Harrisons Electrical, Mechanical & Property Services Ltd’s Post

Arcadis wishes all students a fantastic academic year! This year, 5,000 students are starting at the renewed #campus Brugge Station of HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen, a real icon for sustainability and innovation. As part of the Design & Build team, Arcadis ensured the stability and conducted #technical studies on electricity, HVAC, and #energy performance. The mobility study was also efficiently developed to ensure smooth connectivity from all directions. What makes it so sustainable? ✅ Nearly energy-neutral building: 80% of heating and cooling is done with ground heat. ✅ Facade made of recycled materials: optimizes natural light and prevents overheating. ✅ Flexible and adaptable structure: promotes sustainability and circularity. ✅ Smart water management: wastewater is treated and reused on-site, along with buffered rainwater. In other words, this campus offers an inspiring learning environment under the best conditions. Learn more on our website: https://okt.to/eMOXnC #ImprovingQualityOfLife

The clock is ticking - Australia's 2050 net zero commitment is fast approaching!  ⏳   Every industry is feeling the heat to play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity, and the Buildings sector is no exception.     Modern buildings place greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, using energy-efficient technology and designs. But upgrading and reusing older structures to make them greener is an entirely different story.     Fortunately, Monash University Clayton Campus is not just keeping up, but leading by example in transforming its buildings to reduce environmental impact. Working together with Australia's largest university, WGA has helped to successfully upgrade two such buildings, one of which now boasts an all-electric thermal plant that runs on renewable energy.    “You don't always need to tear down and start from scratch to make an old building sustainable. Sometimes, adjusting existing features and adding new tech can do the trick!” says Brad Waters, WGA’s Senior Structural Engineer who led the Design Analysis of this project.    Here's how we made these structures sustainable:    💪 - Checked if the existing structures can take on the challenge of new equipment and upgrades.     🍀 - Created a design that uses the existing structures to the max - to reduce costs, waste, and environmental impact.    🔎 - Closely examined the existing concrete structures, especially where existing drawings are unavailable.     ⚡ - Helped the client transition from gas to renewable energy sources.    The plant upgrade alone is helping five other buildings at Clayton Campus reduce their carbon footprint.     Ready to go green? Find out more about how we helped transform these Clayton Campus buildings: https://lnkd.in/g2x4PQ7x   🙌 Brad Waters, Michael Harnack, Cosmin Nicolaescu, Gurbinder Chhina   Monash University | Brand Architects | Hutchinson Builders | Lendlease | Aurecon | Scientific Fire Services Pty Limited | ASPECT Studios Image Credit: Brand Architects   #GreenBuildings #MakingaDifference #Engineering #AdaptiveReuse  #Victoria

👩🎓 👨🎓 🔝New Microcredential Course at the University of Seville: Carbon Footprint of Buildings (1st Edition) 📅 In December 2024, the University of Seville will launch the 1st Edition of the course "Carbon Footprint in Buildings: Calculation and Reporting".   🎯 Objectives: - To learn how to design buildings with low carbon impacts due to ghg emissions. - To acquire skills to prepare Environmental Declarations for Construction Products. - To develop skills in calculating the carbon footprint in buildings and creating detailed reports.   🏗 Competencies: Propose design strategies to reduce CO2 emissions in architectural projects. Perform carbon footprint calculations in buildings and generate reports of results.   🌎 If you are interested in sustainability in the construction sector, this course is for you! Pre-registration open until October 20 on the following link: https://lnkd.in/dd9XuY3Q

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS: THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS AND HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP OPTIMIZE BUILDING PERFORMANCE WHILE REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.. ■■The importance of sustainable construction in schools cannot be overstated. Sustainable schools provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment for students, while also minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable construction in schools involves designing and building facilities that reduce energy consumption, conserve water, and promote indoor air quality. By incorporating sustainable design principles and materials, schools can reduce their environmental footprint while creating a positive learning environment. ■Technology plays a vital role in optimizing building performance and reducing environmental impact in schools. ■Building Management Systems (#BMS) can be used to monitor and control energy usage, water consumption, and waste management. Energy-efficient HVAC systems and LED lighting can also be integrated into school buildings to reduce energy consumption. Additionally, solar panels and renewable energy systems can be used to generate clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The benefits of sustainable construction in schools are numerous. Sustainable schools can improve student health, well-being, and academic performance. They can also reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and operational costs. Furthermore, sustainable schools can serve as a model for sustainable development in the community, promoting environmental awareness and education. By investing in sustainable construction, schools can create a positive learning environment while also contributing to a more sustainable future. To achieve sustainable construction in schools, it is essential to adopt a collaborative approach. This involves working with architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers to design and build sustainable schools. It also requires engaging with teachers, students, and the broader community to promote environmental awareness and education. By working together, we can create sustainable schools that provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment for students. In conclusion, sustainable construction in schools is essential for creating a healthy, comfortable, and productive learning environment while minimizing environmental impact. By leveraging technology and adopting a collaborative approach, we can design and build sustainable schools that promote environmental awareness and education. ■■Let us work together to create a more sustainable future for our children and our planet. UN Sustainable Development Group International Institute for Sustainable Development EIIS - European Institute of Innovation for Sustainability International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) European Central Bank European Investment Bank (EIB) OECD-OCDE Educo ONG EBRD UNESCO.

🌿 Celebrating Our Graduates! 🌟 🎓 The second cohort of 19 talented students has successfully graduated from the ‘Design for Greater Efficiency’ (DfGE) course at the School of Art & Architecture, Sushant University! Organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), this program has been a transformative journey into the world of sustainable design. Let’s dive into their remarkable achievements: #ResourceEfficiency: Students explored the impact of building form and skin on climate. They learned to optimize energy utilization through HVAC systems and controls. #Daylighting: Insights into creating sustainable, well-lit spaces were gained, enhancing their design skills. #WaterConservation and Materials: Graduates are now equipped to make conscientious choices, promoting sustainability in their future endeavors. #GreenBusiness Advocacy: The module on making a green business case empowered them to drive eco-friendly practices in their professional settings. 🌎 These passionate architects are ready to shape a greener, more efficient world! Their journey has just begun, and we’re excited about the positive impact they’ll make. 🌿💡 🙏 Special thanks to IFC - International Finance Corporation, Ms. Nandita (Global Lead - DfGE Green Building Learning Program), Himanshu Sanghani and EDGE Buildings for their invaluable support! 🌟 #SustainableDesign #ArchitectsForChange #ClimateAction #FutureLeaders #edgeapp

I'm thrilled to share that I have successfully completed a Specialization - 3 course series on Sustainable Design Practices in Building from L&T EduTech on Coursera! 🎓✨ This comprehensive program included: 1) Comfort in Buildings 2) Resource and Waste Management in Buildings 3) Green Building Assessment & Certification Key Highlights of the Course: >>Emphasized sustainable development principles and green construction methods. >>Explored the critical role of the construction industry in sustainability. >>Covered site selection, environmental impact, and Indian climatic considerations. >>Delved into shading, heat transfer, and renewable energy. >>Addressed water and waste management, alongside sustainable materials. >>Examined energy, water, and waste impacts, and Indian green building ratings. This course has significantly enhanced my design skills for creating sustainable buildings and has prepared me for green certifications. I’m eager to apply these insights to drive sustainability in the built environment. A big thank you to L&T EduTech and Coursera for this incredible learning opportunity! #Sustainability #GreenBuilding #SustainableDesign #L&T #Coursera #ProfessionalDevelopment #ContinuousLearning

After completing my Bachelor’s degree, I chose to start a family first. I never imagined that years later, I would win a fully funded MSc scholarship in the UK and eventually graduate as the top student in my class. I graduated with a Bachelors degree - Quantity Surveying (QS) in 2010, attaining a second class, upper division. Shortly afterwards, I got my first job as a graduate QS, where I worked for 2 years. Within this period, I started a family, and I was determined to be present and very hands-on in bringing up the children. So, I decided to slow down and sort of take a career break. I got into business, and freelance construction project management (I could never fully stay away from the built environment). Fast forward to 2020, everyone is home, my 3 boys are now older, and something in me knew it was the right time to pick up my career. I started researching on the future of the built environment. I discovered sustainability. And this excited me. A lot! I started learning about how sustainability looks like in the building/construction industry, and how professionals in this field can contribute towards ensuring a more sustainable built environment. I started looking out for short courses and certifications in this field. I then discovered green building certifications and I knew I had found the path I wanted to follow. So I enrolled for the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Green certification and in May 2022 I was certified as an EDGE Expert. Soon after I enrolled for the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and in March 2023 I was certified as a LEED Green Associate. A Master’s degree was the next most natural thing to do. My experience and certification led me towards designing and championing for a more energy efficient, sustainable and resilient built environment. I applied for an MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments at The University of Reading, UK. In 2022 I decided to apply for the Chevening Awards and after a very competitive selection process, I was awarded the scholarship in 2023. September 2023 marked the beginning of a beautiful journey of learning, and creating amazing experiences and networks. With each module I took, my convictions grew stronger that I had indeed chosen the right path for my career. My curiosity fueled my learning, and the interactions with the faculty and industry professionals made my master’s journey so impactful. In December 2024 I graduated as the top student in my class with a distinction. I’m excited about the prospects that lie ahead of me, and I’m looking forward to the doctoral journey soon. © Ruth Karuga ----------- As a scholar or mid-career profession, you can now have your journey shared on The Management Diary. Drop us a message today. Inspire, Inform & Educate. Check our latest scholarship updates here: https://lnkd.in/dnwnW75h

In a landmark collaboration that underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, Meinhardt has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).   This partnership aims to spearhead advancements in smart and sustainable facilities management, reflecting both organisations' dedication to nurturing future-ready talents, and creating resilient and sustainable urban solutions.   The MOU marks a significant stride towards integrating real-world engineering challenges and digital solutions into the academic curriculum and research, promising to unlock new opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader industry ecosystem.   “At Meinhardt Group, we envision a world where infrastructure and urban developments not only embody innovation but also tread lightly on our planet. This partnership with Ngee Ann Polytechnic represents a pivotal step in that direction, offering a unique confluence of academic rigour and industry expertise to empower the next generation of green leaders in the built environment sector. By aligning our efforts, we are setting new benchmarks for what is achievable in the realm of smart and sustainable facilities management,” said Mr Omar Shahzad, Group CEO of Meinhardt Group. The collaboration will unfold across various initiatives including joint research and consultancy projects; the co-creation, development and showcase of systems, platform and solutions at NP; the formation of tripartite partnerships with other educational and research institutions, and the development of specialised training, attachment and internship programmes for NP students and faculty alike. “We are invested in forging strategic alliances to innovate sustainable solutions. The synergy between Meinhardt Singapore and Ngee Ann Polytechnic through this MOU provides a robust platform for pioneering sustainable practices and technologies in the built environment sector. It reflects our shared aspiration to play an instrumental role in Singapore’s transition towards a greener future,” said Mr Kok Kiang Lim, Principal and CEO of Ngee Ann Polytechnic.   “Together with Ngee Ann Polytechnic, we are eager to co-create a future where innovation leads the way to environmental stewardship and societal well-being. This endeavour not only aims to enrich the learning experience but also to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge essential for addressing the environmental and technological challenges of the future, expanding the boundaries of classrooms into the working world, making each space a living and learning lab,” said Dr. Eugene Seah, Chief Operating Officer of Meinhardt Singapore Pte Ltd. Photo credit: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Caption: Launch of Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Sustainability Education & Ecosystem Development (SEED) initiative; Graced by the Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee (8th position from left), the event marked NP’s pursuit to accelerate its sustainability efforts. 

PhD ✅ unlocked! Last week I successfully defended my doctoral thesis titled "Assessment of occupants' comfort expectations in relation to the adoption of personal environmental control systems" at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). I could not be more grateful to my supervisors Marcel Schweiker and Riklef Rambow and my boss Andreas Wagner for their guidance and support throughout this whole journey. Also Caroline Karmann for your fruitful comments and feedback. What did I do? 👉 I investigated the performance of an innovative personal ceiling fan and implemented an overall evaluation method for a type of personal environmental control system (PECS). 👉 I proposed a theoretical model to operationalize and include occupants' comfort expectations in the adaptive comfort theory. 👉 I assessed PECS technology acceptance in relation to occupants' comfort expectations.   Why is this important?  🏘 We, as designers, should promote passive, low-carbon building cooling solutions (where possible) to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions.  👩👩👦👦 To achieve this, we also need to rethink our current understanding of thermal comfort by shaping occupants' expectations of what a comfortable thermal environment should be like. These topics are addressed in the thesis that will be published soon. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. #energyefficiency #thermalcomfort #occupants #passivecooling #pecs #buildings