cool breeze green cities 09 special edition (autumn 2009)

40 Cool Breeze by AE Smith

It’s an exciting time for AE Smith as we participate at Green Cities for the second consecutive year. We feel it’s important to demonstrate our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our industry and helping you deliver high performance green buildings. We’re also very proud to launch our new energy services business Emerald Sustainable Performance (EmeraldESP). It’s the next step in AE Smith’s 111 year history, and has been created in response to the growing concern about the environmental performance of buildings. I invite you to learn more about AE Smith and EmeraldESP by visiting us at the Green Cities Conference. Drop into the AE Smith Business Centre & Internet Café, where internet access, free coffees and a quick massage are on offer.

Hello & Welcome

Cool Breeze is a newsletter published by AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd ABN 54 004 274 793 for its staff and customers. Subscription is free and available directly from AE Smith. AE Smith 21-29 Miles Street Mulgrave VIC 3170, Australia t. +61 3 9271 1999 f. +61 3 9271 1971 [email protected] www.aesmith.com.au

©2009 AE Smith & Son Pty Ltd. Important Notice: The information contained in this newsletter is given in good faith. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither AE Smith, its employees or contractors accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any person acting on information contained in this newsletter. This newsletter should not be used or relied on as a substitute for detailed professional consultation with AE Smith.

& printed on 100% recycled paper

Find out more about AE Smith’s energy management approach through this edition of Cool Breeze, along with some of our latest innovative projects and success stories from our 10 office locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. I hope you enjoy reading more about us. Wishing you and your business well in 2009. Andrew Permezel CEO

Green Cities 09 special edition: > Safety 1st provides competitive edge > AE Smith looks to the future > Delivering on green design excellence > Applause for AE Smith’s Mackay customers > AHOY! & Top honour for top end project > Soaking up the challenge > AE Smith celebrates 111 years > Multifaceted gem > Efficiency through technology > Part of winning formula & Good things come in small packages > Country club gets a facelift > An insightful edge from a new employee > Noosa multisport magic & Brisbane rowers boost local regatta > Collaborating with customers > In the spotlight > GOAALLL! & Team Melbourne rises to the challenge > Risky business as temperatures rise > Creating warmth at Ronald McDonald House > Already on target > Hello & welcome

C o o l B r e e z e AE Smith’s quarterly newsletter for staff and friends b r i s b a n e c a i r n s d a r w i n g o l d c o a s t m a c k a y m e l b o u r n e p e r t h s y d n e y t a s m a n i a t o w n s v i l l e n e w z e a l a n d

air conditioning mechanical services building technologies energy services


New certification demonstrates AE Smith’s Zero Harm culture AE Smith has redefined their “Safety 1st” company mission by achieving an industry leading national certification. The rigorous AS/NZS 4801 Australian Standards certification sets out strenuous requirements for health and safety systems and assesses how an organisation manages risk and hazards. This newly awarded certification provides valuable credentials to AE Smith – and now formally recognises their commitment to occupational health and safety excellence. “Beyond the numbered certification, this confirms our internal Workplace Health and Safety Management System is on the right track, plus it demonstrates to our customers and the wider industry that we’re really fair dinkum about the health and welfare of every member of our team,” comments National Safety Manager, Danny O’Reilly. But the accreditation has not come overnight. AE Smith started the journey to achieve this level of certification in September 2005 with the creation of a Safety Coordination role. The first steps were to revise and revamp safety systems and to build a ‘Zero Harm Culture’ amongst AE Smith’s teams. Complemented by a scrupulous internal audit program and ongoing training, AE Smith also put into practice learnings from a variety of second party audits on systems and procedures.

Safety 1st Provides Competitive Edge

AE Smith’s Cairns team celebrating 500 days LTI free at the Cairns Esplanade in Nov 2008 Pic above (Back row, R to L): Craig Rogers, Justin Healey, Brenton Zetthinati, Alan Leeder, Ti Ward, Ben Mathiesen, Chris BalIentine. (Front row, R to L) Andy Ashcroft, Cam Skinner, Col Cameron, Lindsay Pemberton, Jason Mills. For more information on AE Smith’s Safety 1st policies, contact National Safety Manager, Danny O’Reilly on +61 (0)413 153 838

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10,000 trees by 2010 with Greenfleet AE Smith has embarked on an industry leading partnership with Greenfleet, creating innovative ways to reduce their greenhouse impact on the environment. The first and only air conditioning company to be a member of Greenfleet, AE Smith is bringing their association with the pioneering not-for-profit forestry organisation to life by combining traditional vehicle offsets with a special tree planting program. The partnership launched an initiative to plant 10,000 trees by 2010 as part of a bid to help reduce the impacts of the air conditioning industry on the environment. However, by early 2009, AE Smith has already superseded this initial target and is now on track to plant 11,500 trees by the end of this year through its partnership with Greenfleet. “AE Smith realises we’re in an amazing position to look for ways our industry can make a difference,” comments AE Smith Service Group General Manager, Aldo Cevaal, who is well aware air conditioning consumes 30-40% of Australian commercial building’s energy requirements and produces more than 21 million tones of CO2 each year.* While AE Smith seek out new design, construction and servicing approaches to help customers be more energy efficient, Mr Cevaal believes the partnership with Greenfleet gets customers attention focused on the environment. “Leading the way with Greenfleet and a our tree planting target offers a great tool to connect to our customers on the simple ways they can reduce greenhouse emissions,” he adds. Sara Gipton, CEO of Greenfleet (pic right) agrees industry support for environmental action is a key driver for change in the community. “AE Smith are inspiring other companies to support Greenfleet and start taking action to reduce their emissions,” comments Sara. While AE Smith’s major tree planting initiative is gaining momentum, over 160 company vehicles have also been offset via Greenfleet helping reduce an estimated 1,500 tonnes of CO2. Additionally, the AE Smith team in New Zealand and Perth have gone one step further and purchased an entire service fleet of LPG utes. “From how we educate our customers on being more energy efficient to arriving at a customers site, it’s all steps towards the bigger picture of reducing our industry’s negative environmental impact,” adds AE Smith’s Aldo Cavaal. For more information on helping AE Smith plant over 10,000 trees by 2010 visit www.greenfleet.com.au. * Source: United Nations 2007 Report called “Buildings and Climate Change

Other AE Smith volunteers that planted trees with Greenfleet include Peter Galtry, Frank Pak, Tina Luke (top), Ella Ozberk (above) & Raymond Lee.


Already on Target

While the majority of Greenfleet’s trees are planted by professional contractors, special tree planting days are organised to allow supporters such as AE Smith to get in touch with their “green thumbs”. AE Smith’s CEO, Andrew Permezel and his daughter Sophie (pic right) joined other AE Smith employees, Greenfleet corporate supporters and volunteers at a Tree Planting Day at Werribbee Zoo in outer Melbourne. 900 trees were planted around the Werribee River flood plain within the grounds of the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Who is Greenfleet? Greenfleet is the first not-for-profit forestry offset organisation to become an Approved Abatement Provider under the Federal Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative? What does being an Approved Abatement Provider mean? An Approved Abatement Provider has been through a rigorous application process that takes into account all aspects of the organisation’s operations. For a Forest Sink Abatement Provider like Greenfleet this means that all aspects of their forests’ planting, carbon measurement, monitoring, maintenance, permanence and ownership is scrutinised by an independent verifier before being approved by the Department of Climate Change. Source: www.greenfleet.com.au

proudly supporting

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“Gaining this level of certification has been a challenge but we’ve improved all of our operating processes, enhanced communication across our ranks as a result of the common focus – not to mention a significant reduction in the number of workplace injuries and lost time,” reflects Danny O’Reilly. Proud of AE Smith’s achievements, Danny O’Reilly is quick to recognise the AS/NZS 4801 certification also provides a competitive advantage: “There is a growing trend amongst our business partners and customers to place greater emphasis on the capacity and ability of contractors to effectively manage their health and safety obligations in respect of their own employees as well as that of the other contractors, visitors and members of the public.” “Our customers recognise AE Smith’s Safety 1st culture but we now also have the formal accreditation to back it up, which not many in our industry have,” adds Danny. While safety standards must be maintained to continue to hold this level of certification, AE Smith is keen to continue improving their safety culture. “We are committed to Zero Harm in all of our operations and our next step is to pursue a higher certification to the satisfaction of the Federal Safety Office and the Environmental AS/NZS 14001 standard,” adds Danny O’Reilly.

What is AS/NZS 4801? AS/NZS 4801 is the Australian/New Zealand Standard specifying requirements for an Occupational Health & Safety management system. Who is NCS International? NCS International is a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Association of Testing Authorities. NATA is the peak (and only government recognised) accreditation body for laboratory and testing centres in Australia. NCS International provides independent recognition against national and international management system standards such as AS /NZS 4801. Source: www.ncsi.com.au


Emerald Sustainable Performance (EmeraldESP) shows building owners and property professionals how to improve the energy and environmental efficiency of their building assets. Saving energy starts with benchmarking how efficiently your building - and in particular your mechanical plant - is operating and identifying areas where energy is being wasted. Opportunities to reduce energy consumption and other operating costs can then be assessed against the commercial and financial benefits to be gained. There is a lot that can be achieved within existing operating budgets without having to commit significant capital. Talk to EmeraldESP about HOW*.

AE Smith Looks to the Future

AE Smith looks to the future with new energy services business focusing on sustainability AE Smith has launched an exciting new energy services business that’s aimed at addressing the growing concern about the environmental impact of energy consumed in commercial and industrial facilities. Emerald Sustainable Performance (EmeraldESP) is the next step in the 111 year evolution of AE Smith. Our engineering skill, practical know-how and position as an established leader in the Australian and New Zealand air conditioning and mechanical services industry ensures we are ideally placed to partner those wanting to improve sustainable practice in a meaningful way. EmeraldESP’s creation is in response to the growing concern about improving the environmental performance of buildings along with the foreseen demand to ensure buildings are as efficient as possible and “energy smart”, especially given the significant increases in the cost of energy and the pending legislation around carbon emissions with the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). Led by General Manager Doug Binns, AE Smith customers can now turn to EmeraldESP to find ways to turn their commitment to being efficient with energy and water management of their property assets into reality.

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Recently in Melbourne, over 200 guests gathered to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of Ronald McDonald House Monash. The festivities commemorated the good will, donations and contributions that have made the extraordinary work of Ronald McDonald House possible. “It is the contributions from the community and our corporate partners that really are the heartbeat of our House,” says CEO of Ronald McDonald House Monash, Jennifer North OAM at the 15 year anniversary event. AE Smith colleagues in Perth – who also engage in providing free air conditioning service and maintenance support to Ronald McDonald House in Subiaco – just helped celebrate the heart warming charity at the annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Ball. As sponsors of one of Perth’s major social events, AE Smith also contributed major prizes to the silent auction - resulting in over $650,000 raised during the evening. AE Smith’s Perth General Manager, Graeme Stewart believes the free services and corporate support offered to Ronald McDonald House is a way of fostering AE Smith’s strong family values. “We hope in some small way our support increases their capacity to care for sick kids and their families and makes their stay a little more comfortable,” comments Graeme. For more information or how you can make a tax deductible donation, visit www.rmh.org.au.

“We are so appreciative of our partnership with AE Smith: the support with maintenance and service with our heating and hot water requirement are exemplary. Peter Cook has always been professional and responsive to our needs and also Michael Cook who carried out our latest maintenance check, always a pleasure to have in the House.” “Thank you again for your support to our House and our Families, when families can come back from the hospital to the security of their warm room and the comfort of the House – this is what makes the difference of being the Home Away from Home.” Jennifer North OAM Executive Officer Ronald McDonald House Monash


Creating Warmth at Ronald McDonald House

AE Smith helps celebrate milestones of heart-warming charity AE Smith joined other corporate supporters, volunteers and community leaders in recent celebrations of the Ronald McDonald House charity. Ronald McDonald Houses around the country have been providing respite care for families with seriously ill children since 1981 – assisting hundreds of families whose children are receiving life saving treatment at nearby hospitals. AE Smith is amongst many corporate supporters of Ronald McDonald House, in particular four Houses to whom AE Smith provides free air conditioning service and maintenance to Houses located close to: > Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne > Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth > Townsville Hospital > Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland The special relationship means these Houses no longer receive bills for air conditioning service and maintenance, saving up to $10,000 every year for each house.

More than just a partnership Every year, thousands of families are faced with the trauma of coping with a seriously ill child. Overnight, the family is placed in turmoil with work and home commitments placed on hold as the over-riding need is to be close to their sick child. By providing a “home away from home”, Ronald McDonald Houses help families with seriously ill children to find the strength to face another day by offering respite at a close proximity to hospitals – allowing families to stay close to their sick child.

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Meet Doug Binns General Manager, AE Smith Emerald Sustainable Performance For the first 20 years of his career, Doug Binns (pic left) worked in banking and finance in Australia and the US across a range of industries. His broad commercial experience means Doug knows what makes good business sense – and it’s a key insight Doug brings to energy management and how it ties into an overall business strategy. A move from the finance area into energy management in the 1990’s saw Doug work with Honeywell on a host of major contracts around Australia, that have been heralded as leading energy performance projects including Royal Hobart Hospital and the University of New England. He also lead long term contracts to support Public/Private Partnership (PPP) deals such as Southern Cross Station and the County Courts of Victoria. “Moving to AE Smith to lead the exciting EmeraldESP division was an easy decision,” comments Doug. “AE Smith’s reputation matched with the significant role green buildings and energy management now has in the market place makes for a very interesting time to be involved in a new era for the company,” he adds. “With a combination of energy management and business experience, I’m looking forward to helping our customers achieve great efficiencies for their properties.” Doug was also a founding member of the Australasian Energy Performance Contractors Association (AEPCA).

With a variety of tools, EmeraldESP will work with building owners to identify and implement sustainable practices to improve a building’s overall energy efficiencies. “We recognise there is a strong desire within many organisations to take positive actions to reduce their environmental impact, especially around energy consumption and carbon emissions. There is also a lot of confusion about how to achieve the desired results in a commercially viable way, especially given the current economic and business climate,” comments Doug Binns. “We see an opportunity to show building owners, property professionals and facility managers how to unlock the sustainable potential of buildings and generate positive commercial outcomes,” he adds. EmeraldESP will draw on the combined expertise of Doug Binns, Michael Kiraly (previously General Manager of Facility 1st and now EmeraldESP Construction Manager), and David Odd (Energy Engineer). Together, they’ve already developed a strong suite of tools and frameworks that can be applied to a variety of buildings with methods for decreasing energy and water consumption as well as improving efficiencies to reduce environmental impact – and cut costs. “We’re keen to highlight to customers how Emerald Sustainable Performance can help reduce costs and deliver other business benefits – important in the current business environment.” For more information contact Doug Binns on +61 (0)488 698 160 or be sure to meet Doug in person at the AE Smith Business Centre & Internet Café during Green Cities 09.

Complete the Entry Form inside this special Green Cities edition of the Cool Breeze for your chance to win a host of “3 Minute AE Smith Angles” who’ll visit your office and massage you and your team, anywhere in Australia, for 2 hours! Start taking the stress out of being green. See the Entry Form for competition details.


Delivering on Green Design Excellence

400 George Street, Brisbane is a 34 storey, 43,529sqm A-Grade commercial office building positioned on the corner of George and Turbot Streets in Brisbane’s CBD. It comprises a tower of three rises totalling 41,119sqm NLA, a mid rise recreational terrace, low rise food and service retail and basement car parking. The objective behind 400 George was to create a thoughtfully designed, environmentally sustainable office environment with comprehensive supporting amenities - a vertical village. To that end, tower floors utilise column-free floor plates that promote connectivity, creativity and productivity. A 3.1m floor to ceiling zone maximises daylight penetration and exposes panoramic views. The podium and ground floor house a food court, restaurant and coffee shop with provision for a gymnasium and crèche. Occupants can cycle to work, rack their bike in one of 290 secure racks and utilise extensive shower and change facilities. All forms of public transport, shopping malls and green spaces are a short walk away. Source: www.gbca.org.au

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“It makes sense to partner with experts who have a proven track record in preventative maintenance and also whole life procurement when such risks are on the table,” adds Brett Foulds. Ensuring infrastructure is up to the task has become a key service for AE Smith Sydney, where a customer portfolio includes a range of organisations whose production is critically affected by the environment and temperature. “We work with customers in the pharmaceutical, health and food industries including Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, Novagen Laboratories, Diageo Australia (famous for Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Guinness and Baileys) and Cadbury Schweppes to name a few – and for these organisations if production was affected by temperature the costs and risks for their business are great,” says Brett. AE Smith’s approach is to work with customers to identify the risks involved and ensure a preventative maintenance program is developed to optimise their HVAC equipment and help prevent breakdowns. But as Brett Foulds suggests, developing a HVAC risk management plan should not be limited to organisations with particular production sensitivities to temperature: “As we face more consecutive days over 35OC, a rethink of how to design and manage HVAC systems is something that many more organisations will need to look at and understand what risks they face. 10-15 years ago in Sydney, designing plant and equipment for 32OC was the norm with little consideration for energy efficiency. Today, design criteria that seeks to reduce carbon emissions and still operate effectively at ambient temperatures of 35OC - 40OC is perhaps more prudent,” adds Brett Foulds. For more information on the role preventative maintenance can play in your risk management strategy, contact Brett Foulds at AE Smith Sydney on +61 (0)2 8754 3300.

Present average

(1971-2000)

2030 average

(mid emissions)

2070 average

(low emissions)

2070 average

(high emissions)

Sydney 3.5 4.4 (4.1-5.1) 5.3 (4.5-5.6) 8.2 (6-12)

Melbourne 9.1 11.4 (11-13) 14 (12-17) 20 (15-26)

Adelaide 17 23 (21-26) 26 (24-31) 36 (29-47)

Brisbane 1.0 2.0 (1.5-2.5) 3.0 (2.1-4.6) 7.6 (4-21)

Hobart 1.4 1.7 (1.6-1.8) 1.8 (1.7-2.0) 2.4 (2.0-3.4)

Perth 28 35 (33-39) 41 (36-46) 54 (44-67)

Darwin 11 44 (28-69) 89 (49-153) 230 (140-308)

Average number of days per year above 35OC *

“Managing climate variability in the future, organisations cannot simply rely on the assumption that the prevailing climate will be more or less the same as it was over the past 50 or 100 years.”† “As climate changes, [your business] will need to adapt to accommodate it. Effective adaptation requires an awareness of the risks posed by climate change and, importantly, an understanding of the relative significance of those risks.”† † Source: 2006, Australian Greenhouse Office, Climate Change Impacts & Risk Management - A Guide for Business and Government.


AE Smith Sydney helping customers with HVAC risk management As Australia sizzles through another summer and the number of days over 35OC predicted to increase, the subject of how to better manage HVAC systems is coming into the spotlight. For a host of organisations, the effectiveness of air conditioning and refrigeration systems will play a large part in how well businesses can cope under prolonged hot weather conditions. Organisations caught unready for the substantial increase in days above 35OC predicted by the CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology, risk facing productivity losses both human and system related. “With this in mind, it makes sense to seriously look at the role preventative maintenance of air conditioning and mechanical services has in your risk management plans,” comments AE Smith Sydney’s General Manager, Brett Foulds (pic left). A HVAC risk management strategy is an issue that’s increasingly coming under review amongst a wide range of organisations - from manufacturing where growing heat related WHS concerns face staff; offices where PC’s and server rooms fail due to heat stress; to the food industry where food poisoning cases are predicted to rise if temperature increases are not managed.

Risky Business as Temperatures Rise

“Warming of the global climate system over the past century is beyond doubt. Australian average temperatures have increased since 1950, with significant regional variations. The frequency of hot days and nights has increased.”* The CSIRO & Bureau of Meteorology predict by 2030 “substantial increases in days over 35 OC.”* * Source: 2007, CSIRO & Bureau of Meteorology, Climate Change in Australia - Observed Changes and Projections.

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Innovative air conditioning system helps achieve 5 star green rating AE Smith Brisbane is helping spearhead the development of one of the country’s most innovative Green Star buildings for their client Grosvenor and Leighton Properties. 400 George Street – hailed as a new generation office tower in Brisbane’s CBD – has been awarded the coveted 5 Star Green Star Office Design rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Scheduled for completion in late 2009, AE Smith have collaborated with Thiess and George Floth to design, construct and install heating and cooling services for the project that’s helped the building achieve new benchmarks in “green design”. The 5 star accreditation awarded by the GBCA was attributed to several innovative sustainable design features, including a revolutionary air conditioning system that will alone save 700,000 litres of water and 100,000kg of carbon dioxide each year through recycling. “The project team’s approach to sustainability on such a large scale building has really showcased the best of our industry,” comments AE Smith’s Brisbane Engineering Manager, Mark Jacobson. “We’ve enjoyed helping our customer achieve this 5 star milestone and work on a sustainable building design that’s sure to be used as a best practice example in the future,” he adds. Research commissioned by property developers Grosvenor and Leighton Properties shows that sustainable building design can not only reduce carbon footprints but directly contribute to the bottom line of tenants businesses. As much as a 15% boost to productivity through an environmentally friendly workplace has been claimed in the research – credited to the building’s unique design that will offer 50% more fresh air than typical office buildings. For more information on this innovative project, contact Mark Jacobson on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

Meet Mark Jacobsen Engineering Manager, AE Smith Construction Brisbane After eleven years with AE Smith, Mark Jacobson is still relishing the opportunities. Always wanting to work for AE Smith because of its reputation for quality, Mark started his career with the company in 1998 – initially as an air balancing technician. “My position is forever allowing me to gain knowledge that would be hard to gain elsewhere,” comments Mark, who has steadily worked his way from his initial role to a Commissioning Manager and now as Engineering Manager for AE Smith Construction Brisbane. Mark’s keen approach to solving engineering problems and relishing challenges has seen him involved with a host of projects throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory from casinos and shopping centres to hospitals and world-class convention centres. “No two days are the same and I enjoy taking impossible projects and making them possible,” he adds.


AE Smith Mackay helps create winning partnerships AE Smith Mackay has been celebrating the success of its customers after winners were announced at the recent Master Builders Awards (MBA). As one of the largest and oldest associations in Australia, the annual MBA Housing and Construction Awards (QLD) have become coveted industry accolades recognising excellence, workmanship and innovation. The Mackay AE Smith team were associated with 9 of the 10 winners in the Commercial section – supplying air conditioning and mechanical services to winners in categories ranging from Health and Education Facilities, Industrial Buildings, Tourism, Hospitality, Sporting and Retail commercial projects. Additionally, AE Smith was involved in the Project of the Year Major Award, won by Sommer & Staff Constructions. The AE Smith’s Mackay team has been providing mechanical services and air conditioning to Mackay and the North Queensland region for over 60 years – so it is proud to help its customers create a winning formula. “Collaborating with other builders and developers is always very rewarding, so to see it also result in industry accolades is a great bonus,” comments Mike Mulherin, General Manager of AE Smith Mackay.

Applause for AE Smith’s Mackay Customers

3. RCG

1 & 2. Sommer & Staff Con.

Master Builders is Queensland's largest building industry membership organisation representing over 10,000 members including builders, subcontractors, manufacturers, industry consultants and students. For more information visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au

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Team Melbourne Rises to the Challenge

A team of 20 from AE Smith Melbourne stepped up late last year to raise money and take line honours in the Eureka Tower Charity Challenge – an annual event that calls on corporate teams to scale the iconic building’s 89 floors and 1,958 steps. As the tallest residential building in the world, the Eureka Tower poses an interesting endurance test – and AE Smith’s team and individuals went the distance. Stuart Gibson, AE Smith Senior Engineer, broke the course record finishing all 89 floors of Eureka Tower in an amazing 9 minutes and 10 seconds! (That’s a leg busting, heart burning 6.2 sec per floor!) AE Smith fielded two teams in the Charity Challenge with one team finishing 3rd place overall and the other in 21st position. Just as importantly, AE Smith’s fundraising efforts also reached great heights – coming fifth in Top 10 Fundraising Teams, contributing nearly $2,500 in donations for Whitelion and Interplast charities. “It was such a great team building event to take on a fitness challenge of this magnitude, and help disadvantaged young people at the same time,” says team captain and AE Smith Marketing Manager Raymond Lee. “The team is fired up and we’re already talking about this year and how we can do better – perhaps even first place team honours,” he adds. For more information contact Raymond Lee on +61 (0)3 9271 1999.

In addition to now knowing each of the 1958 steps of the Eureka Tower intimately, AE Smith has a special and ongoing relationship with the Eureka Tower. During the Melbourne icon’s construction, AE Smith designed and installed all of Eureka Tower’s air conditioning systems and mechanical services. Today, AE Smith proudly provides preventative maintenance and service to the same systems we installed ensuring the environmental comfort of residents and guests alike. Main pic: Stuart Gibson powers up the 1,958 stairs in record breaking time. Pic above: Team Melbourne minutes just before the start.


GOOAALLL!

AE Smith competes at Australian Corporate Games AE Smith engineers, draftsmen and IT experts from Melbourne put their team work to the test at the recent Australian Corporate Games. Together with more than 11,227 participants from 350 organisations from around the country, AE Smith stepped out of board rooms and work sites and on to sporting venues at the 16th annual event that was held in Melbourne late last year. Stuart Gibson took first place honours for AE Smith in the 10 km run. Meanwhile, 15 AE Smith employees fielded a soccer team, playing in three drawn games – a sterling effort in unseasonal stormy weather that made scoring goals difficult. The Games not only focused on winning, but rather the strong team spirit developed amongst the competing teams and individuals. “The highlight of the Games was watching the team’s performance improve with each game,” comments Soccer Team Captain and Melbourne AE Smith Construction Engineer, Ivan Cukanic. The team also committed to regular training sessions in the lead up to the Corporate Games to build skills and team work: “The training sessions were a way to have a bit of fun after a day of work, encourage us to work together and have a more active lifestyle,” adds Ivan. For more information contact Ivan Cukanic on +61 (0)3 9271 1999.

Despite beating Lincolne Scott 4-1 in a practice match only days before, AE Smith was unlucky to progress to the next round drawing all three matches against Grant Thornton, Ernst & Young, and National Australia Bank on the big day. See more pics on AE Smith’s Facebook site. The Corporate Games is a community-based event set up to encourage companies to support employees’ pursuit of a more active, healthier lifestyle. Main pic: Valiant in defence. The AE Smith wall fends off a NAB free kick - just. Pic above: Team Melbourne before the game.

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2008 Master Builders “Project of the Year” Award Winner & AE Smith Mackay customer:

1. Sommer & Staff Constructions

2008 Master Builders “Construction” Award Winners & AE Smith Mackay customers:

2. Industrial Buildings - $3m to $12m: Sommer & Staff Constructions

3. Residential Building (high-rise over 3 stories) - $12m to $60m: RCQ

4. Education Facilities - up to $3m: Fergus Builders 5. Sporting Facilities - $3m to $12m: Carmichael Builders 6. Retail Facilities - up to $3m: Carmichael Builders 7. Retail Facilities - $3mto $12m: Carmichael Builders 8. Tourism and Hospitality Facilities - up to $6m: Woollam

Constructions 9. Commercial Buildings (office accommodation) - $3m to $12m:

Fergus Builders 10. Health Facilities - up to $3m: Fergus Builders

“We congratulate all of the MBA Builders on their awards,” he adds. For more information contact Mike Mulherin on +61 (0)7 4952 5442.

5. Carmichael Builders


8. Woollam Constructions

4. Fergus Builders

Main pic (L to R): Aaron Woods (apprentice electrician), Shane Pulman (AC technician), Tracey Dawn Borg (sheetmetal worker), Mark Spreadbrough (Leading Hand).


AE Smith afloat with unique navy project Heading out to sea on a Royal Australian Navy patrol boat is all in a day’s work for AE Smith’s Townsville team. It’s part of the process for a major restoration of a fleet of Pacific Island Patrol Boats – where 10 navy vessels have already undergone extensive refurbishment. The “Life Extension Program” is extending the original life of each vessel from 15 to 30 years and includes complete redesign and replacement of all air conditioning and refrigeration equipment aboard each boat. The project is proving to be an extremely satisfying one for AE Smith employees, who are working against tight timelines, with no original plans to guide them and alongside a host of other trades people - but in a most unique setting: “Going out to sea to conduct trials to ensure everything is working properly is something our team really enjoys,” comments AE Smith’s Townsville General Manager, Vic Riella. “It’s been a challenging project as each boat’s set up is completely different and there’s no plans of each boat to assist – but the work has been very rewarding for my team as they’ve used skills across all aspects of their trade,” adds Adrian Carver, Townsville Service Manager. For more information contact Adrian Carver on +61 (0)7 4729 8555.

AHOY!

Restoring Pacific Patrol Boats 22 Pacific Patrol Boats were supplied by the Australian Royal Navy to 12 Pacific Nations in the late 1980’s to assist with carrying out surveillance, enforcement activities in their exclusive economic zones as well as police patrols, immigration, quarantine and search and rescue. The Life Extension program for the fleet is helping add another 15 years to the life of the Patrol Boats by undertaking extensive refurbishments to all the vessels specifications. To date, 10 boats have completed the rigorous program, with more to follow.

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Features include a 23,000 litre underground water tank; a heat recovery system in the roof space; an experimental air to ground heat exchange; a high thermal mass with orientation to winter sun and summer shading; solar hot water as well as double glazed windows. For more information contact Antoni on 0411 698 298 or meet him in person at Green Cities 09. Pic above: Capacity crowd at the Flemington Racecourse during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. Pic top: Peter McCarthy, General Manager, AE Smith Service Melbourne.

AE Smith Melbourne working on a world stage AE Smith in Melbourne is earning a big reputation for handling some of the country’s largest venues and major sporting events. Developing an enviable portfolio of grand scale customers, the track record of AE Smith Melbourne for delivering reliable maintenance, working on large events as well as being able to handle tight security protocols is being noticed amongst the industry. For long standing client, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCG), AE Smith manages a proactive maintenance HVAC service program ensuring heating and cooling such a voluminous venue runs seamlessly – especially on iconic days in Australia’s sporting calendar where the venue is at its 100,000 capacity. “Our big name experience shows we’re relied upon to keep things running smoothly on a grand and very public scale” comments Peter McCarthy (pic right), General Manager of AE Smith Service in Melbourne. “Could you imagine the air conditioning not working at the “G” for the AFL Grand Final or Boxing Day Test?” In addition to the MCG, AE Smith also ensures one of Victoria’s other world class sporting venues, the Flemington Race Course is always on track to staying cool. As home of the Victorian Racing Club’s internationally renowned Spring Racing Carnival that sees over 400,000 race goers attend, the pressure is on to guarantee their venues are working efficiently. However, an additional benefit of handling significant events and venues – which also extend to the world’s largest residential building, the Eureka Tower – is working with strict security protocols and systems. “Our maintenance teams are now well versed in handling security sensitivities that come with working throughout special events or at high profile locations,” adds McCarthy. The experience AE Smith is generating on a grand scale is something the team can also offer other customers: “Our long standing work with these big name customers means we’re well placed to use our expertise and reliability for a range of applications,” adds McCarthy. For more information on how AE Smith’s experience handling some of the country’s iconic landmarks can assist your building, contact Peter McCarthy on +61 (0)3 9271 1925. .


In the Spotlight

AE Smith Business Development Manager Wins Sustainability Award for His Private Home It’s not often a Business Development Manger really puts his money where his mouth is. But Antoni Pisa (pic above), from Melbourne’s AE Smith Service team, has recently designed and built his own sustainable residence that’s showing his customers he really does “walk the green talk”. “In my working life I talk to customers about being energy efficient and reducing their impact on the environment – so I was very keen to prove that it can be achieved on a personal level,” says Antoni. And Antoni has not only created a unique private family residence, he’s just been awarded the 2008 Knox City Council Sustainable Development Award – beating competitors that included Swinburne University’s National Centre of Sustainability. Taking two years of design work and 12 months for construction, the four bedroom three bathroom family home features a raft of energy and water reduction initiatives that’s clearly set a benchmark in sustainable private homes. (cont. next page)

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AE Smith recognised for Engineering Excellence AE Smith has added another prestigious industry accolade to its collection for their work on the newly completed $115 million Darwin Convention Centre. The 2008 Engineering Excellence Award was presented to AE Smith at the recent Northern Division’s annual Engineering Awards that aim to celebrate world class engineering projects. The coveted top honour was shared with a team of engineering companies appointed as the Convention Centre’s fire engineers. AE Smith collaborated with Connell Wagner, Sitzler Laing and O’Rourke Joint Venture to complete the engineering design and implementation for the Darwin Convention Centre that is amongst Australia’s largest convention facilities. The rigorous judging process for the Excellence Awards includes reviewing how projects exceed client expectations, their community benefit as well as environmental sustainability. “Collaborating with other engineering companies to deliver an outstanding project has also been very rewarding,” comments Mark Jacobson, AE Smith’s Engineering Manager for Brisbane. For more information contact Mark Jacobson on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

Top Honour for Top End Project

Equivalent in height to six storeys, the Darwin Convention Centre spans a total floor area of 22,900 sqm offering a wide selection of conference, exhibition and function facilities. The world-class convention facility recognises both Darwin’s long-standing reputation as a unique destination as well as its emerging status as a dynamic business hub. Source: www.darwinconvention.com.au


Soaking Up the Challenge

Boot camps, not board rooms, inspire team work Developing new interpersonal skills, learning problem solving techniques or working on communication might usually be something assigned to a board room seminar, but at AE Smith professional development takes you to a very different setting. The AE Smith team in Brisbane enjoys finding new and unique ways to learn and improve. It’s an approach that sees the Queensland team involved in regular off site training sessions – with a twist. They’ve pioneered the “Curtis Island Challenge” – a remote boot camp that’s been so successful it’s now in its third year. Each November, the Queensland AE Smith team travel to Curtis Island off the Central Queensland coast for a “Survivor” style weekend that combines physical challenges, unique problem solving tasks and a remote setting to harness team work, creativity and communication skills. This year’s theme on Curtis Island was focused on safety: “There was still a significant improvement our team could make in safety and we were keen to challenge our thoughts on safety and look at how we can improve our decision making,” comments AE Smith Brisbane’s Special Projects Manager, Martin Ross.

Off the central Queensland coast between Rockhampton and Gladstone lies Curtis Island. Innovative training methods have become the signature style of AE Smith’s Brisbane office. Megan Ward (above), seen here finishing the ‘King of the Mountain’ hill climb, is the first AE Smith female employee to complete the gruelling challenge. A remote setting and unusual physical challenges set the tone for team building and creative problem solving… Try pulling a 4WD laden with six people across the beach by rope! See more pics on AE Smith’s Facebook site.

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tive Green Solutions

AE Smith’s New Zealand team stand proudly with Precious McKenzie MBE following a rigorous professional development session Main pic (L to R): Don Deuchar, Chris Jones, Alan Crossley, Matthew Steele, Precious McKenzie, Frank Booysen, Steve Schubert, Amon Deuchar, Theresa Adams, Grant Cooper, Matt Heather and Roger Mendis. 73 year old New Zealand national treasure, Precious McKenzie MBE, is a South African-born weightlifter who won Commonwealth titles representing both England and New Zealand and has won several World powerlifting and Masters World powerlfting titles. His diminutive stature at 1.45m (4' 9") made him a distinctive figure at any competition.

AE Smith New Zealand’s Business Development Manager, Vera Judzewitsch (pic lower right) explains: “We tell our new customers after we’ve begun our maintenance programs that you won’t see a change straight away, but within three months you’ll notice the plant is running smoothly, call outs have dramatically decreased and eventually their energy costs are reduced too.” Now with the introduction of Emerald Sustainable Performance (EmeraldESP) to the AE Smith range of energy management solutions, the New Zealand team are hoping to take existing customers further on their green journey. “Combined with our expertise in proactive maintenance that works at the prevention level matched with the more strategic approach of EmeraldESP, we’re looking forward to helping our New Zealand customers continue their move towards Green Star ratings and better energy management for their buildings.” adds Vera. For more information please contact Matthew Steele on +64 9 259 1680, or be sure to catch Vera Judzewitsch in person at Green Cities 09.


Collaborating with Customers to find Cost Effect

AE Smith’s New Zealand team is working with customers to start them on the road to sustainability – with a focus on proactive maintenance. “Achieving Green Star Ratings in New Zealand can be a costly exercise, so we’re keen to help our clients start their first steps towards sustainability in a way that doesn’t mean expensive retrofits as the only option,” comments Matthew Steele, AE Smith New Zealand’s General Manager. By collaborating with clients to carry out proactive maintenance programs for their commercial buildings, AE Smith New Zealand are unearthing ways to become conscious of efficiency, reduce energy consumption and ensure HVAC equipment is running at optimum levels. “So often HVAC in a building can be treated as out of sight, out of mind – and with air conditioning contributing so much to energy costs and green house emissions – it’s important to ensure plant and equipment is running as it should,” adds Matthew. This preventative and proactive maintenance approach to helping customers begin their “green building” journey is ensuring a host of customers are seeing results in their bottom line as well.

Landmark site under the care of AE Smith New Zealand is the SkyCity Tower and Casino. At 328 metres, Sky Tower (pic above) is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Source: www.skycityauckland.co.nz Pic top: Freighter carrying massive cranes off Browns Bay , destined for installation at the Ports of Auckland. Ports of Auckland, another landmark site under the care of AE Smith New Zealand, is New Zealand’s leading port company serving the country’s vital international trades through a broad range of cargo handling and logistics services. Source: www.poal.co.nz

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But the boot camp experience also brings a whole range of issues into sharp focus. “When we take the team out of their comfort zones, each individual realises their own talents and sees the talents of the group around them – a very important ingredient to success in our everyday work environments,” comments Martin. “It’s also about having the opportunity to communicate on subjects you never get the chance to talk about,” he adds. While each year, the Curtis Island Challenge is relished by participants as a mixture of fun, hard physical work and a significant personal achievement – it does translate to the work place, with better business results and high morale noticeable outcomes. “If you keep looking at things the same way, you’ll keep coming up with the same solutions – and our Curtis Island Challenge provides great inspiration to our team when it comes to embarking on new projects, working with our customers and other team members.” For more information contact Martin Ross on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

PT instructor, Mark “Chopper” Burges (above right) supervised all physical activity on Curtis Island, while physiotherapist, Michael Burke (above left) kept AE Smith participants fighting fit and ready to face each challenge.


Family values lay the foundation for one of Australia’s business success stories From its humble beginnings in 1898 as a one man plumbing business in Richmond, Victoria, founder Albert Edward Smith set in motion an industry leading company that would become one of Australia’s largest and most successful family owned businesses. The growth of AE Smith into a formidable mechanical services company with 10 offices around the country, 600+ employees and intrinsic involvement in Australia’s built environment has been anchored around a combination of family values and innovative vision for the future. AE Smith’s impressive 111 year success story is traced through four generations and hundreds of men and women who worked with them for up to fifty years. Its original business success enjoyed as a result of the huge demand for plumbing services during Melbourne’s settlement boom, meant founder Albert Smith could hand the business on to his son, Bert. He would serve the company for the next 40 years. Bert’s vision of broadening AE Smith’s services to include mechanical services for heating, cooling and ventilation saw the business take on larger projects in Melbourne – working with noted engineer Sir Walter Bassett on iconic sites as the Norman Brothers Headquarters in Elizabeth Street and Caulfield Town Hall.

AE Smith Celebrates 111 years

Main pic: Melbourne’s AE Smith Service team celebrate with Ronald McDonald from Ronald McDonald House. Pic top right: Albert Edward Smith Senior, 1871-1923. Pic right 2nd from top: Hobart office and AE Smith ute 1968. Pic right 3rd from top: AE Smith head office, Melbourne 2008. Pic bottom right: Andrew Permezel (left) congratulates John Hoens on 50 years service with AE Smith in Brisbane.

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Brisbane Rowers Boost Local Regatta

Not being ones to knock back a challenge, the staff from AE Smith Brisbane participated in the local “Barralong Corporate Regatta” late last year with more than a little bit of enthusiasm. The ladies and gents from Brisbane Construction and Brisbane Service teams registered a ‘Ladies 4X (quad)’ and a ‘Men 8X’ in what turned out to be fantastic day on the West End reach of the Brisbane river for all of the competitors and their assembled supporters. The Regatta program was preceded by six weeks of very competitive training where the AE Smith crews were on the river for 5:00 am starts on week days and a little later for their Sunday rows. Unfortunately, AE Smith’s crews can’t lay claim to any medals on the day but it certainly wasn’t for the want of trying. All have vowed to ‘give it another crack’ again this year, and who knows, the London Olympics is not that far away. The Barralong Corporate Regatta is the major fundraising event for Nudgee Rowing Parents Support Group. The funds raised go towards the purchase and maintenance of new equipment and boats and allows Nudgee Rowing to continue to coach and develop their students in a sport that benefits their health and fitness in a team environment. For more information contact Danny O’Reilly on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

Main pic: AE Smith’s Ladies 4X Rowing Team (L to R): Brooke Mapp, Lisa Davis, Karen Kratzmann (Boat Captain), Heidi Becker


Noosa Multisport Magic

November each year, Noosa in Queensland fills with thousands of fit people and fantastic sporting equipment, all vying for the top honour in one event - the Noosa Triathlon on the Sunshine Coast. The Noosa Triathlon is one of the biggest triathlon events in Australia and attracts over 8500 competitors. Last year this included 11 brave souls from the AE Smith’s Brisbane team. The Noosa Triathlon course includes a 1500m swim in a sheltered canal, a 40km cycle in an undulating road course through the area surrounding Noosa on the Sunshine Coast and a 10km run through Noosa Sound leading back to Noosa Queensland. Three AE Smith teams competed in the three person team event where each member completes the swim, bike or run leg of the triathlon separately. Martin Ross and Ben Higgins took things a step further and entered the Noosa Triathlon as individuals completing the 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run all by themselves! Special mention to Paul McTigue for Best AE Smith Individual Time Trial at 1:10:21 for 40km bike. In comparison, Emma Snowsill, Australian Olympic triathlon champion, finished 1st female and completed the bike leg in 1:05:13. For more information contact Martin Ross on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

Triathlon, the ultimate multisport, made its Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games. The Olympic Distance triathlon is a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run. Main pic (L to R): Martin Ross (Special Project Manager), George Sundac (Project Engineer) and Leigh Graham (Project Engineer) all from the Brisbane AE Smith Construction team ready to start the swim leg. Pic above: Martin Ross pedals hard.

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This passion for expanding the business was shared by the founder’s grandson, Barry Smith who took over the reins in 1953. Under his leadership, AE Smith opened offices throughout the country and added further landmark sites and projects to the company’s portfolio. But just as importantly, AE Smith continued to build on a culture of learning, integrity and innovation amongst staff that has created an enviable team of leading engineers and trades people. The company proudly boasts a host of employees who’ve been with AE Smith for as long as 50 years – testament to the passion employees have shared for growing the business. John Hoens (pic bottom right), AE Smith Apprentice Master for 30 years celebrated 50 years service with AE Smith in January – and during that time has fostered the development and training of hundreds of apprentices. One of them includes Mark Lovelady, who commemorated 30 years with the business last year. During his tenure, Mark has worked his way from “the ground up”. His progression from sheet metal apprentice in 1977 to General Manager of AE Smith Service in Brisbane highlights the opportunities and support offered to employees. AE Smith is now headed by CEO Andrew Permezel – a continuation of the family dynasty. At the helm since 2001, Permezel continues the AE Smith vision of combining family values with business innovation. 111 years later, with offices from Perth to Mackay, and Melbourne to Auckland, the company is regarded as an industry leader in mechanical services and a “major player in the Australian air conditioning and heating services industries” (IBISWorld). Working with Australian and international partners, AE Smith collaborates on multi-million dollar projects, new developments and landmark buildings throughout Australasia. Some of which include:

> Darwin Convention Centre (winner Engineers Australia Northern Division 2008 Engineering Excellence Award);

> Brisbane's 53-storey Riparian Plaza (winner Property Council of Australia 2008 Innovation & Excellence Award);

> The first 6 Star Green Star shopping centre in Australia, Orion Springfield Town Centre in Brisbane;

> SkyCity Tower in Auckland, New Zealand > The world famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in

Longreach, Queensland; > Melbourne's 92-storey Eureka Tower (the tallest residential

building in the world); > The only synchrotron in Australia and only one of two in the

southern hemisphere, the Australian Synchrotron; > as well as the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The company is also recognised for pioneering various business stewardship issues that would never have been considered by founder Albert Smith 111 years ago – ranging from university graduate programs, apprenticeship schemes to promote future industry development as well as key initiatives to reduce the impact of the air conditioning industry on the environment.


Multifaceted Gem

To help launch the new logo and brand identity, AE Smith commissioned Melbourne designer, Warwick Gresswell from Thylacine Cycles (www.thylacinecycles.com) to design a range of high performance sporting attire any AE Smith team member would be proud to race in (and win!). “Team AE Smith Race Wear”, emblazoned with our new multifaceted gem, consists of: > Triathlon racing suit > Cycle jersey > Cycle pants > Running T-shirt > Running singlet After an exhaustive search, AE Smith commissioned 2XU (pronounced “Two Times You”) to manufacture a run of limited edition AE Smith Race Team Wear. 2XU (www.2xu.com) is a premium Australian technical sports brand worn by World Champions and Olympic athletes that include Emma Snowsill, Triathlon Olympic Gold Medallist (pic below). Watch out for Team AE Smith competing for the first time in their new high performance 2XU race wear in the Mooloolaba and BRW Triathlons.

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“The aim of my thesis was to find through experimentation the significance of these interaction effects and the ways in which they affect a ductwork system,” comments George. While the thesis study was challenging in terms of time management and tackling such a particular issue, the results were a great reward. Not only did George’s thesis earn him a high distinction, the outcomes from the intense research will be of benefit to help reduce costs associated with duct systems and fans – an important facet of the HVAC industry. Plus, George has just accepted a full time role as a Project Engineer at AE Smiths’ Brisbane office. “Working with students and encouraging the future of our industry always has very exciting results and it’s integral to staying innovative,” adds AE Smith’s Mark Jacobson who sees future potential in continuing the research started by George. Meanwhile, George Sundac is looking forward to learning and contributing more to AE Smith in his role: “It’s a company with a range of exciting projects, a great team and an interesting program of social activities – so I’m really pleased to have accepted the position.”

One of AE Smith Mackay’s bright stars is celebrating becoming an Australian citizen Originally from India, Mechanical Engineer, Amlan Choudhury came to Australia to further his studies. After completing his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, with a major in air conditioning and refrigeration he moved to Brisbane to commence a Masters in Engineering at the University of Queensland. Joining the AE Smith Mackay team in 2006, AE Smith sponsored Amlan’s Permanent Residency application. “I’ve been really lucky to put my skills and qualifications to use at a company like AE Smith and I hope becoming an Australian citizen shows my commitment to this country and its people,” comments Amlan. “We’re so pleased to secure a great young talent in Amlan at AE Smith and we’re just as proud to see he’s taken a big step in becoming an Australian citizen,” adds Mike Mulherin, General Manager of AE Smith Mackay. Pic left: Amlan Choudhury, Engineer with AE Smith’s Mackay team proudly displays his new citizenship certificate on Australia Day with The Hon. Tim Mulherin MP, Labor State Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries.


A special collaboration between an engineering student and AE Smith has resulted in high academic praise, better designs and a new employment opportunity “It’s such an important part of supporting our industry,” comments AE Smith’s Queensland Engineering Manager, Mark Jacobson on the decision to mentor engineering student (and now AE Smith Project Engineer) George Sundac to complete a thesis with the Queensland University of Technology. The collaboration identified a highly specific area worthy of thesis investigation that would have very practical outcomes for the industry - the Effects of Interaction between Duct Fittings on Overall Duct System Resistance. The motivation behind selecting this specialised and complicated area became simple once student and mentor had agreed the resulting research would be beneficial to the HVAC industry: “There was such little published data on the interaction effects between multiple duct fittings in close proximity.”

An Insightful Edge from a New Employee

Main pic (R to L): George Sundac (Project Engineer) and Leigh Graham (Project Engineer). Pic above: George Sundac finishes the swim leg in the Gold Coast BRW Triathlon.

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New logo and brand identity A small but important visual change has been taking effect across AE Smith since the introduction of Emerald Sustainable Performance late last year. Designed to coincide with our sponsorship of the largest green building conference in Australia, AE Smith will launch a new logo and brand identity at Green Cities 09 on 1 March. The new logo is designed by renowned Australian brand architect Trevor Flett. Through Trevor, AE Smith now shares an important link with a select list of blue chip and household name organisations for whom Trevor was also instrumental in the design of their logo and brand identities. Examples include Origin Energy, Cricket Australia and BHP Billiton. Trevor is perhaps most famous for being creative director responsible for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games logo and brand identity. As you can see, there is strong and deliberate link between the new and old AE Smith brand identities. The typography remains the same. However, the new symbol is a ‘gem’ symbolising the multifaceted customer focussed solutions AE Smith provides our customers. Importantly the change in design heads up a new look and tone for the AE Smith brand that will last for decades. Whereas in the past we sought to differentiate by colour and the use of different logos AE Smith Construction from AE Smith Service from Facility 1st (now AE Smith Building Technologies), today we seek to show our customers that AE Smith is a team of 600+ professionals organised into separate but complimentary business units; each focused on its core competency – together delivering a single source solution with the vision of being ‘partner of first choice’ for:

> Air Conditioning & Mechanical Services > Environmental Controls & Building Technologies > Sustainability & Energy Services

In the months ahead you will see the new logo appearing everywhere as the new AE Smith brand begins to replace the old on everything from stationery and uniforms to signage on buildings and vehicles. I hope you like the new design and embrace the opportunity the new logo and brand identity brings to start new and reaffirm old customer relationships. For more information contact Raymond Lee, Marketing Manager on +61 (0)3 9271 1956.

present day

circa 2005

circa 2000

circa 1995

circa 1990

circa 1975


Efficiency Through Technology

AE Smith is the only “Master Dealer” in Australia for the American Auto-Matrix brand of building control systems and has been since 1989. AE Smith has also added the Tridium range of products to its stable. Tridium is a global software and technology company whose primary technology product is the Niagara Framework®. Niagara is a software infrastructure that allows AE Smith to develop superior internet-enabled equipment systems and “device-to-enterprise” application solutions for its customers.

AE Smith Building Technologies With the efficiencies of our buildings becoming increasingly scrutinised, ensuring the right controls and technologies are in place to deliver on energy management has never been more important. As many businesses are redefining how they manage their HVAC systems to manage environmental impact, increase energy efficiencies and reduce costs – having the right controls is an essential ingredient according to AE Smith Building Technologies new General Manager, Adam Bek. “Ultimately HVAC systems are large, capital intensive pieces of equipment that need the right controls in place to monitor the environment and adjust systems accordingly – making sure every ounce of efficiency and capacity is obtained,” says Adam. “The technology in the environmental controls means you can measure, manage and control how well your systems are performing – and without them, achieving your operational, maintenance and energy goals is almost impossible,” he adds. AE Smith Building Technologies has become the partner of first choice for a host of major projects to optimise the operation, management and maintenance of buildings and environmental control systems – ranging from world class sites such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground to unique facilities such as the Public Record Office of Victoria.

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Art Climate Control Systems

Peter has been with AE Smith for over 10 years, moving his way from Senior Engineer to progress to the role of Engineering Manager, leading a team of seven engineers. During that time, Peter has added a few impressive strings to his bow to compliment his Honours Degree in Building Services and Chartered Engineer status, including becoming an accredited Green Star Professional, NEBB Certified Professional and a director of ARBS (Air conditioning, Refrigeration & Building Services). Last year, Peter was honoured with the appointment to Regional Chairman of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) for Australia & New Zealand.

In addition, AE Smith provided Club facilities with zoned in-floor hydronic heating and cooling, after installing 22 kilometres of in-floor plastic heat transfer piping and headers. Water from the lake is circulated using 20 major pumps, plus an additional 50 floor coil header circulator pumps. “AE Smith also provided air-cooled split air conditioning to selected areas; a kitchen make up system; an 80-off four pipe fan coil unit system for the accommodation buildings plus a fully automatic DDC control system with remote access and monitoring,” adds Peter. All the electrical works associated with the mechanical services equipment and controls systems were provided by AE Smith as well as miscellaneous exhaust systems. For more information please contact Peter Staedler on +61 (0)3 9271 1999. Main pic: Inside the plantroom at the RACV Healesville Country Club. Pic upper right: Peter Staedler, General Manager, AE Smith Construction Melbourne. Pic lower right: Manny Pashalakis, Mechanical Services Plumber, on site at the RACV Healesville Country Club. Pic upper left: Melbourne’s AE Smith Construction team.


Staying open for business while you’re under redevelopment is difficult at the best of times. Doing so when you’re a luxury country club is even harder. But with the assistance of AE Smith, the RACV Country Club in Healesville, Victoria, remained open for business during a major refurbishment that involved state of art sustainable designs. “Partnering with Meinhardt Consultants and Abigroup, we worked to implement unique green designs that included constructing an ornamental lake to spearhead unique climate control initiatives – at the same time ensuring minimal disruptions to the four star property,” comments Victorian AE Smith Construction General Manager, Peter Staedler (pic top right). The new purpose-built ornamental lake is used to facilitate heating and cooling for the Country Club. 30 kilometres of submerged plastic pipe heat transfer coils and headers are anchored to the bottom of the lake, transferring water to the Club buildings using seven water to water heat pumps. Inside the club house, positive displacement ventilation systems use 100 per cent outside air and 19-off four pipe air handler units use water from the purpose built lake for pre-cool and night purge.

Country Club gets a Face Lift – and State of the A

Meet Peter Kinsella, Engineering Manager, AE Smith Construction Melbourne For AE Smith’s Engineering Manager, Peter Kinsella (pic above), there’s never been a more interesting time to be in the industry. At a time when finding ways to reduce water and energy use is firmly on the national agenda, Kinsella enjoys the opportunities to influence how the building services industry can reduce its impact on the environment. “We’re now working with clients very early in the piece, developing designs into workable projects, delivering increased energy efficiency and focussing on achieving Green Star Ratings,” adds Peter. (cont. next page)

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“We’ve worked in partnership with many of AE Smith’s customers to deliver a range of environmental management systems – earning a reputation for excellence where temperature control is not just for comfort or energy savings but paramount to the livelihood of these businesses,” comments Adam Bek. At the Australian Synchrotron (pic left) – a large machine that creates beams of laser like intense light to provide an essential tool for science and industry to investigate the molecular structure of things – temperature control is critical. AE Smith Building Technologies delivered a solution using 70+ controllers and 40+ VAV’s to maintain and monitor power systems, usage as well as other essential tasks. AE Smith Building Technologies also works with the Herald & Weekly Times in Melbourne - where maintaining precise temperature and humidity control for paper storage and printing processes is vital. Deviation from control values lead to inks not drying and paper sticking together - jeopardising print production that exceeds 70,000 publications every hour. But it’s not just the HVAC industry where AE Smith Building Technologies brings its technical and engineering expertise to the table. “We also work separately with individual customers to provide a comprehensive range of building management solutions,” comments Adam Bek. “While we’re certainly specialists in designing and providing controls for environmental management such as lighting and air conditioning, we’re also expert at security and access control systems, CCTV and remote monitoring,” adds Adam. For more information on how AE Smith Building Technologies can be part of a building management solution for your business, contact Adam Bek on +61 (0)3 9271 1800.

Meet Adam Bek General Manager AE Smith Building Technologies With a new name for AE Smith’s automated controls business – AE Smith Building Technologies – comes a new General Manager. Adam Bek joins the company, bringing with him over 17 years experience in the industrial automation industry - working across engineering, sales and marketing, and general management. “The holistic approach and solutions AE Smith can offer businesses is what really appealed to me when I decided to join the company,” comments Adam Bek. “It’s an amazing competitive advantage to be able to provide customers a seamless link between construction, service, energy management and controls,” he adds.


AE Smith’s Brisbane team has been part of a winning project recognised by the Property Council of Australia Brisbane’s Riparian Plaza has just been voted Australia’s Best Overall Development – taking out one of the industry’s most prestigious honours at the 2008 Innovation & Excellence Awards. As lead Design & Construction Mechanical Contractors on the land mark development, AE Smith is proud to be part of another award winning project. “It’s always very humbling when a project AE Smith has been a part of is recognised at such a prestigious level,” comments Steve Jackson AE Smith’s new Construction General Manager in Brisbane. The development outshone 90 other finalists to take the top honours of the Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Overall Award as well as the Woodhead Award for Mixed Use Developments. For more information contact Steve Jackson on +61 (0)7 3332 0333.

Located in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, Riparian Plaza integrates 53 levels of premium office space, world-class apartments, retail accommodation and multi-level car parking. Riparian Plaza was also the 2007 winner of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) National Award for Commercial Architecture. The name “Riparian” is derived from Latin origins meaning “on or pertaining to the riverbank” and reflects Brisbane’s respect and affection for its river. Source: www.riparianplaza.com.au and Property Council of Australia, 2008 Innovation and Excellence Awards.

Part of Winning Formula

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One of AE Smith’s smallest branches is delivering big results when it comes to customer service With consistently positive results in Customer Satisfaction Surveys, AE Smith Service on the Gold Coast is measuring up as one of the company’s giants in creating customer loyalty. “While we might be one of the smallest AE Smith teams we still service big name customers, “comments General Manager, Jeff Robinson. Conrad Jupiters Casino is amongst the range of customers at the Gold Coast branch, who have been impressed with the way AE Smith’s team have developed a professional and proactive working relationship. Another Gold Coast icon, Billabong, have also noticed how the AE Smith team care about their clients, rating maintenance work highly. “Our team are really passionate about not just doing the job well but providing great service to help our customers keep on top of their maintenance,” adds Jeff. “It just shows how customer service is about an attitude – not the size of the team,” says AE Smith Service Group General Manager, Aldo Cevaal. “We’re proud of the results the Gold Coast team are achieving in our annual Customer Service Study,” he adds.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

Another landmark site under the care of AE Smith Gold Coast is the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC). Handling maintenance and service for the largest regional convention centre, the GCCEC (pic above) can host up to 6000 delegates in 7000 sqm of meeting and exhibition space. For more information contact Jeff Robinson on +61 (0)413 703 946. Main pic: Gold Coast team, service with a smile (L to R): Jan Siepen (Customer Service Manager), Sam Phillips (Customer Service Coordinator) and John Gray (Service Supervisor).