Russell has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) degree from the University of Adelaide with specialisation in renewable energy technologies. His honours project analysed the effects of different blade profiles on the efficiency of marine current turbines to determine the maximum power coefficient for each blade profile. Russell has used his experience to conduct analysis of HVAC systems and BMS, energy audits, and project management of the implementation of energy saving measures across various facility types.
Russell has experience in utilities management, working with local councils around Melbourne to identify savings and streamline utilities processes and procedures. Russell has significant software development skills, upgrading the CarbonetiX utilities management software, CarbonMetriX, to allow organisations to track their utility usage and costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and streamline environmental and financial reporting through an easy to use front end system.