-Dr Troy Coyle

2022 was possibly the most successful year for HERA in its over 40-year history.

This was certainly the case for research grant success and strengthening our research capability for the manufacturing and construction sectors.

Decarbonisation

In 2022, we at last launched our zero carbon steel program Hōtaka Whakakore Puhanga Waro (mo te Hua Rino). This program allows zero carbon steel to be specified, with credible offsets certified by Ekos.

The offsetting requirements are based on credible life cycle analysis and Environmental Product Declarations and offer additionality (i.e. they reliably lead to reduced net carbon) through nature positive offsetting via planting and regeneration of native forests that offer biodiversity and local employment benefits.

This program offers zero carbon options for most steel products used in New Zealand, including stainless steel, rebar, roofing and cladding, light gauge and structural steel. This comprehensiveness, reliability and independence makes it a first of its kind globally.

We also commenced development of Australasia’s first material passport. This work will see steel re-use at end of life be supported and we hope that once developed, this can be rolled out across many building materials.

This will make buildings become “banks of materials”, where materials can be “withdrawn” and re-used. This has obvious carbon benefits.

Manufacturing industry support

I continue to be engaged with key developments in the manufacturing sector, joining the Advisory Board for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry Transformation Plan and co-sponsoring the Innovation and Sustainability workstreams.

I also was re-elected to the role of Co-Chair of Hanga-Aro_Rau, the Workforce Development Council for Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics. HERA was also one of only two international partners in the newly created $260 million Australian-based Sovereign Manufacturing Automation for Composites Capability Cooperative Research Centre (SoMAC).

Leading the way for Construction 4.0

HERA was awarded $10.3 million in Endeavour funding for a four-year research program titled “Developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector”.

This project will use complexity science to build upon developing nascent global Construction 4.0 knowledge. The research will be world-leading in an emerging area of international interest and create data-driven decision-making for the future of construction.

It will also incorporate Mātauranga Māori interfaces, making it unique globally. This is also an area where HERA has been supporting our industry to transform, with 2022 launching our development of a Mātauranga Māori toolbox for our industry.

The construction 4.0 Endeavour project is a huge opportunity to create change in the sector and will include 16 PhD/Masters students involved in the project, thus also making a significant contribution to workforce development and Māori participation.

HERA was also a partner in AUT’s successful Endeavour project titled “Sustainable earthquake resilient buildings for a better future”. The above three grant successes make it the most successful year for research grants in HERA’s history.

Design support

Along with a range of Design Guides, HERA launched its long awaited composite beam and slab design tool, to assist engineers to design to AS/NZS 2327:2017. HERA is continuing to work on its software portfolio to support structural steel design and has committed to releasing at least two new Design Guides per annum.

HERA developed online corrosion to assist designers and engineers with durability design of steel and steel- concrete composite structures.

We also updated slab panel method (SPM) software when the copyright was transferred back to HERA. The updated SPM provides a more cost-effective, efficient and reliable technical solution and complies with the current design standard. There is an opportunity for deck manufacturers to contact us if they want to add their profile to SPM software.

HERA Innovation Centre

HERA obtained Board approval for its Innovation Centre to be a 6 star green star build. We have now registered for this certification and look forward to construction to commence in 2023.

Awards

Our GM of Fabrication 4.0, Dr Michail Karpenko, was awarded the Steel Construction NZ Chair’s Award and HERA was a finalist in the prestigious 2022 Asia-Pacific SABRE Awards in the Associations category for our work on sustainability, innovation and diversity in the steel industry.

HERA training

More than 183 professionals have attended HERA Welding Supervisor and Welding Inspector courses in 2022. New courses in welding engineering for those carrying out engineering safety inspections of cable logging yarders or for heavy vehicle specialist certification HVSC have also been developed.