Josh Craven, 23, has engineered his ideal career building sustainable energy solutions.

After graduating from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, he soon slotted into a role at Kunda Park, with global environmental solutions provider Veolia.

But it wasn’t long before he found himself back on campus – this time to help construct the University’s environmentally-friendly “water battery”, which will be run by around 6,500 solar panels.

“It’s exciting to be working on a project that was designed for USC specifically to save energy and to protect the environment,” said Josh, a Graduate Energy Services Engineer.

“Veolia has a focus on sustainability and providing solutions that are as efficient as possible, which aligns with the University’s values, so it’s great to see this partnership.”

Veolia has installed the solar panels to chill water for air conditioning in a 4.5 megalitre water storage tank at USC’s main campus at Sippy Downs.

Josh was involved in the early planning including layout drawings, site drawings, writing the scope of works and organising contracts - all key parts of his job.

“It is becoming increasingly crucial that we consider the impact we are having on the environment,” he said.

“Every year, due to new industry standards, a growing environmental awareness, and the increasing cost of electricity, we see that clients are more willing to see more sustainable solutions.”

Josh is also working with USC engineering students on this project, and to conduct energy audits for several buildings across the campus.

“We are working on reports that will highlight how energy is being used and what steps can be taken to lower usage, cost and emissions,” he said.

He said engineering had appealed to him since he excelled at mathematics and physics at Mountain Creek State High School, and he was particularly drawn to engineering mechanical and electrical systems. He finished with an OP 4 and a Vice Chancellors Merit Scholarship.

“In Year 12 I did a solar project measuring the voltage produced by panels placed at different angles to the sun. I’ve always been interested in how we can produce power more efficiently and how we can do it without harming the environment.”

He said his USC education had laid the perfect foundations for a career in the field, providing him with a solid base in the industry and proficiency with 2D and 3D modelling programs.

Veolia is an international environmental solutions provider with more than 40 years’ experience in water, waste and energy management in Australia and New Zealand.