Editorial

EXCEPTIONAL CHANGE

THE PANDEMIC WILL SERVE AS A CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN THE PROFESSION. S ince the last edition of the Surveyors Journal we have all made exceptional changes to our lives, many of which we could never have imagined other than perhaps after watching a film about some catastrophic event. And it’s not over yet. All of us will have stories about working from home, problems with IT, and simply coping with what must surely have been the biggest change to our working lives we’ve ever experienced. I am sure therefore that all of you will read with great interest about the experience of three surveyors from different backgrounds in ‘Pandemic and Revolution?’. In general, I have the impression of great success with working remotely and with IT resources not familiar to many up until recently. Of course working from home has its challenges, particularly for those with young children. Surely, however, the pandemic will serve as a catalyst for a more widespread digitisation in the practice of surveying in all its manifestations. As many return to offices, facility management surveyors in particular have a vital role in helping companies return to work, and it will be fascinating to see how workplaces will be changed, perhaps forever, by the experiences of the past couple of months.

It was great to see that the Society worked well remotely, including all the working groups, committees and officers, and particularly the staff, all of whom kept things going, engaged with Government and other professions, and contributed to acquiring and providing much-needed advice in what can only be described as novel circumstances. The way in which they have met these challenges can only instil confidence for the future.

Can I add my congratulations to Tomás Kelly, Frank Harrington, Liam Daly, Michael

Boyd and Shane O’Beirne on becoming fellows, a well-deserved honour, which should encourage others to come forward and have their achievements recognised.

Pandemic by numbers

116 million surgical masks are being produced per day in China

58% Drop in daily EU carbon dioxide emissions

200 tonnes of medical waste produced per day in Wuhan (400% increase)

67 million Fewer air passengers in Europe

EDITORIAL

Tom Dunne Editor

50% Drop in Irish car pollution

Sources: mywaste.ie, Financial Times, South China Morning Post, OAG, EU Environment Agency.