January 2013:  Ecomplish is arranging an LED Lighting Demostration in Canberra for 15th February 2013. If you or your company would like to attend, please contact us.

1.      Knowledge

From one point of view, there should be no ‘need’ for a sustainability consultant, but the truth is most traditional architects, designers and engineers have not been trained in how to achieve holistic, integrated and sustainable solutions. For example, I know several architects who had only two days of ‘sustainability’ training over a five year bachelor course. This means such professionals might be experts in creating amazing visual experiences and great technical solutions but they cannot give sound advice on what will provide the best overall design solution, considering all domains; for example, material impacts, product lifecycles and waste, renewable energy, water capture and use, transport, technology, climate, orientation, thermal mass, governance, operations and marketing.

For instance, what angles should solar energy or hot water systems be set at, to ensure optimal efficiency for a residential dwelling?
The answer is, it depends on a lot of factors, including building type, usage patterns, roof type, climate and the relationship to other mechanical systems, and the answer is typically very different for solar water and solar energy.

2.      Experience

Good sustainability consultants frequently work on leading edge sustainability focused projects, so they can deliver the best advice from all previous experiences to future clients. They can also provide innovative ideas from around the world, which can make projects stand out and achieve new echelons in building or estate development.

3.      Coverage and integration

Traditional development and design methodologies give architects and engineers very specific roles and often they are not used to delivering truly integrated solutions.  A professional sustainability consultant will have experience across at least five disciplines and be able to liaise, negotiate and support all design and development team members.  They can provide advice directly to the client, about design options, risks, future trends and new meaning to Value Engineering, which can struggle to take into account non-tangible benefits.

4.      Return on investment

A sustainability consultant is typically one of the lowest cost items in any development or design team, and yet they can provide many ways to save on development, building and operational costs, whilst maximising the benefits for the end user. They can also evaluate outcomes, report on the experiences and ensure developments continually improve over time, rather than repeating the same model that will eventually be superseded by competitors.

For more information you can refer to:

http://www.wme.com.au/magazine/downloads/WME_1208_ConsultantsFeature_LR.pdf

http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2012/03/09/skills-sustainability-consultants-need-succeed

Ecomplish can assist you to provide that missing link, quality advice and rating submisisons if required. Why not contact us today with your project, for some free initial advice.

2009: Quantum Bioenergy are developing two renewable energy projects in Queensland and Victoria.

These will generate electricity from waste gases, reducing the amount of power required on site. Methane is up to 20 times more damaging to the atmosphere compared to Carbon Dioxide so such projects are vitial to reduce our impacts on the environments.

In a sign of things to come, some companies such Broad Group in China have developed systems to construct modular buildings in record time. Whilst pre-manufactured systems can save on material waste , the types of materials used and the initial design is still vital to achieve higher levels of sustainable development outcomes. See this video of the latest example, of what is possible, under certain conditions:  http://youtu.be/rwvmru5JmXk

We commemorate and celebrate the life of Chris J. Walton, who died in a tragic building accident in Burleigh Heads on 23 December 2012.

He was a great mentor, leader and visionary.

Chris and his team developed The Ecovillage in Currumbin, which has won over 30 different awards including an International Award for Excellence. www.theecovillage.com.au

For more about Chris, feel free to visit the website we have created for him at www.chrisjwalton.com

August 2012:  We are currently working to enhance the design of a new 5 Star Hotel planned for Brisbane City. We can’t say any more, because the project is been kept under wraps, but more will be revealed in due course.

Suffice to say this Hotel will include some smart sustainability initiatives and technologies which will save the owner thousands in operating costs, and increase guest comfort.

Ecomplish have worked on other resorts/hospitality designs in the past. Contact us to see what we can do to improve your plans today.