2006-07 - Construction Innovation

Performance Measures
2005–06
This CRC been provided with significant benefits thanks to the
foundation laid throughout it’s history in linking closely with industry
associations. Construction Innovation has continued to provide
industry diffusion activities through ACIF partners and others.
Throughout this year this CRC’s reports to industry have been cobranded
and/or launched in conjunction with significant national
industry associations. In particular, the relationships with the AIB,
PCA, AIPM, UDIA, FMAA and RAIA have been enhanced.
International collaborations and repute by international industry
development groups has also increased. Construction Innovation’s
Board Chair serves on the international board of the CIB – the
International Council for Research and Innovation in Building
and Construction.
Our CRC is recognised internationally as a leader in servicing the
challenging fragmented construction sector. International researchers
from our ICALL partners have added value to our private and public
participants through collaborations and personal visits in sustainability,
ICT and industry development. This international network provides
CRC participants and the Australian industry with direct access to the
world’s construction research leaders. Additionally, our Development
Manager’s leadership of the IAI’s international group’s education
and training strategy coupled with our ICT products has provided
Australian research with an unparalleled access to global leaders.
For example, our CRC was invited to present at the annual Bentley
Technical Advisory Committee held in Munich in April 2006.
The international collaborations have led to commercial application
of CRC products in The Netherlands and ongoing trails in Norway,
Finland and USA.
5. Increase in industry innovations and shifts in the
knowledge base
2006–07
An initiative undertaken to strengthen our industry engagement and
ensure pathways to research utilisation has been the establishment
of Industry Taskforces to provide senior strategic input into key
research projects from organisations both within, and external to,
our participant base. This approach has proved highly effective
with the Safer Construction project, chaired by Engineers Australia
Taskforce for Construction Safety Chair and Leighton Holdings Chief
Operating Officer, Bill Wild.
The Taskforce consists of key representatives from:
• Construction Innovation
• Engineers Australia (EA)
• Australian Constructors Association (ACA)
• Property Council of Australia (PCA)
• Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA)
• Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA)
• Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC)
• Master Builders Australia
• Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC).
Delivered in collaboration with Engineers Australia, Safer Construction
brings together the peak national associations for clients, designers
and constructors in the development and dissemination of this
ground-breaking industry guide to safer construction. In doing so,
the project addresses current importance placed on safety by the
industry.
A similar approach was adopted for the Your Building project, which
involved development of an industry-wide web portal for sustainable
commercial buildings for Australian industry. This was undertaken
in collaboration with AGO and ASBEC representatives. The Your
Building Industry Taskforce comprised representatives from AGO,
ASBEC, RAIA, ACEA, PCA and Building Products Innovation Council
(BPIC). Increasingly, businesses are placing a value on sustainable
commerical buildings.
The Sydney Opera House FM Exemplar Project achieved innovations
in the adoption of BIM for the FM industry, an industry which has
lagged in the uptake of ICT solutions.
Industry-accredited Water Services Technology and Introduction to
BIM eLearning modules were developed in collaboration with the
RAIA. Construction Innovation’s BRITE project showcased innovative
management practices in its Being the Best publication and
innovation gallery. These have been distributed, with the assistance
of state government departments, to a total of 1024 pre-qualified
contractors in the road and building industries throughout Australia.
Another 200 copies have been distributed through BRITE project
participants and to policy and contracting sections of the Queensland
Department of Public Works and Queensland Department of Main
Roads.
2005–06
Construction Innovation has unquestionably developed a high profile
in our industry. The BRITE project has continued to lead the way
with industry publications showcasing industry innovations. From
a national survey, this project has also estimated the proportion of
industry innovators who are aware of our CRC’s activities as 30%.
This group of innovators may also contribute to the increasing number
of hits on Construction Innovation’s website – downloading case
studies and reports at a rate that is now almost ten times the monthly
hit rate one year ago. Again, industry feedback has confirmed the
BRITE project as most valuable for engaging with the SME’s that
dominate our industry.
Construction Innovation’s partnership with the FMA in delivering the
Sydney Opera House industry seminars (contributing to the Facilities
Management Action Agenda) provide another practical example of
this CRC’s contribution to enhancing the knowledge base. Already,
the digital modelling component of this project has contributed to the
ongoing development of the Sydney Opera House’s 3D modelling
architecture and created significant industry interest in a broader
application of this technology – particularly lending value to the
integrated design/construction/FM whole-of-life digital model.
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