E184: Cash and Carbon Counting, Machines, and Professional Shenanigans with Andrew Langridge

In this episode, the Dale and Val speak to Andrew Langridge to discuss the importance of estimating and tracking carbon in construction projects. Andrew shares his background in estimating and explains the challenges and complexities of estimating carbon. He emphasizes the need for accurate data and tools to estimate carbon and suggests that legislation is necessary to drive change. The conversation also touches on the role of education in creating a culture of carbon tracking and the potential for incentivizing carbon reduction in contracts. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of measuring and controlling carbon in projects and the need for industry-wide collaboration. In this conversation, Dale, Val, Martin, and guest Andrew Langridge discuss the role of AI and machine learning in addressing the indirect impacts of carbon emissions. They explore the challenges of calculating carbon emissions throughout the supply chain and the potential for AI to assist in this process. They also discuss the concept of a circular economy and the need for new roles and skills in sustainability and project management. The conversation touches on the limitations of AI and the importance of critical thinking and curiosity in the face of technological advancements.

Takeaways
🍕 Estimating carbon in construction projects is challenging but crucial for reducing carbon emissions.
🍕Accurate data and tools are needed to estimate and track carbon effectively.
🍕Legislation is necessary to drive change and make carbon tracking a standard practice in the industry.
🍕Education plays a key role in creating a culture of carbon tracking and should be integrated into project management and estimating courses.
🍕Incentives and contract mechanisms can be used to encourage carbon reduction and make it a shared responsibility among all project stakeholders. AI and machine learning can assist in calculating carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, including indirect impacts.
🍕A circular economy approach may be necessary to offset carbon emissions from activities such as data centers.
🍕New roles and skills will be needed in sustainability and project management to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and machine learning.
🍕While AI can enhance certain tasks, critical thinking and curiosity are uniquely human qualities that will continue to be valuable in the future.
🍕Education should focus on teaching data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to prepare for the changing job landscape.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:33 Andrew's Background in Estimating
06:10 The Need for Accurate Data and Tools for Carbon Estimation
11:32 The Role of Legislation in Driving Change
23:38 Incentivizing Carbon Reduction in Contracts
36:09 AI and Machine Learning in Addressing Carbon Emissions
39:20 The Role of a Circular Economy
41:03 Continuation and Reuse of Assets in the Circular Economy
45:14 The Potential of AI in Project Planning and Estimation
52:20 The Changing Landscape of Education and Jobs
56:17 Educating for Jobs that Don't Exist Yet
01:00:20 Embracing Technological Advancements and Staying Curious

#carbon #estimating #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications