John Kalocsai, Director and Co-Founder of Greenworx
Background
Approaching 40 years of experience in the building and related industries. Work history includes working for multi-national publicly listed companies in state and general management capacities. A career change around 2011 led me to initially consulting with Greenworx before joining original founder Mark Ballesty as an owner and Director. My passion for the landscape industry and driving professionalism and continuous improvement for our Industry saw me join The Landscape Association (TLA) board approx. 5 years ago and moving on to become the President, and I am in my third term as President. Outside of work I enjoy spending my time outdoors so there is a natural desire to ensure as an individual and a business we play our part in preservation and maintenance.
To provide insights into ‘The role of robotics and automation in green space management’, Tim Langdon, publisher of Eco Voice, had the pleasure of facilitating a Q & A with John Kalocsai, Director and Co-Founder of Greenworx. John collaborated with Husqvarna Australia on the industry report ‘The future of turf care’ and the evolving role of automation. The full report can be read here.
Q1. What does green space management involve?
Well, there is no quick answer to this. Basically, it involves keeping the natural environment healthy and in a condition suitable for the intended use and location. As an example, in parks and playgrounds this may include typical activity such as mowing, shaping and hedging plants to provide safe and visible access. Ensuring the soil health, appropriate irrigation and drainage to sustain healthy plant and tree performance are other considerations.
Q2. Why are green spaces important in the urban environment?
There are a great number of benefits beyond aesthetics that green spaces provide. They help reduce temperatures generated in urban environments, provide shade and respite for people and animals, trees and plants filter the air improving air quality not to mention supporting ecosystems for insects, reptiles and birdlife.
Q3. What role do robotics and automation play in green space management?
An immediate and obvious benefit that can be brought about by the evolution of robotics and automation is transferring the time of day when traditional maintenance activities associated with green space management are being delivered. This means less time these areas are unavailable for use.
Q4. Why are robotics and automation important in terms of sustainability?
The majority of robotic and automated equipment is being designed using rechargeable battery power. The obvious benefit in moving away from fossil fuel powered engines is not only linked to the emissions they generate but also the noise.
Q5. What are some of the issues facing robotics and automation?
Cost and availability remain an issue for organisations wanting to transition to automation as does security. There are many potential applications for robotic mowers as an example however the ability to secure these in public areas is a challenge and high risk given the initial cost investment.
Q6. How can cities around the world do more to increase the adoption of robotics and automation?
Ultimately taking the use of robotics and automation into consideration at design stage will greatly enhance the capacity to safely and securely adopt this technology for broader use.
Q7. How can publications, such as Eco Voice, play their part in promoting sustainability?
In my opinion it is about finding ways to help change the key drivers of decision makers from initial cost to long term benefit.
ABOUT ECO VOICE
First published in 2003, Eco Voice is your go-to publication for sustainability news in Australia. Eco Voice prides itself as an independent news platform with a clear focus on sustainability, with articles coming from a diverse range of contributors – all levels of government, corporations, not-for-profits, community groups, small to medium sized businesses, universities, research organisations, together with input from international sources. Eco Voice values community, conservation and commerce. Eco Voice is a media partner of the prestigious Australian Banksia Sustainability Awards – The Peak Sustainability Awards.
ABOUT GREENWORX
Since 2005, Greenworx have been providing a variety of outdoor management services across a wide range of commercial facilities including aged care and retirement living, sporting fields and leisure centres, schools and colleges, business parks and industrial estates, public outdoor spaces, hospitals among our key client groups. Our point of difference and major contributing factor to our success is simple … we place safety and customer service as our top priority, without any exceptions.
With 800 locations under management across NSW, QLD and VIC, we continue to grow both geographically and in our service offerings as a direct result of our personal and attentive approach.
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