Issue 31, December 2010

On the 18th October in Adelaide, CETEC hosted a successful Healthy Indoor Environments and Productivity Seminar for clients and industry colleagues.

James Redwood, Director and SA Manager at Norman Disney & Young, presented on the subject of Improving Productivity in Design and Construction.  He discussed and explained the value and concept of BIM (Building Information Modelling) to both the design and construction teams.  BIM, as an integrated resource, aims to improves design and construction coordination and efficiencies, capture the design, construction and building operation, plus minimise unnecessary duplication of information. On a different tangent, James also indicated the growth and potential opportunity for social networks (sites) to assist in collaboration and link design/construction teams across organisations who share joint/common project goals. 

At the seminar Dr Vyt Garnys of CETEC, also spoke on Healthy Indoor Environments and Productivity and Guidelines for the selection of low-emitting materials for the Built Environment.  We invite you to view these presentations.

L to R: Nick Bruse - Thinc Beyond, Mary White - Hassell and James Redwood - NDY

Following the seminar, invited speakers, Peter Ward - SA Water, Mary White - Hassell, John Widdowson - NATA, Suresh Dhillon - Woods Bagot and Nick Bruse - Thinc Beyond spoke at the Future Trend Forum.

The speakers provided a range of insights and ideas into how buildings and the workplace may change in the near (and medium term) future.

Both Peter Ward and Mary White spoke of the positive outcomes at SA Water with the move to the new head office.  SA Water is now seen as an employers of choice by graduates, with more than double the number of graduate applicants and measurably lower turnover in the existing staff.  Mary also spoke a strategic design process which links business performance with the design, as well the benefits of providing daylight, views and plants to building occupants. 

Suresh Dhillon from Woods Bagot spoke of current need to reduce energy and water usage and waste whilst improving IEQ.  The way forward will be towards healing the environment and sustainable development with the following objectives including zero emissions, onsite recycling of waste, energy generation and water capture for reuse.  (badged as Zero Emissions Design  or ZERO-E).  

Nick Bruse from Thinc Beyond provided an insightful presentation, predicting there will be a 'shift in the norms'.  He encouraged the audience to open up their thinking, perspective and perceptions.

The team at CETEC would like to give a big thank you to all the eminent speakers for their time and effort and contribution to the event.

 

Select another article from this issue:

	Asbestos Contaminated Soil Disposal
	Commercial Building Disclosure - finding the balance