Thursday 28 January 2016

Consultants, Contractors and Owners Workshop

Once again I'm participating in the local Southern Interior Construction Association's Consultants, Contractors and Owners Workshop being held at the Delta Grand Hotel in Kelowna on February 11th 2016.
Join us for an open and constructive dialogue between Consultants, Contractors and Owners engaged in the procurement and construction process.
This year's theme is, "Construction as a Community" featuring:
- Moderated Panel Debate
- Instructional Workshops
- Industry Experts
- Legal Review

Friday 22 January 2016

Building Performance Analysis Certificate Program

I've posted in the past about the Building Performance Analysis Certificate program that Autodesk offers online.

I completed the certificate in 2013 when it first came out, it's since changed sine then, more current and using the latest tools. Autodesk do direct this certificate more towards students, however I think that if your interested in utilizing BPA tools as part of your design process (it's easy to do) start with this certificate program. 

The program is modular, meaning that you can go at your own pace. I typically spent some time during my lunch hour doing a module or two, probably took me a little longer than typical but it was all the time I was willing to spend on it. the course gives you a understanding about what to analyse and how to do it, I found it very interesting and informative.

Below is an email I received from Autodesk and I thought I'd pass it on (slightly edited).


We want to take a moment to remind you of the wonderful opportunity with the Autodesk Building Performance Analysis Certificate (BPAC) Program.

The BPAC Program is a free, online, self-paced educational program, for students, educators and professionals, that will help improve your knowledge of building science fundamentals and Autodesk building performance analysis tools. 

What’s Covered:

  •        Introduction to BPA Certificate
  •        Energy Literacy & Building Loads
  •        Climate & Weather Analysis
  •        Solar Measurements & Strategies
  •        Wind & Airflow Strategies
  •        Daylighting Strategies & Analysis
  •        Whole Building Energy Analysis with Revit

For information on how to Register

Good luck.

Sc



Tuesday 12 January 2016

Get it now.. it's free!

I've posted in the past about Bob Murray's "It's Already Inside". 


Bob has recently released his second edition of his book  "It's Already Inside", and for a limited time it's available FREE to download the Kindle version.
 

Here's some excerpt from his book.

Back in the day, Baby Boomer leaders (1946 to 1964) had a group of employees that were married to their jobs, had a predictable set of expectations, and only wanted to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Then things started to change.

Generation X (1965 to 1980) entered the workplace, and they were driven, individualistic and not committed to any specific career. We can thank Gen X for the 12-hour workday!
Then, not too long after, enter the Millennials (1981 to 1995). This group grew up with omnipresent parents and don’t know a world without computers. They lack delineation between work and personal lives (they see working in the office and still being on social media just as normal as doing work related projects and email during their “own time”). 

And, they want flexibility in virtually everything.

Now, we add in Generation Z (1995 to 2010). They are savvy, know exactly what they want and are demanding it right from the start — yes, including your corner office.
So, as a leader, how do you maintain sanity in the workplace, build a high performance culture, satisfy customers and grow profitably?
The answer is simple. Here is my quick five-step approach to working in harmony with up to four different generations:

1.  Let go of any prejudice you may have about the behavior of a certain generation. Embrace the difference. Learn the value each generation brings.

2.  Make it a daily habit to ensure that everyone understands your vision and strategies. Make them understand your why – it will help them understand their purpose.

3.  Ensure that everyone clearly understands their individual role and responsibility.

4.  Turn goals and objectives into a game, with a scoreboard and outcome if they win.

5.  Communicate often through multiple media, because all five generations all consume their information in different ways.

Thanks Bob! Great advise.

About Robert Murray:
Robert is based out of the Vancouver Lower Mainland, is a critically acclaimed Author, Global Speaker and Business Strategist.

Check out Bob's web site and I recommend you subscribe to his blog.
Also check out his books "It's Already Inside" and "Unlocked" on Amazon.