Insights Series – Designing for a Sustainable Future with Energy Efficiency

Commitment towards sustainability in engineering has by no means peaked but efforts to date are starting to benefit society and the environment. Intelligent, eco-friendly designs are redefining the global landscape for a more resilient future.

Through conscientious engineering, sustainable structures can be designed and built in a cost-effective manner, with each project leaving a positive imprint on the planet. Embracing ecofriendly designs should be a standard practice in every design company strategy from project conception to handover.

Energy-efficient engineering design is a powerful tool for building a sustainable future. Engineers in all disciplines, now play an increasingly vital role in shaping a more sustainable world for future generations. Designing for energy efficiency is a critical approach to creating systems, products, and structures that minimise energy consumption while maximising performance.

By utilising strategies such as efficient insulation, smart building automation, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources, engineers can significantly enhance overall efficiency and sustainability across various sectors.

Moreover, energy-efficient engineering design extends beyond the initial design and construction phase. Through ongoing maintenance and optimisation, engineers can ensure that systems continue to operate at peak efficiency, maximising energy savings and reducing carbon emissions over time. This lifecycle approach emphasises the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in achieving sustainability goals.

A growing number of industries are prioritising energy and carbon reduction strategies as part of their commitment to sustainability and journey to net zero. These forward-thinking organisations recognise the dual benefits of reducing their environmental impact while also reaping significant financial rewards. By leveraging innovative technologies and implementing sustainable practices, companies are not only mitigating their carbon footprint but also improving their bottom line.

In today’s competitive landscape, sustainability is a key differentiator for companies seeking to enhance their market position and attract environmentally conscious investors and consumers. Through initiatives such as energy-efficient equipment, optimising manufacturing processes, and integrating renewable energy, companies are demonstrating their dedication to responsible stewardship of resources while simultaneously driving operational efficiency and cost savings.

A key aspects of energy-efficient engineering design is its ability to leverage sustainable materials. From recycled materials to those with lower embodied energy, the choice of materials plays a crucial role in minimising environmental impact. By selecting materials that are durable, energy-efficient, and responsibly sourced, engineers can create structures and products that are environmentally friendly as well as economically viable in the long run.

Green engineering practices are transforming the way every sector operates, aligning it with a more environmentally conscious future. The integration of eco-friendly practices and innovative designs showcase the industry’s commitment to responsible engineering for resilient infrastructure.

Tandem’s engineers are well equipped with the technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities to balance the delivery of pioneering solutions that minimise environmental impact.

Get in touch to discuss how Tandem can assist with your sustainability goals for 2024 and beyond!

Advance Graduates Presentations 2023

In July 2023, Tandem held a celebration for its Advance Graduates. Tandem’s Advance Graduate programme aims to give graduates an insight into all aspects of the business in a structured and measured manner, to ensure they obtain broad experience on both a professional and personal level in these crucial initial years of their career.

The celebration was held in Blackrock Castle Observatory, a unique location, apt in that our graduates are ‘reaching for the stars’ in their careers!

The day consisted of presentations from graduates on their professional accomplishments and personal development over this past year. Jason Cullinane, Brian Flahive and Matthew Davidson presented on the experience they have gained and the areas that they have developed in throughout the programme. Presentations lasted 10 minutes after which they took questions from managers and peers.

Advance is a two-year programme and both Brian Flahive and Matthew Davidson were presented with their graduation certificates by Tim Mulhall. We look forward to Matthew’s continued success in Tandem and wish Brian well for his new adventure in Melbourne, Australia.

The graduates, peers and managers then enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the Blackrock Castle café.

ISO Audit, CPD Accreditation & Graduate Programme Approval

Tandem has recently completed a successful ISO 9001 surveillance audit with EQA, achieved reaccreditation from Engineers Ireland for it Continuing Professional Development programme and also recognition of its Advance Graduate Programme.

The EQA surveillance audit took place over three days, covering all Tandem departments and office locations and both in-person and remote auditing were employed. Tandem is delighted to have passed the ISO 9001 audit with no non-conformances and no negative observations. 

The CPD accreditation from Engineers Ireland reconfirms Tandem’s commitment to the development of its personnel and ensures the company remains to the forefront of new learning. The Engineers Ireland Accredited CPD Employer Standard has provided a framework for Tandem to deliver on its CPD strategy since out first accreditation in 2017.

Tandem is also delighted to announce it has achieved Engineers Ireland CPD Approval of it’s Advance Graduate Programme.
Advance is a 2-year graduate programme that aims to give graduates an insight into all aspects of the business in a structured and measured manner, to ensure they obtain broad experience, on both a professional and personal level, in the crucial initial years of their career.

The CPD approval from Engineers Ireland is backed up by what our graduates say about the programme:

“Coming out of college, the support from managers, mentors and colleagues is great.”

“The programme is very interactive, I have support and comradery. I am well looked after with mentoring and everyone in my team is there to help.”

“My team are very experienced, and I feel supported in this early part of my career. It is a really good environment.”

Carrauntoohil Hike and Waterford Greenway Cycle 2022

In April, Thrive undertook a Waterford Greenway cycle. There were 16 participants cycling from Dungarvan to Kilmacthomas and back, 44 km in total. The cycle took us through some amazing countryside. Coming out of Dungarvan over the causeway we had views of the bay towards Helvick Head. The next section was a steady incline that led to a viewing point over Clonea Beach and the start of the Copper Coast. Turning inland from there, we had some sheltered areas of track but mostly open countryside with views of the Comeragh Mountains to the north. We stopped in Kilmacthomas for a lengthy break and well-deserved refreshments in The Coach House. The cycle back was as pleasant as the outward journey and the day was a great success with participants suggesting that we make it an annual event.

Thrive had 9 participants on their guided Carrauntoohil hike in August. The hike commenced from Lisleibane and took over an hour to reach the base of the Devil’s Ladder. The route took in the Devils Ladder and once it was surmounted, there was a slow and steady climb to the summit. The weather was amazing, resulting in incredible views from the Beara to the Dingle peninsula. Kerry Climbing guided the walk and provided a safe route and a steady pace to ensure that we all made it to the top. It was a seven-hour hike from start to finish, every minute was worth it for the spectacular views that we encountered on the day.

Advance Graduate Presentations 2022

Congratulations to Tandem’s Advance Graduate Programme participants who recently delivered their annual presentation to the Tandem senior leadership team.

Evan O’Donovan and Ciara O’Connor received their certificates of completion at the ceremony which took place at Blackrock Castle Observatory.  Tim Mulhall, Managing Director, congratulated participants on their achievements to date and wished them continued success in their careers with Tandem Project Management. Tim spoke about how the programme supports each graduate’s continuous professional development and the achievement of their short and long-term career goals. Feedback from the senior leadership team also provided the graduates with a range of both professional and personal insights to support them in their career development.

The Advance Graduate Programme is just the beginning of each graduate’s journey and Tandem will continue to support their development, beyond the programme and throughout their career with Tandem.

EcoVadis Silver Sustainability Rating

Tandem has been awarded a Silver Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis.

EcoVadis is a global standard for rating in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). EcoVadis assesses corporate social responsibility indicators across four main themes: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. This award places Tandem’s sustainability practices in the top 25% of companies accredited by EcoVadis worldwide. 

Tandem is delighted with this recognition and works to maintain and continually improve its ESG practices.