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Consulting Matters
Integral Group Leadership All industries need influencers, not just the ones that we see on social media. Influencers are people who lead the changes that our world needs, now. In exploring our role as consultants in the built environment – specifically in sustainable engineering – we demonstrate how knowledgeable workers in all industries can lead and inspire. Regardless of our area of expertise, it is important that we – as consultants and stewards of the Earth – trust, nurture, and inspire the decision makers of the built environment and do it with urgency to protect our natural environment in the years to come. In supporting our clients towards a more sustainable and just future we lead by example. Our work is driven by our Deep Green mission to leave a legacy of positive impact on the world. Whether we are considering the whole life carbon emissions of a university project in Tasmania; repurposing redundant gas pipeline infrastructure in Queensland; designing a $1.9 billion dollar hospital with state-of-art digital patient and logistics tracking; consulting with local and state governments on the future use of gas; or working with private and public sectors on their 2030 and 2050 carbon roadmaps, Integral Group is reimagining sustainable buildings and precincts at every scale. We are creating environments that inspire and influence every end user and stakeholder. Our team sees the value in industry collaborations with likeminded organisations. Our commitments to these relationships include being founding signatories of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, Engineers Declare Australia, and as a GBCA Carbon Positive Partner. Our Melbourne office was also the first 6-Star Green Star Interior fit out, and Integral Group have collectively designed over 100 Net Zero Carbon buildings globally. These partnerships not only demonstrate commitment but also provide professional development and an opportunity to educate the public. This outreach effort improves our ability as consultants to use our expertise to influence positive change by making decision making easier and clearer for clients and stakeholders. In 2020, Integral’s expertise sharing went digital via our IG|VISION webinar series, allowing us to expand the reach of our thought leadership globally. We asked questions like: how can we enhance the patient experience through design? David Barker and James Gungl explored the use of design analytics to shape the form, orientation, and façade configuration of healthcare buildings to improve occupant amenity while maintaining focus on environmental performance.
Melissa Nouel elevated concerns around the intersection of climate resilience and social equity in the built environment, and showcasing the value sustainability consultants can add beyond operational carbon offsets to true community impact. As industry leaders we continue to advocate for what we know the world needs in the future. And what the world needs is deeply committed and environmentally aligned influencers. Influencers like: •R egional Director Andrew Mather, who has created a culture of innovation and inspiration both at Integral Group and at Consult Australia serving as National President of from 2015-2017. •V ice-Chair Dominic Lai, the first registered fire engineer in Victoria who has built a thriving business around designing sustainable environments across Australia. •N ewly appointed Regional Director Andrew Oxley, who believes his greatest accomplishment as a leader, is seeing those who he has mentored achieve great things. •O ur next generation leaders like Tatiana Schonhobel, Alex Krickx, and Melissa Nouel who have been identified by GBCA as specialists in their field and appointed to the Expert Reference Panels. •E lizabeth Coe, the first female engineer to become a director of an engineering firm in Victoria. Now retired, she is still a strong advocate for women in our industry through Engineers Australia. Most importantly, influencers are also people like you, those taking the time to read and learn and become better advocates for the industry. n
