Our commitments to delivering social and environmental impact.
Shorcom’s commitments to delivering social and environmental value is fundamentally rooted in our company culture. As a project management company in the construction sector we acknowledge the vulnerabilities within this industry. This has motivated us to steer away from the industry common practices and implement innovative strategies to bring social and environmental responsibility to the forefront.
1. Ethical Project Management
ETHICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Providing project validation and transparency above the industry standard.
Shorcom managed projects use cloud-based management software Buildertrend®. The cloud-based management allows for access of the data for project managers and the client, regardless of location. Open-book project management through Buildertrend® differs from common industry practices, validation clarity is provided on a daily basis and all stakeholders have viewing access and the ability to add feedback to any activity.
ETHICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Building a collaborative partnership with our clients through relational contracts.
Shorcom operates through a relational contract basis with clients. Relational contracts are a desirable agreement alternative due to the core component of trust and incentivised by mutual goals and cost savings. The contract encourages a flexible framework in order to work cooperatively and maintain transparency over a long-term period for mutual benefit while discouraging independent and self-serving opportunistic actions. Industries that often change can frighten parties into terminating their contract if unanticipated difficulties arise.
A relational contract puts the preservation of the business relationship first and adapts flexibly to keep both parties on track with their original contractual objectives. This efficiency and capacity to deal with unforeseen challenges preserves the contract and strengthens the relationship, enabling the parties to continue working together to share the benefits.
Good-Faith Procedures
Relational contracts incentivise everyone for a common objective and that all actions undertaken are for the best interest of all involved.
Shared Goals
Relational contracts align the goals of all parties involved. This ensures collaborative behaviour in order to work toward mutual benefit.
Eliminates Conflict
A relational contract establishes a mutually advantageous and collaborative relationship, eliminating conflict between parties involved.
INVESTOR
Investors are provided with complete financial visibility, allowing them to see exactly where every dollar is spent through source invoices. Buildertrend enables us to share project metrics at each stage, detailing expenditures and remaining funds. Additionally, live cameras offer real-time viewing of on-site work, ensure investors can feel secure knowing their assets are protected.
PROJECT MANAGER
For the project manager, the cloud-based software allows for effective management of the project schedule, all financial information, source documentation, daily reports from the project’s inception, inspection reports, and RFI’s. This ensures continuity and eliminates the risk of critical person dependency, even if different project managers are assigned during the life cycle of the project.
CONTRACTOR
The operational transparency ensures that contractors know their exact schedule and tasks for each day. this allows them to effectively plan resources and manpower over several months, making the management of multiple projects easier. Additionally, contractors benefit from transparent systems as invoices for claims are quickly validated by the QS team, ensuring timely payments.
SUPPLIER
A transparent system ensures that suppliers know exactly when their materials will be needed on-site, allowing for precise planning and delivery schedules. this coordination reduces the risk of delays and overstocking, improving overall efficiency. Additionally, this transparency means that when suppliers submit invoices for delivered goods, they are promptly validated by our QS team, ensuring timely payments and fostering strong, reliable partnerships.
PURCHASER
A transparent management model ensures that purchasers have clear visibility into the project’s progress, financials, and timelines. They are able to see exactly how their investment is being utilised and track the completion stages of their property. This transparency builds trust and confidence, as purchasers are kept informed and can verify that their investment is being managed efficiently and responsibly.
ETHICAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Outlining how all project stakeholders benefit from transparent management.
2. Staff & Contractor Support
STAFF AND CONTRACTOR SUPPORT
Supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Shorcom prioritises staff well-being by creating a collaborative and supportive work environment, where everyone’s ideas are heard. Shorcom’s management monitors staff performance and provides upskilling opportunities. The Shorcom office is incredibly diverse, embracing all cultures, abilities, and perspectives, we ensure that both men and women are represented in senior roles. We have an unwavering commitment to fair practices within our company.
All contractors working on-site benefit from our management approach that prioritises their needs and ensures that they are able to carry out their job effectively and safely. Contractors are supported with clear communication and a respectful working environment. We encourage feedback from our contractors in order to enhance their job satisfaction and motivate them to deliver their best work.
The construction industry is identified as a vulnerable area regarding mental health concerns in the workplace. The industry faces a poor reputation of workers experiencing high levels of stress, bullying, working through unsafe conditions, and inconsistent pay. Recent findings from the NZ Mortality Review Committee on suicide deaths in working age men (25-64) identified that men in the construction and trade area had the highest suicide rates of any occupational group (6.9%). High suicide rates in the construction industry are also reported in other countries such as Australia and the United States. Addressing these concerns is crucial for improving the industry’s overall well-being and creating a healthier workplace. Our company is dedicated to making these positive changes.
Growth Opportunities
Shorcom encourages a collaborative and supportive environment where all ideas are shared and upskilling opportunities are presented.
Diverse & Inclusive
We have zero tolerance for discrimination and ensure representation of all cultures, abilities, and genders.
Contractor Support
Our management helps contractors perform their jobs effectively through clear communication and a respectful working environment.
Mental Health Focus
Shorcom aims to destigmatise mental health concerns and to create a positive working environment to mitigate stress and provide stability.
Fair Practices
We are committed to fair and ethical practices in all areas of our company to ensure a healthy and supportive workplace for everyone.
Comprehensive Software
Shorcom utilises the project management software Buildertrend to optimise and automate management processes.
Continuous Improvement
Shorcom continues to research and train in the use of Buildertrend as well as investigate how we can implement innovative strategies to streamline processes.
Contractor Feedback
We encourage clear communication with all contractors to receive their feedback and to give them a platform to share their ideas or update managers on site activities.
Quality Control
The quality of construction, site behaviour, and site safety is closely monitored and frequent site inspections are arranged to ensure all operations are correct.
Bidding Process
We encourage a competitive and easy to use bidding process. Shorcom project managers send a bid package to our database of subcontractors, who are then able to view project details and submit their quotes.
Live Schedule
All site activities are optimised through a comprehensive, live schedule. This allows us to highlight the critical path of operations, what materials are to be ordered, and who needs to be on site. This streamlines the construction process.
STAFF AND CONTRACTOR SUPPORT
Using process optimisation principles for effective contractor management.
Many contractors across New Zealand have endured toxic work environments on-site. This is driven by several factors such as disorganised management leading to schedule overlaps, incidents of bullying, unsafe site conditions, excessive working hours, inconsistent pay, and more. This neglect of contractors’ needs and well-being causes unnecessary stress which compromises their mental health and increases risk of errors.
We recognise the construction industry’s vulnerability to workplace stress and its negative impacts. To address these concerns, Shorcom employs the fundamentals of process optimisation in our contractor management strategy. By implementing this strategy, operations become streamlined, errors are minimised, and stress is reduced on-site. This strategy includes continuous research into optimising and improving our utilisation of the Buildertrend management system to allow our contractors to collaborate with us and carry out their jobs efficiently. We ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner and that there is no confusion for who should be on site due to our live schedule that is monitored daily. This schedule gives a clear outline of all site activities, resource management and ordering, and who is assigned to each line item to receive an automated notification. Additionally, contractors benefit from our transparent operating systems as invoices for claims are quickly validated by the QS team, ensuring timely payments. We promote an open dialogue with all contractors, providing them a platform to collaborate and share feedback. This helps to enable individuals to feel heard, motivated, and apply their best work.
STAFF AND CONTRACTOR SUPPORT
Creating a collaborative and supportive office.
The Shorcom office is incredibly diverse, embracing all cultures, abilities, and perspectives, we ensure that both men and women are represented in senior roles. Collaboration is key to our internal structure, we strive to make each employee feel happy in their role and confident to share their ideas. We actively research innovations in team management to help enhance the work culture and improve team morale.
STAFF AND CONTRACTOR SUPPORT
Measuring employee skill and encouraging professional growth.
Shorcom motivates employees by effectively tracking individual skills using a matrix sheet. All skills required for company functionality are recorded and revised during performance reviews each quarter. By measuring this data we are able to utilise individual strengths within the company, assign leaders for skills, and identify areas requiring development. Management actively encourages training sessions for self improvement and encourages staff to explore skills that interest them for their own personal development. This benefits the employee as their professional development needs are acknowledged and growth opportunities are presented. This benefits the company by streamlining operations, increasing productivity, and eliminating critical person risk.
3. Long-Term Sustainable Housing
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Building houses that benefit the environment and enhance residents quality of living.
New Zealand is a nation that is widely known for being world-leaders in their commitment to sustainability. Shorcom’s values align with the nations commitment to implementing eco-friendly solutions for the sustainable development of this country.
As a project management company in the construction sector, we recognise the need for higher quality construction solutions that are designed for the weather conditions of New Zealand, that benefit the environment, and to improve residents’ quality of life.
Our focus is on delivering high quality, low maintenance, and long-term solutions that will enhance our communities for generations to come.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Applying a sustainable construction system that redefines the industry standard.
Build for the future, not just for today. Our preferred construction system, and the ideal solution for concerns around sustainable construction, is Insulated Concrete Formwork, commonly known as ICF. This is an innovative building technology that meets New Zealand Building Standards and exceeds minimums required by code.
ICFs are hollow, lightweight, insulated forms that are locally manufactured and erected at the construction site. The forms are easy to assemble due to their lightweight material and are stacked on top of each other on-site. The forms are typically filled with 150mm of poured-in-place, waterproofed, reinforced concrete. Unlike traditional concrete forms, which are removed after the concrete cures, ICFs are left in place.
Phase 1: Manufacturing
Extraction of raw materials and manufacturing of building product.
Phase 2: Construction
Transportation of materials to site and construction of the building.
Phase 3: Ongoing Use & Maintenance
The longest phase - use of the building and maintenance over the years.
Phase 4: End-Of-Life
The demolition process and recycling of materials.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
ICF’s exceptional performance in the building life-cycle assessment.
It is vital to consider the long-term when planning for urban development. Building life cycle assessments are measured across four key phases, analysing the environmental impact and level of energy consumption a building has across its entire lifespan. This data allows us to select solutions that will reduce the carbon footprint.
By conducting this assessment we are able to see that ICF performs very well when compared with alternative construction systems. Because of the exceptional insulation qualities and thermal efficiency provided in an ICF build, the residents will be using much less electricity heating and cooling the home. Additionally, due to the structural integrity of an ICF build, there is very low ongoing maintenance required which again reduces energy consumption.
As a result, ICF shows to be a sustainable construction option that produces less carbon emissions across the entire lifespan of the building and the build lasts much longer than alternative construction systems.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Addressing the leaky home problem in New Zealand’s construction industry.
A buildings ability to keep water from penetrating through the external envelope is known as weathertightness. The wet and windy weather in New Zealand necessitates the use of appropriate building materials and techniques to prevent water damage.
✓ Warm
Concrete’s high thermal mass ensures homes retain and slowly release heat, keeping residents warm.
✓ Dry
Due to insulation and weathertightness, dampness is eliminated and the homes will remain dry.
✓ Safe
The homes will be safe and secure as weathertightness prevents water damage and structural issues.
Problem:
Weathertightness is a significant issue in residential construction that is present across New Zealand. This is common in timber framing and is caused by multiple factors such as joinery that has not been sealed extensively, certain cladding systems being more vulnerable, and unskilled labour. Water is then able to penetrate the building envelope resulting in cold and damp homes. This invites more issues such as the potential for harmful mould to grow, as well as structural damage from timber rot. These all make the house unfit for healthy and safe living and bring about expensive remediation repairs.
Solution:
Shorcom addresses weathertightness issues by building with waterproof concrete. The concrete is made waterproof using a KIM mineral additive that has received BRANZ approval. This is the same material used for swimming pools in order to hold water without needing a waterproof coating. Water is not able to penetrate through the concrete, therefore there is no absorption, swelling, or cracking. Additionally, it is composed of inert materials, which prevents decay and degradation.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE HOUSING
Preventing demolition and revitalising distressed projects.
Shorcom is dedicated to rescuing distressed construction projects that have exceeded their budgets, face abandonment, and are set for demolition. By utilsing our innovative management model we are able to significantly reduce costs and bring these projects back on track. This prevents the need for demolition and ensures that quality homes are delivered to the market. This not only revitalises the project but it also provides a substantial environmental benefit from the prevention of the demolition process.
Community Benefit
Successfully bringing paused or abandoned construction projects back to life, ensuring quality homes are built for the community.
Environmental Benefit
Preventing demolition reduces waste and preserves resources, contributing to a more sustainable construction industry.
Cost Reduction
By implementing our innovative management model we are able to cut down on costs, making it feasible to save distressed projects.
Efficient Completion
With our streamlined management the project is not only revitalised, it is placed on a track to timely completion of quality homes.
4. Giving Back To The Community
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Our commitment to investing project profit to educate, support, and give back to the community.
Shorcom is committed to social and charitable causes, placing high value in giving back to the community. As part of our business model, a portion of the profit margin for each project is dedicated toward various meaningful causes.
University Guest Lectures
We focus on educating the public about our experience within the construction industry, innovative management strategies we have implemented, and adaptability in response to economic conditions. These presentations are to share insights and to open the floor to student feedback. We fund prizes to students who submit exceptional work demonstrating a clear understanding of innovative strategies.
Education Through Media
Furthering our commitment to educating the public, we contribute monthly as a columnist for the New Zealand Property Investor magazine. Each month we share industry insights and educate the public about property development in New Zealand. We share key knowledge on topics such as weathertightness issues in NZ construction, regulations around land development, risk mitigation strategies in management, and more.
Sponsoring Extraordinary Kids
Shorcom sponsors a children’s learning centre, Extraordinary Kids, allowing for their business to continue throughout the pandemic and aiding current operations. This has contributed to helping over 100 children yearly receive the education that they need. Additionally, local schools assist in nominating students to receive sponsored placements in the education program.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Community support for children’s learning centre Extraordinary Kids.
Extraordinary Kids is a children’s after-school learning centre based in the North Shore, providing tutoring for children aged 7-16. This organisation provides educational support for the needs of all students, and helps students who may be falling behind in schools due to learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Established in 2009, Extraordinary Kids implements a structural literacy program that is very effective in helping students with learning difficulties, their own maths curriculum, and resources to teach writing along with other school subjects.
The educational philosophy of Extraordinary Kids is to conduct tutoring with a holistic approach in a quiet and stress-free learning environment. This considered approach to learning is offered in-person and is a device-free environment. Extraordinary Kids aims to educate with materials at the correct learning level so that students can break the cycle of academic failure and gain the skills to succeed. Currently, this organisation is helping over 100 students each year and their vision is to scale operations to help students throughout New Zealand.
✓ Learning Difficulty Support
Tailored support is provided for children with learning difficulties to ensure they are able to thrive in their academic progression.
✓ Holistic Approach
Extraordinary Kids employs a holistic approach, considering the intellectual, emotional, and social development of each child.
✓ Device-Free Learning
Extraordinary Kids supports device-free learning to foster classroom focus and develop interpersonal skills.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Shorcom’s shared values and impact on Extraordinary Kids.
Shorcom’s values closely align with those of Extraordinary Kids, making us proud to be a corporate sponsor. Both of our organisations prioritise creating a positive and supportive environment. Shorcom is wholly committed to the growth and development of our team, much like how Extraordinary Kids is passionate about helping their students succeed. By upholding respect and consideration for individual needs we both are able to enable others to reach their full potential. Shorcom’s contributions have helped Extraordinary Kids operations continue throughout the Covid 19 pandemic allowing for them to continue today to serve their community. This in turn has contributed to helping over 100 children each year receive the tailored education that they need. Additionally, local schools nominate a few students each term to receive a full educational plan sponsorship.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Our plans to offer continued support to Extraordinary Kids.
Extraordinary Kids has a goal of expanding across New Zealand and Shorcom want to help them achieve this. Our short-term goal is to open a new Extraordinary Kids centre in East Tamaki, where the premises have already been secured. Our long-term commitment is to help Extraordinary Kids expand to 10 centres across the country, providing holistic learning environments for children and making a significant impact on their education.
