Well that was a busy month. So busy we didn’t get a November edition of our newsletter out. In November, we've been across to the US, seen Las Vegas, attended the Sustainable Network Next 95 event and attended the NZ Reseller awards in Auckland. It was off one flight, on another for the full month.
The good news is that a well-earned break is on its way. Just one week left and we can get a few weeks off to recover, spend time with the people that are the reason you do this.
From the V-Quest team, we wish you the best for you and your family. Make sure to leave some room for dessert.
TRIMBLE DIMENSIONS CONFERENCE 2025
The V-Quest team had the incredible opportunity to attend the Trimble Inc. annual Global Conference, Trimble Dimensions, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year, they combined forces with the SketchUp Base Camp conference, creating one massive event—it was huge! The Venetian Hotel, which happens to be the 3rd largest building in the world, hosted the event, so there was plenty of room for everyone. Trimble really went above and beyond as hosts.
Barry Lynch (CEO) and William Roberts (CTO) made the long journey from Christchurch—22 hours of travel—landing in Las Vegas where the locals were surprisingly shivering in the “cold” (18°C!). Once there, we hit the ground running, setting up our stand and spending the next three days talking to architects, engineers, and contractors. The feedback we got was consistent and exciting: “Wow, we need this in the US. When are you launching here?”
We also had the privilege of competing in the Trimble Trimble 0-60 Challenge. Out of hundreds of applicants, we were one of just eight companies selected globally to take part. The task? Develop a new feature or function for our solution in just three months, with Trimble’s incredible support, and then pitch it live in front of the 6000 conference attendees. Our solution was an AI-driven benchmarking tool for carbon and cost (we’ll share more on that below!). The winner was an impressive tool from Australia called ScaffPlan, which optimises scaffolding design—a well-deserved win.
It wasn’t all work, though. Between long days and battling jetlag, we still managed to soak up some of what Vegas has to offer. Highlights included seeing an iconic Frank Gehry building and exploring the stunning Clark County Government buildings.
The best part? Building strong relationships with Trimble, meeting future users, and connecting with potential investors. The conference also opened the door to collaborate with some of the other 0-60 Challenge participants—exciting opportunities ahead!
- Trimble are an incredible company
- Attendees instantly saw the value in V-Quest
- The US needs the V-Quest Solution
- Americans love Whittaker's Chocolate
- We now have an AI benchmark tool
SKETCHUP EXTENSION WAREHOUSE
Since returning from Las Vegas, we’ve kept the momentum going, strengthening our partnership with both Trimble and SketchUp. We now have a clear roadmap to collaborate and promote V-Quest.
The first major milestone? Getting V-Quest listed in the SketchUp Extension Warehouse. But Trimble didn’t stop there—they’ve highlighted V-Quest right at the top of the warehouse, putting us front and center. If you’re a SketchUp user, you can check us out and sign up for a free trial.
In addition, we’re thrilled to have been selected for Trimble’s new Subscription Pilot Program—one of just 10 companies worldwide invited to take part. This means we’re among the first to test out their brand-new Application Warehouse Subscription features. Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with Trimble to test, provide valuable feedback, and ensure we stay ahead of the curve.
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER EVENTS
Hynds Sustainability Workshop: Barry chaired a dynamic session with young water engineers, drawing on international decarbonisation expertise and bringing together client-side engineers, contractors, low-carbon suppliers, and government reps. Great discussion. Great outcomes.
Next 95 Event in Auckland: Hosted by Sustainable Business Network. From seaweed products to pod foundations, it was inspiring to see the innovation coming from local companies.
NZ Tech Reseller Awards: V-Quest was nominated under the sustainability category—alongside Spark, Schneider Electric, and Jabra. The win went to Digital Futures Aotearoa, but for us, it was a first nod from the tech scene. One of many to come.
CARBON LEGISLATION
The new ERP2 (Emissions Reduction Plan 2) from National/ACT was underwhelming. Labour’s proposal had mandatory measurement and thresholds. Now it's gone. Feels like we’ve bet our future on a 100/1 horse.
International forces (ESG reporting, CBAM tariffs) will force decarbonisation anyway. Delay only increases cost and risk—especially to NZ’s clean brand.
Bright spot? Australia. NSW has gone live with both legislation and the NABERS compliance tool—based on BRANZ’s LCAQuick. They’re now fully operational for 2025.
Global carbon laws are happening: California, New York, Washington, France, UK, Germany, Scandinavia. Time to wake up, New Zealand.
AI BENCHMARK FEATURE
Most carbon-saving opportunities occur during concept and prelim stages. Our early design composite assembly tool already solves part of this.
Now enter: Benchmark AI. Upload a screenshot, photo, or describe your project. Get instant benchmark data on cost, carbon, and weight per m²—across different methodologies.
Use it to win green funding, justify your approach, and guide design. A report is generated with estimated outcomes for your pitch or early analysis. Beta coming soon—email us if you want in.
CARBON FLOW PODCAST
Episode 1: Bob Burnett and Jasmin McNelly (first negative carbon superhome).
Episode 2: Bernie O’Fagan and Julian Addington (mass timber and commercial builds).
Episode 3: Katie Symons (MBIE, Building for Climate Change).
Got a story worth sharing? Email us: info@vquest.io
V-QUEST TEAM NEWS
Welcome Will: Our new CTO. Quantity Surveyor, coder, backend/frontend leader. Based in Sydney from 2025. Massive impact already.
Farewell Abby: Our brilliant intern. Top of her class (95%). Helped shape our database. Huge respect, and all the best!
WORLD NEWS
- PCE slammed the ERP2 plan—burden falling on next generations.
- PHCC says response is “weak to weak targets.”
- US DoE releases building decarbonisation plan.
- NABERS launches new embodied carbon tool.
That is it for November / December and of course 2024. Have a great holiday and see you all in 2025.