Adam puts all his energy into sustainability in the NT

Adam Bednarski has spent his life trying to understand how things work and how they can be improved. Now he's using his skills and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable future of the Northern Territory.

“From an early age, I was naturally curious and found myself drawn to analysing and solving problems, always looking for ways to make systems more efficient,” he says.

This analytical mindset would naturally lead him towards a career in engineering. 

After moving to Melbourne, Australia in 2017 with an engineering degree from the Berlin Institute of Technology, Adam relocated to Darwin to pursue a Master of Engineering (Mechanical) at Charles Darwin University. 

Specialising in energy

As he worked through his degree, Adam saw that energy consumption was a critical issue for Territorians.

“My decision to specialise in energy came from realising the urgent need for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.”

Adam’s research thesis highlighted how even minor improvements in energy efficiency, like optimising window glazing technologies, could have a huge impact on reducing energy usage.

“This experience deepened my interest in how engineering can address these challenges, especially in regions like the Northern Territory, where the demand for cooling and energy efficiency is high.”

Better building designs and energy management can create a more sustainable future, he notes. 

From classroom to career

Adam’s postgraduate degree at CDU played a key role in launching his career in the local industry. 

Attending a CDU job fair in his second semester led to an internship with Lucid Consulting Australia, where he worked as a Mechanical Services Engineer intern. 

“During my internship, one of the units at CDU taught me how to calculate building cooling loads, which proved especially helpful. This theoretical knowledge allowed me to confidently contribute to projects from the beginning, as calculating cooling loads was a crucial task in many of my early assignments,” he says. 

“By applying what I had learned in class to real-world projects, I was able to make a meaningful impact.”

Adam’s contributions earned him a part-time role, followed by a full-time role after graduation. 

“The practical skills and industry connections I gained at CDU were instrumental in my professional growth and helped me transition smoothly into the local workforce.”

Contributing to the NT’s sustainable future

Adam has already made a significant impact on the industry through his work on energy efficiency regulations. 

His skills have been essential in advancing sustainability in the Northern Territory, particularly as new provisions for energy efficiency in non-residential buildings were introduced. 

Adam held a critical role in closing the knowledge gap surrounding these new standards with professionals across the wider industry, from architects to builders and certifiers. 

He also aims to significantly impact the NT by promoting energy-efficient practices and sustainable building systems. 

“As part of my work at Lucid Consulting, I conduct Level 1 and Level 2 energy audits, helping businesses and organisations better understand their energy consumption and identify practical ways to reduce it.”

Taking complex problems like these and breaking them down into manageable solutions is the backbone of Adam’s continued passion for engineering. 

“Engineering, for me, is not just about fixing issues – it's about constantly seeking ways to enhance and optimise processes to create lasting, meaningful improvements.

Adam’s role in creating a more sustainable Northern Territory has earned him a nomination for the Early Career Achievement Award at Charles Darwin University's 2024 Alumni Awards. 

Study engineering with CDU and use your curious mind to find solutions that improve the lives of others.