Seb joined the Scotch Partners team in 2018 as a Graduate Sustainability Consultant. Now, just four years on, he is leading some of our biggest Sustainability projects and even training the new Graduates that are coming into our team. We caught up with Seb to find out a little bit more about him and his career to date:
Can you tell us a little bit about your background? What did you study at University?
The first time I was exposed to the topic of Sustainability was during my BSc Geography at the University of Chester. During my final year, there was a module centred around Sustainability and different areas that we could get involved in and make a difference in. This included working with a Sustainability Consultant to implement sustainability measures around the University Campus, and even introduced me to the world of BREEAM (albeit briefly). Following this, I decided I wanted to focus my future career around Sustainability, and as a result started my MSc at the University of Leicester in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (bit of a mouthful!). Through this, I learnt more about the breadth in Sustainability and more about the relevance within the Construction industry.
You started as a Graduate Sustainability Consultant back in October 2018 talk us through your journey with Scotch Partners from your first day to where you are today
When I started, my role was originally largely supporting the senior consultant, on all projects. This involved reviewing BREEAM evidence, write-ups and attending design team meetings. As I progressed, I started to take more responsibility on projects and I now lead and manage a wide range of different projects from inception to completion. The range of work that I have been involved in has also become more varied. For example, working on Fitwel and WELL projects, as well as leading the team with Whole Life Carbon Assessments. As our Sustainability team has grown over the past few years, part of my role has also been to train our brilliant Graduate Sustainability Consultants, which I have really enjoyed! During my time at Scotch, I have also been supported in becoming a licensed BREEAM AP, WELL AP and BREEAM Assessor.
What attracted you to the role with Scotch Partners?
When I graduated from my Masters, I was applying for quite a few Sustainability Consultant roles at varying company sizes. The thing that really struck me about Scotch, was the personal feel when I came to my first interview. The whole vibe around the team that I met and the office made me excited about the prospect of working for them. This came from a mixture of the feel around the office, and the conversation I had with the Lead Sustainability Consultant about the trust and responsibilities that I would have with the role. My initial impression was that it was a nice place to work, where everyone is valued, and I wasn’t wrong!
If you had to choose just one piece of work that you are most proud of what would it be?
There are a few, but one that stands out is Balfron Tower. Balfron is a really interesting Grade II brutalist residential building in Poplar, designed by Erno Goldfinger. It was one the first projects that I took more responsibility on and managed to get the design stage BREEAM from Very Good to Excellent despite many challenges due to the nature of the building. Outside of the actual work, I am proud of getting the Scotch Football team back up and running, which has been great to get everyone together for a kickabout and drinks!
What advice would you give to anyone who is looking to get into the Sustainability field?
Firstly, I would say you’ve picked the best time to get into the field, even in my short time the interest in it has risen exponentially! I think I would say do not be shy to admit you are passionate about sustainability. I think in the past it was seen as an unimportant side topic for design teams but now there is genuine interest and importance placed upon Sustainability topics within the construction industry and beyond!
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
I am very competitive so my superpower would be the ability to be the best at every sporting event. Scotch is a very social company, with loads of sports events including the restart of our football team and annual triathlon. My competitive side isn’t very happy when I lose!