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David Collins
Associate Director; Cundall
Professional Background
David Collins is a seasoned professional in the field of sustainability and energy efficiency, currently serving as the Associate Director for Sustainability at Cundall, a global engineering consultancy. His career commenced in 2007 when he joined the Sydney office of Cundall, where he honed his skills for eight years. Recognizing the increasing importance of sustainability in construction and building design, David embraced an opportunity to expand his horizons through a 2.5 year secondment to Cundall's Singapore office. During this time, he successfully elevated the profile of the company's sustainability services across Asia, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments. After enriching his expertise in Singapore, David has now returned to his home country of Australia, where he leads the Brisbane office while continuing to influence sustainable practices and innovations in the built environment.
Education and Achievements
David's academic foundation is built upon a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This specialized education set the stage for David's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development practices, equipping him with the essential knowledge and technical skills to address the challenges and opportunities within the energy efficiency landscape.
Throughout his career, David has amassed an impressive array of qualifications and certifications, which bolster his credentials in sustainability. He is a Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Accredited Professional, a National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) Accredited Assessor, a City of Sydney's CBD Accredited Assessor, and a Green Mark Manager. These accreditations are testament to his in-depth understanding of environmental and sustainable building practices. Furthermore, David has engaged with internationally recognized frameworks and certifications, such as WELL Building Certification, LEED, and The Living Building Challenge, further underscoring his commitment to driving sustainability across all facets of his projects.
Achievements
David Collins has made significant contributions to the field of sustainability, particularly in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for various building types. His wealth of knowledge extends to designing and implementing water reduction strategies, developing on-site energy generation solutions, promoting resource efficiency, and fostering holistic design methodologies. David's strategic involvement in the complete Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) process positions him as a versatile professional capable of guiding projects from the initial advisory stage and computer simulations to successful project delivery, including performance monitoring and upgrade plans.
David's hands-on experience also includes the effective management of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) projects across diverse sectors, including data centres, hotels, office fitouts, and amusement rides. His comprehensive skills in project management coupled with his sustainability expertise empower him to enhance MEP designs significantly, ensuring they align with contemporary sustainability goals and client expectations.
Beyond individual building projects, David collaborates with corporations to assess, develop, and improve their sustainability efforts. His work includes leading the development of corporate sustainability strategy and policy, managing policy implementation, and overseeing reporting processes for frameworks such as the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the European Association for Investors in Non-listed Real Estate Vehicles (INREV), and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme (NGERS). These initiatives reflect David's capacity to cultivate corporate accountability and foster a culture of sustainability within organizations.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional commitments, David Collins cherishes time spent outdoors with his wife and baby boy. His dedication to sustainability goes beyond the workplace; it is also reflected in his love for nature and the environment. Engaging with family in outdoor activities allows David to promote the values of sustainability not only in his career but in his personal life as well, nurturing a legacy of environmental stewardship for future generations.
Location
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