Follow one firm’s path from committing to BIM to climbing a learning curve in using it to serve clients, and even on to taking an unusual step to fill what it sees as a need in the market.
The people in the industry don’t necessarily make a loud argument for it, but the results often do. How to get this ball rolling, sell it, and see it through from design to occupancy? Look ahead by looking below.
Some will say most engineering, construction, and O&M software offerings are “smart” because they are all programs built for computer applications, but I see that some software has added benefits beyond their program intent. To begin, computer programs are developed to provide a variety of technical features, such as performing energy calculations and system/equipment service that blends technical data with financial data. Even my own software programs have specific features for commissioning and air and water balancing. But what about the benefits a program can provide which maybe weren’t part of the intent?
The final air toxic rules for institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) boilers (after almost two decades of legal wrangling, political pandering and intrusion, and boiler-user dread) have been inked and will soon be published in the Federal Register - an action that will begin the compliance clock ticking for new and existing boilers in these sectors.
In
recent “Tomorrow’s Environment” columns, I’ve talked about
the need for engineers to change from being a commodity and a
follower to recommitting their technical skills to engineer-driven
consulting services. I touched on some of the engineering initiatives
that are ideally suited for engineer-led teams. The heart of being a
leader of projects begins with three essential attributes: Positive
attitude, creativity, and a high energy level, followed by a need to
lead.
