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BUSINESS NEWS INTERNATIONAL WATER ASSOCIATION HONORS JACOBS, VCS DENMARK FOR WATER-ENERGY INNOVATION The International Water Association awarded its 2018 Project Innovation Awards, recognizing VCS Denmark and its Beyond Energy Neutrality Program, supported by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. , as an outstanding example of innovation in the water sector. The Beyond Energy Neutrality Program, which earned the silver award in the Performance Improvement and Operational Solutions category, embraces new approaches to managing the water-energy nexus. Jacobs began working on the program in 2012 when selected to help transformOdense, Denmark’s, largest wastewater treatment plant – Ejby Mølle – from a large electrical power consumer to a net producer of electricity and heat energy capable of serving more than 400,000 people. The plant achieved energy neutrality in 2013 by leveraging carbon redirection to reduce process energy consumption while increasing energy generation from a biogas-driven combined heat power system. The Ejby Mølle wastewater treatment plant now generates more than 150 percent of its energy, virtually eliminating the need for external power from the grid. “VCS Denmark strives to be a model for incorporating sustainability principles in its operations,” said Jacobs Global Director of Wastewater Solutions and Vice President Julian Sandino. “Very few treatment facilities can consider themselves energy self-sufficient, let alone net energy positive. This award is a tremendous tribute to their efforts and we are

grateful for the opportunity to accompany VCS in advancing sustainable water resource recovery.” Today, Jacobs continues helping VCS with development of an ambitious, industry-first demonstration program focused on how an emerging technology called membrane aerated biofilm reactor might deliver further energy savings, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and requiring a much smaller facility footprint. IWA’s Project Innovation Awards recognize and promote excellence and innovation in water management, research, and technology and are given at the World Water Congress & Exhibition held this year in Tokyo. 80 COLLEGE STUDENTS GET A REAL-WORLD LOOK INTO FUTURE CAREER AT 5TH ANNUAL A/E JOB SHADOW DAY In October, more than 80 students enrolled in the architecture and engineering programs at San Antonio College spent the morning at one of 21 local firms as part of the Fifth Annual SAC A/E Job Shadow Day. Groups of students were assigned to firms across San Antonio based on their career interests. The firms provided office and project tours, involved students in meetings, and demonstrated design programs. The students observed how the different disciplines collaborate across project phasing, gained exposure to design software utilized, and discussed the skills and education required to attain their chosen profession. Ten architecture and engineering students visited O’Connell Robertson ’s office during the morning, where they were able to view

projects in design. They then toured the Regency Place Elementary job site to see one of the firm’s designs under construction. O’Connell Robertson, which sponsored lunch for all participants and hosted the event with the Alamo Colleges Foundation, started the program in 2014 with program coordinators at SAC and Alamo Colleges Foundation staff. Following the shadow, students and representatives from each firm gathered for the lunch on the San Antonio College campus where they shared their experiences and impressions. Leaders from Alamo Colleges, SAC, and the Alamo Colleges Foundation were also in attendance. “It is programs like this that bridge the gap between what our students are learning in the classroom and the real-world application. The growth of this program over the last five years has been incredible. We started with fewer than 50 students and now are impacting nearly 80 students – that is truly remarkable,” says Robert Vela, president of SAC. Dwayne Bohuslav, architecture program coordinator at SAC shared during the luncheon, “Every year it is incredible to watch these students collaboratively solve problems. I think this program is critical to helping them find meaning in the work that they are doing.” O’Connell Robertson has worked on the SAC campus since opening its local office in 2000. O’Connell Robertson is a full-service architecture and engineering firm whose mission-driven approach creates educational environments that enrich the lives of the people they were designed to serve.

Gateway understands that projects vary in scope, schedule, and budget, but our approach remains consistent. By implementing go/no-go as a pre-project fundamental, we strive to fully understand the client’s needs. When knowing the expectations, project managers can assess the potential profitability of the project while ensuring the client’s undivided attention. If we cannot accept the project, instead of saying no, we direct the client to one of our partners who can take it on and succeed. By following an established go/no-go process, Gateway improves project success rates and client satisfaction. ASHLEY ROTHEY is business development specialist at The Gateway Engineers, Inc. She can be reached at arothey@gatewayengineers.com. “One of the most impactful ways Gateway improves a project outcome and client satisfaction is through the utilization of our go/no-go process. It’s designed to increase the probability of achieving favorable project outcomes.”

ASHLEY ROTHEY, from page 3

the probability of profitable projects. It’s during this proce- dure that strategic decisions are made, based on the amount of presumed risk associated with the potential project. What is the history with this client? Are there outstanding debts? What is the projected profitability of this project? These are just some of the questions that are part of the go/no-go cal- culus. By only focusing on profitable projects, clients know that time is not divided with less successful opportunities. Furthermore, profit enables a company to reinvest the money through salaries, technology, and equipment, all of which benefit future projects. Assessing risk prior to accepting a new project lessens the chance of project failure while maximizing the opportunity for organizational profit and client happi- ness. 3)Strengthen relationships. While not every project is select- ed by Gateway during go/no-go, we will not say no to a client. Utilizing our large network of teaming partners, Gateway pre- fers to direct clients to other consultants who may be better suited to meet the needs of the project. By not directly telling the client no, we strengthen our relationship with the client by becoming a trusted ally. In turn, we enhance our relation- ship with the teaming partner. Instead of saying no, we use the knowledge acquired during go/no-go to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.

THE ZWEIG LETTER December 3, 2018, ISSUE 1274

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