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How did you get into construction?

After working for four years as an environmental officer in the manufacturing industry, I became sustainability adviser at Babcock on its Eastern Regional Prime Contract, which covered the MOD’s estate in the east of England. I enjoyed the construction side of the role so much I decided to move to work for a main contractor.

Biggest challenge in your new role?

How to make the theory of sustainable construction work in real life – without seriously impacting the bottom line.

Your biggest professional achievement?

In my first role I managed to reduce waste to landfill by 90%. In general I like to help people understand environmental issues and work out what they can do to reduce the impact of their decisions.

Worst day at work?

Honestly, I can’t remember a bad day!

Best advice you've received?

‘Treat everyone as you’d like to be treated’ and ‘If you don’t know, don’t be afraid to ask’.

Favourite building?

The EcoHouse in Leicester. It was the first to open my eyes to the possibilities of sustainable construction.

How do you unwind?

I’m just completing an MSc on attitudes towards sustainable construction, so there is not a lot of time for unwinding at the moment!

Would you recommend construction to friends and family?

Absolutely, and from an environmental point of view I think it’s a really interesting time to join the industry. There are so many different and varied roles in construction now, as I have found at Willmott Dixon.

So how green is your house?

I’m on a 100% renewable electricity tariff, but I still turn electrical equipment off when it’s not in use.

I only use energy saving lightbulbs, I use low volatile organic compound paints when refurbishing, harvest rainwater for my garden and grow fruit and vegetables organically.