Emma joined Coreus in early 2023, already with a wealth of sector-specific expertise beneath her belt
Greater than only a checklist, edie’s annual 30 Beneath 30 initiative shines a highlight on gifted sustainability and net-zero professionals – aged beneath 30 – who’re delivering on efforts to construct a greater future and exhibiting unbelievable promise for his or her future potential.
After a two-year hiatus as a consequence of Covid-19, the initiative has returned for 2023-4, with the brand new class having been announced last September.
On this weekly collection, we can be sharing their tales and successes past the group, giving edie readers perception into the minds of those that can be main the cost in creating the low-carbon, resource-efficient economies of the long run.
Our subsequent profile interview is with Emma Sueref, director of sustainability and development at Coreus Group.
How I acquired to the place I’m now:
“Rising up within the Hampshire countryside with my mum as my geography trainer meant that the subjects of dialog over the dinner desk and lengthy automobile journeys usually highlighted joint curiosity within the pure atmosphere. Unsurprisingly to these round me on the time, this naturally led me to pursue an undergraduate diploma in environmental science, adopted by a masters in environmental consultancy.
“I’ve all the time been drawn to challenges and located myself gravitating in the direction of the development sector. Its huge potential for environmental and social influence and my love of problem-solving actually captured my creativeness. Starting my journey with a small family-run copany, I rapidly moved to a big tier one contractor, Vistry Group Plc, inside their housebuilding and partnerships arm.
“Beginning in pre-construction roles, I delved into enterprise improvement and land administration, reaching RICS chartership in mission administration earlier than pivoting in the direction of driving sustainability initiatives throughout the firm. Throughout my seven years, I progressed from a enterprise unit stage, to divisional stage, to group stage – to my closing place as sustainability and new enterprise supervisor.
“I then had the fantastic opportunity to pivot my career join an award-winning consultancy, Coreus, as director of sustainability and growth. I’m now responsible for the sustainability consultancy business unit, leading the team to collaborate with a diverse range of clients on a wide range of different project work. Additionally, I’m responsible for the development and implementation of our own company’s internal sustainability efforts.”
My largest profession achievement thus far has been:
“It’s challenging to pinpoint a single highlight in my career journey, as I’ve been fortunate to experience several significant milestones which I’m proud of. However, it goes without saying that being appointed as company director at 28 and having the privilege to grow such a wonderful team and an exciting pipeline of projects here at Coreus will be hard to beat.”
The largest problem I’ve encountered has been:
“Breaking through barriers. In construction – an industry where there is still, broadly speaking, a gender imbalance and where sustainability is still rately a top priority, it can be tough to get your message across. I often had to speak up louder than my colleagues just to get my ideas heard. But despite the challenges, it’s made me even more determined to push for positive change, both for women in construction and for the sustainability profession.”
If I needed to describe my era in a phrase or phrase, I’d say:
“Innovative problem solvers.”
A profitable 2024 for me appears like:
“Over the following yr, my important focus is to keep up the expansion of the sustainability enterprise unit and our service providing, whereas persevering with to offer optimistic sustainable outcomes for our purchasers.
“We now have some actually thrilling tasks on-going for the time being and I’m excited to see these full and supply some actual tangible outcomes.
“On a more personal note, I’d love to achieve the Fellow IEMA Membership level this year.”
Outdoors of my profession, I take pleasure in:
“Volunteering. I function a board member for the Regional RICS SW Board and as a director of Exeter Group Vitality. I additionally interact closely in native mentoring for younger folks, specifically younger ladies – which is essential to me.
“Part of the reason I chose to stay down in Devon after university is because I love being close to both the stunning coastline and Dartmoor, Bodmin and Exmoor. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such diverse natural landscapes at my doorstep and enjoy exploring these with my husband and our dog.”
“Honesty and transparency are key. It’s important for leaders to foster open dialogue internally and externally, partaking with all stakeholders.
“Sustainability isn’t an remoted concern; it’s a collective problem that calls for collaboration throughout industries, areas, and provide chains. With out dialog, this collaboration turns into unattainable.
“So, my message is clear: Let’s embrace honesty and transparency as fundamental principles in our approach to sustainability. Only then can we effectively address the challenges and seize the opportunities, together.”
My key piece of recommendation for any younger folks getting into my career as we speak is:
“Don’t let anyone dim your light. Advocate for yourself, know your worth and you’ll get heard.”
The total 30 Beneath 30 Class of 2023 membership is detailed here.
To remain within the loop for the following spherical of annual nominations for the 30 Beneath 30, e mail newsdesk@fav-house.com. Nominations will open this summer season.