Business View Oceania - June 2024

construction achievements across Australia and Hong Kong. The awards highlight the technical and managerial excellence required to deliver high- quality projects, with state winners progressing to compete nationally. ACCREDITATION AND ADVOCACY The AIB’s role as the arbiter of knowledge and learning in the construction industry is highlighted by its accreditation of 16 universities in Australia and one in New Zealand. The accreditations ensure that construction management degrees meet the evolving needs of the marketplace. “We make sure that the marketplace’s needs are reflected in the degrees that the universities are done,” Dart explains. This rigorous accreditation process helps maintain high standards in construction education and prepares graduates to meet industry demands. Advocacy is another critical aspect of theAIB’smission. Dart features the institute’s efforts to address the industry’s pricing challenges. “We’re advocating at the moment for the price of buildings to increase by 10 percent because Australian buildings are amongst the cheapest in the world of comparative cities,” Dart states. The AIB argues that builders cannot invest in sustainable practices or accommodate the green movement’s demands without adequate margins. With the construction industry responsible for 38% of Australia’s carbon emissions, the AIB collaborates with other industry bodies through the Australian Construction Industry Forum to push for necessary changes and improvements. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS The AIB maintains strong relationships with key industry bodies, including Master Builders Australia, the Institute of Quantity Surveyors, and the Institute of Architects. These partnerships enable the AIB to leverage collective expertise and advocate for industry-wide improvements. The AIB also works closely with the National Association for Women in Construction to promote gender diversity and inclusion. Dart envisions a promising future for the AIB and 14 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 06, ISSUE 06