Everyone can contribute to global change: a Q&A with UCEM Student Officer for Sustainability Kian Bruney
Posted on: 30 September, 2024
Kian Bruney has been appointed as one of four new Student Officers for Sustainability at UCEM. We sat down with him to find out what drew him to the role and what his responsibilities will be over the next year.
Kian Bruney is one of UCEM’s new Student Officers for Sustainability for 2024/25. Based in Saint Andrew Parish, Dominica, he is an Architectural Technician for Enviroplus Consulting INC, and is currently studying on UCEM’s BSc Quantity Surveying programme.
We spoke with Kian to learn about his journey in the sector to date and find out what it is that interested him in this position, as well as what his responsibilities will be over the next 12 months.
This interview was conducted by Daniel Ashton, Content Marketing Manager at UCEM.
Q: How did you first become interested in the built environment?
A: Growing up, I had two uncles and a cousin who all became established contractors on the island of Antigua. Growing up, there were numerous times where I accompanied them on construction projects. This exposure really fostered my growing passion for the built environment, and allowed me to gain practical knowledge and experience that assisted in my decision to pursue a career in the sector.
Q: You’re studying Quantity Surveying – what appealed to you about this profession?
A: I undertook and completed an associate degree programme from The Dominica State College in Architectural Technology. I was subsequently employed and currently hold the position of Architectural Technician, and the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications brought forth a desire to specialise in one area of the construction industry.
While attending the Dominica State College in September 2017, my country was devastated by Hurricane Maria – 90% of the country’s housing stock was damaged, and the total damages were estimated at US$930.9 million, with losses of $380.2 million. During this period, there was a desperate need for quantity surveyors and professional property valuers to assist homeowners with insurance claims, as well as contractors and financial institutions who required estimates and supervision during the reconstruction process. This solidified my interest in this profession.
Q: Considering your background is as an Architectural Technician, how would you compare your experience so far learning about quantity surveying?
A: For me, I think this is a unique question as my country is relatively small compared to more developed nations, so as a result, the practices we are engaged in here are quite different.
In my education so far with UCEM, I’ve learned a lot about modern architecture and construction practices that I wouldn’t have been exposed to otherwise, primarily due to the differences in climate and technological advancements. So, while much of my work as an Architectural Technician revolves around the use of computer-aided design (CAD), this technology is secondary to the concept of digital twins and building information modelling in more developed countries. Additionally, the coming fall 2025 semester would expose me to Measurement and Quantification of Construction Works, henceforth a more comprehensive comparison can be made at a later date.
Learn more: What is BIM (and how does it work)?
Q: How have you found your studies so far?
A: So far I can say that my studies have been amazing. The lecturers have been very knowledgeable, insightful and easy to contact, which makes studying online as an international student easier. Whenever I’ve had any issues or needed extra support, they’ve always been there. Every lecturer has a different style of teaching, but I know they’re all well prepared and disseminate the information in a very efficient manner.
Q: How have you found online learning and balancing your studies with your work?
A: It’s interesting you ask that question as, originally, I wanted to complete my degree as soon as possible – so in three years, with three modules per semester. I was advised by UCEM that, as I’m currently in full-time employment, that wouldn’t be wise, so I decided to listen.
I can honestly say that doing it part-time is one of the best decisions I’ve made, because full-time work and study would not be possible for me – two modules is more than enough to take up my entire night. Sometimes I have to do some extra work in the office, just to keep up with the deadline, but I’m managing. I have about three years to go, and I believe I can make it happen.
Q: What attracted you to the role of Student Officer for Sustainability?
A: The devastating hurricane we experienced here really sparked my interest and desire to understand why the storms like Hurricane Maria were becoming increasingly frequent and devastating.
In the Caribbean, we basically have two seasons – the dry season and the hurricane season. Every time the hurricane season comes round, we know we’re going to get increasing storm activity, in the 29 years I’ve been alive, I’ve seen it get worse every year.
In my research, I found that the role of Student Officer for Sustainability aligns perfectly with my desire to learn more about the effects of climate change, and it gives me the opportunity contribute to the increasing sustainability requirements for the built environment.
Learn more: Building climate resilience into the built environment
Q: What will your responsibilities be in the role?
A: As a Student Officer for Sustainability, I will be tasked with researching, processing and presenting issues, techniques and advancements in sustainability to professionals and students at UCEM, as well as external bodies who have a vested interest in this area. With these responsibilities, I hope to develop the necessary knowledge and experience within a professional setting to contribute positively to the global push towards increasing sustainability within the construction industry.
Q: What does sustainability mean to you?
A: To me, sustainability is the utilisation of resources that are available today without affecting the availability of those resources for future generations. In addition to that, I believe the environmental impact of the use of these resources should also be minimised so as not to produce adverse effects on our ecosystem.
Q: In your opinion, what’s the most pressing sustainability issue affecting the sector?
A: In my opinion it’s the carbon emissions produced as a byproduct of resource processing primarily steel and cement production, and the negative impacts this has on the environment.
It’s developing countries like those in the Caribbean that are left to deal with the ramifications of increasing temperatures and more frequent storms. For example, I had a course mate who personally felt the devastating effects of a hurricane this year, as the course the storm took was directly over her Island. She lost her laptop, with all of her notes on the Construction Technology module, and if it weren’t for the assistance of a few students as well as myself, she wouldn’t have been able to submit her assignment on time.
Q: What would be your advice to fellow students?
A: My advice to fellow students would be that you’re not too small, too inexperienced or too uneducated to contribute towards global change. I believe that throughout history, every voice that has fostered change, and every voice that will have similar feelings of doubt. We can’t let our fears, doubts and uncertainties prevent us from achieving our goals and ambitions.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the next five years of your life and career?
A: In the next five years, I hope to complete my bachelor’s degree and be in the process of receiving the status of chartered surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Following this, I hope to continue my personal development in different areas of construction because, over time, my interests and desires will mature. I don’t believe I will be a Quantity Surveyor all of my life – I expect I will branch out into different areas in the construction industry.
If you’re a student and you’d like to get in touch with Kian, please contact him at the following address: kqb2393@student.ucem.ac.uk
