S9E2083 November 2025

S9E208: Blockchain and Carbon: The Future of Project Management with Kevin O'Grady

📈 Data Analytics 🔧 Data Engineering 🤖 AI & Technology 👔 Leadership & Management 💬 Communication 🔄 Change Management

S9E208

S9E208: Blockchain and Carbon: The Future of Project Management with Kevin O'Grady

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In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevin provides insights into how these technologies can enhance project delivery and efficiency, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration in the industry, as well as the importance of measuring and improving carbon emissions.

Takeaways

Kevin O'Grady has a diverse background in project management and engineering.
Blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in project delivery.
Carbon tracking is essential for sustainable project management.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction but faces infrastructure challenges.
AI can play a significant role in tracking project progress and carbon emissions.
Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful project outcomes.
The construction industry needs to adapt to new technologies for better efficiency.
Measuring carbon emissions is vital for improving sustainability in projects.
Project wallets could revolutionize payment transparency in construction.
Innovation in the industry is driven by the need for better practices and technologies.

Guest

Kevin O'Grady

Director at Kognitive

As Director of Kognitive, Kevin works with companies and organisations in the built environment to deliver capital projects with certainty. His role includes promoting enterprise to stakeholders, recommending robust budgets, and implementing strategic plans. His focus is on unlocking value for clients by aligning commercial planning, technical detail, and innovative systems technologies. He brings a long track record of successful project delivery, underpinned by strong leadership, sound organisational skills, and the ability to perform under pressure. With deep expertise in commercial planning, he applies systems technologies to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective options are selected during design development. At Kognitive, he has worked with clients including Philips Healthcare, Fraport and Birmingham Airport, Arup, AtkinsRealis, and T.Clarkes. His advisory work spans due diligence, business advisory, whole-life costing, and digital innovation, including digital twins, reality capture, and digital logbooks.

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