What is a... sustainability officer?

What do you actually do?

I make sure Gallions delivers its environmental strategy. This means I have to manage our resources effectively and responsibly. It can cover anything from looking at our development strategies to how we use paper in the office.

I also have to keep abreast of changing regulations such as the European Union directive on sustainable buildings and the London mayor’s strategy on renewable energy. I make sure any changes are reflected at Gallions and liaise with the development and regeneration team to make sure we maximise ecological points and features in everything we do.

I also handle the media and arrange tours of the Eco Park, our first sustainable housing development. I explain what we did and where others can get information or advice. I spend much of my time talking to other housing associations, architects and contractors.

Why did you choose this job?

My background is in public relations and marketing for firms with an ecological slant. This job was a great opportunity for me because I wanted to make a difference.

What qualities do you need?

My job is manic and wonderful and crazy.

You have to be a multi-tasker and like stress. There is no one to help me do my job, so I have to be very organised.

You also have to have hope and be an optimist. You have to stay confident that you can make a difference.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

Trying to convince developers that they need to make sustainability a top consideration is especially difficult. The stubbornness of some big developers has been disheartening.They say they won’t make money. They only want to act when told to by the government.

Trying to convince sceptics is definitely the worst part of the job.

What’s the best bit?

There have been two real highlights so far. The first was when I interviewed residents in the Eco Park to find out what they made of their new homes. Some were so happy they were almost in tears. It gave me a real buzz to hear such positive responses.

The second came last year when Gallions won “Best Energy Development” at The Daily Telegraph “What House” award.

What gives you job satisfaction?

When people ask my advice on things like how to reduce energy consumption and then come back a month later and tell me how well they’re doing.

And when sceptics start to see that you don’t have to be a tree-hugging hippy to care about the environment, that is also extremely satisfying.