Due to the erratic nature of renewable energy generation and the lack of electric vehicles available in Australia, the strides we have taken to replace fossil fuel-based energy have been small. As a consumer, it can feel like where we get our energy from is out of our control, particularly with the cost associated with electric vehicles, solar panels, and solar stationary battery systems.

Fortunately, our options are opening up.

When the population of GEMS Data Load tools is passed onto an administrative role with no technical background, the likelihood of capturing assets accurately is significantly reduced. While the asset capturing process may appear to be data entry, the comprehension, review and translation of assets requires technical aptitude.

Moving to the tropics can be a shock – often you’re left sweaty and frustrated as your body slowly climatises to the increased humidity and almost constant, year-round heat. It can be overwhelming.

Designing in this new environment after spending your career designing for temperate climates may give you a similar feeling. However, just as your body adjusts and begins to flourish in the lack-of-winter, so will you.

The underlying function of ‘smart’ electrical and electronic technologies is to enhance autonomy, efficiency, and safety. However when designing for remote and regional locations, it’s often better to keep it simple, stupid.

Despite decades of experience behind any given project team with multitudes of skills, qualifications, licenses, and expertise, is it possible that the Client still carries the greatest influence over a project’s success?

While it appears that the Federal Government is not committing to Net Zero Emissions by 2050, most of the private sector are doing their part to reach this goal. This is because, in many cases, it’s essential for their business, but also because it’s actually not that difficult to achieve.

So, what role does HVAC play in a Zero Emission Economy?

Project Managers are consistently trying to reduce the time and cost of projects in order to achieve targets. Whether the pressure is coming from the sponsors or an impending event, the sands keep falling. When looking for time to cut, it is common to look at the design timeframe.

Often, that is a mistake.

When transferring captured assets to the GEMS database, it’s important to remember how the database actually works and why specificity matters.

Claims for Extensions of Time occur in almost every contract and yet they are one of the least understood matters in terms of criteria for submission.

The purpose of having ‘lessons learnt’ is to provide an insight into how projects can operate more smoothly in the future. However, the process itself isn’t perfect and could stand for some improvement.

As project managers, we want to be able to plan for everything. Unfortunately when it comes to soft skills, the most we can plan for it to be adaptive to change.

To reduce our impact on the planet, there are changes we all must make in our everyday lives. When it comes to the temperature we set our air conditioning at, these changes may actually work out in our favour.

One of the most valuable assets you can have as a project manager is good common sense. Unfortunately, it is not exactly something that you can study. Our philosophy to common sense is simple: if you can define it, you can practice it.

When structures are designed as non-habitable, it is often assumed that they do not present a hazard to life in case of failure. There are other factors however that need to be considered when determining the appropriate Importance Level.

Don’t scroll just yet. We’ve made this quick.

While heavily used in the Northern Territory, NPWC3 contracts aren’t always suitable and can cause confusion when they are not properly applied. We’ve broken down in under a minute what you need to look out for when working with these contract types.

Almost everyone hates document control in Defence projects. This hatred, or dismissal, can lead a project astray. Good document control enables accurate communication, project tracking and project recording, and minimises the chance of delays. While there is an efficient and effective way to document control, there is always room for improvement.

Engineers are increasingly facing more pressure to deliver solutions faster, cheaper and better than before. It can be tempting to accept third-party recommendations as they appear as credible designs. However, without performing your due diligence as an engineer to scrutinise these proposed designs, you are dismissing the importance of your role in a project.

While networking may not be written directly into the job description, it can add immeasurable value to the development and career of an engineer.

In Defence projects, many see the ‘checklist’ as their enemy. In actuality, the HOTO checklist can be your best friend.

While balustrades probably aren't on your mind while hosting a party (or perhaps, ever), you'll be glad they show up.