse

    Quay Quarter Tower in Sydney Australia has set a global benchmark for adaptive reuse. Join in the conversation with Dr Reza Hassani Senior Associate Structures for BG&E as he shares the journey to transform an existing commercial building into a world class vertical village, in the process setting a hallmark of world-class engineering and ingenuity. Click here to listen now

  • Financing Renewables to Decarbonize the Grid

    Business Renewables Centre Australia (BRCA) is revolutionizing the way corporate Australia invests in renewable energy. Their efforts are leading to monumental growth across this sector, resulting in significant financial, social and sustainability benefits for the nation and driving supply-demand management of the Australian grid - setting an example of sustainability leadership on the world stage. Join in the conversation with Jonathan Prendergast, Technical Director, BRCA to hear how they are sparking a revolution in corporate investment for clean energy. Click here to listen now

  • Mission Zero

    Lendease's ambitious science based emission reduction targets have been described as industry leading. Listen as Ann Austin, Head of Sustainability for Lendlease Australia, shares some of their journey for developing these and the importance for organizations to understand and hone in on their unique area of influence in determining thoughtful, and considered, strategies rather than borrowed ones. The result is their mission zero roadmap which is already delivering exciting innovations in fossil fuel free construction. Click here to listen now

  • Innovating the Built Environment from the Ground Up

    In this special episode of the VinZero Think Future Podcast we turn to India where two Entreprenurial companies are revolutionizing our Built Environment from the ground up. Abhimanyu Singh, the founder and CEO for Hexpressions, shares how they are changing the game for affordable housing using their patented honeycomb panels and Kunjpreet Arora, Co founder and CEO of Angirus, joins the conversation shining the light on their Wricks innovation. An environmentally friendly, climate resistant alternative brick that has the potential to reinvent an entire industry. Click here to listen now

  • Top 12 'Tambourines' of 2022

    Sustainable Development has been evolving for the past 50 years. The International Institute for Environment and Development provides the history of the previous five decades in their recent publication Connecting for Common Goals showing the Evolution of Sustainable Development: a 50-year timeline. As we round out 2022, we want to acknowledge how much has been achieved even though there is a lot more to come. Here are our top 12 Tambourine moments for 2022. 1. World Green Building Council - Several Industry leaders transitioned to the updated Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment and are taking ambitious action to decarbonize both operational and embodied emissions from their building portfolios. The Commitment has 171 signatories, which includes 136 businesses and organizations, 29 cities, and six states and regions. The Built Environment goal states that ‘all new projects completed from 2030, are net zero carbon in operations, with 40% reduction in embodied carbon’. 2. World Green Building Council launched the Circularity Accelerator Program Global Program and partnered with VinZero to help drive circularity for the Built Environment. World GBC further established the Built Environment as a critical climate solution at COP27 in November where the Green Buildings Councils (GBCs) in their Africa Regional Network established the Africa Manifesto for Sustainable Cities and the Built Environment. A summary of the WorldGBC's Accelerator Program and the Industry Guide. ‘Climate Change Resilience Program in the Built Environment’ is presented in the WorldGBC Annual Report. 2022 also marked 20 years of World Green Building Council and its global network. In celebration, WorldGBC hosted the World GBC +20 Leadership Summit for Sustainable Built Environments. 3. The Breakthrough Agenda was discussed at COP27 and recommended 28 Priority Actions to decarbonize the power, road transport, steel, hydrogen, and agriculture sectors, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 4. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) released the 1.5 C pathway for cement to meet the Paris Agreement and also produced a Net Zero Standard focusing on incentivizing emission abatement within company value chains. A new guidance for steel is expected next year and the sector is invited to provide feedback on the recent Draft Steel Science Based Target Setting Guidance Document. It is currently available for consultation from 23 November 2022 until 23 January 2023. 5. The International Policy Review released the ‘Best Practice Policy Development International Review of Policies and Programs for Low Emissions Building Materials, available on the MECLA website. The report has identified examples of relevant policy implementation from around the world to inform all levels of government in Australia. The key levers identified by the research are: · Policy levers to drive the market; · Role of Industry and the market; · Rating mechanisms for building performance; · Government as an enabler of change; · Data, tools, and skills needed to get to net-zero. 6. Australia is taking concrete action on the journey to Net Zero Victorian renewable energy and storage targets increased and there is an intention to legislate these new targets. Essentially it means that all embodied carbon networks need to achieve 95% renewable energy supply by 2035. The Built Environment Climate Change Adaption Action Plan 2022-2026 focuses on improving essential policies and standards to make our Built Environment more climate-resilient. It is one of seven adaption plans for Victoria. Queensland have identified new opportunities for the construction supply chain decarbonization and circularity with key materials such as low carbon concrete, cement, steel, and aluminium. Key Takeaways from the Materials and Embodies Carbon Leaders’ Alliance (MECLA) are listed here. New South Wales released a new roadmap for digitalising planning, design, construction and operation of infrastructure in the Built Environment. Victoria goes further than a 6 Star NatHERS rating for new homes with suggesting a zero net carbon home which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by five to eight and a half tonnes per year compared to industry standards. A net carbon home reduces the energy bills by 60 to 70% depending on the number and behaviour of occupants, and the size of the home. 7. New building code and measurement tool in Australia National Construction Code specifies 6 Star NatHERS rating for all new homes and some restorations, changes and extensions in Australia. NABERS-Embodied Emissions tool to measure, verify and compare embodied emissions in new buildings and major refurbishments has been released for public consultation. 8. McKinseys Top Trends of 2022 include industrializing machine learning, clean energy and sustainable consumption as major trends affecting the Built Environment. The Future of Clean Energy is focused on energy solutions that help achieve net-zero emissions across the energy value chain, from power generation or production to storage to distribution. 9. Low-Cost green hydrogen and Hydrogen storage breakthrough made news in 2022. Science Daily reported A 'fairly simple' breakthrough makes accessing stored hydrogen more efficient. 10. In Europe, a German steel giant tech made a breakthrough to steer industry away from coal. 11. Belgium company Leilac has a scalable solution to low carbon concrete and the world’s first commercial-scale process for near-zero emission lime commences in partnership with Adbri and has started a carbon abatement project for cement and lime in collaboration with Boral, both in Australia. 12. Mycelium technology is being developed as a construction material because of its strength, environmentally positive impact and ability to biodegrade. Ecovative Expands Mycelium Supply Chain, Acquiring International Producer | National Business | joplinglobe.com. The Mycelium Project: Building House Parts with Fungi was launched in August and is a collaboration between architects, mycelium experts, building science engineers, structural engineers, and design students.

  • Radical Collaboration and Decarbonization

    Join in the conversation as we explore how a systems thinking approach can support the radical collaboration required to drive decarbonization in the material supply chain for our Built Environment. And the vital role of policy and regulation needed demand side to drive the changes required. Click here to listen now

bottom of page