Real Cool Futures - Eden Project

Energy & Environment Manager

Information about Anuj Saush
Name	Anuj Saush
Location	London
Company	LSBU (London South Bank University)

"I don't tend to get stressed because I enjoy the job so much."

Anuj Saush

I’m Anuj Saush, Energy & Environment Manager for LSBU (London South Bank University).
My job is to help move their green agenda forward across all areas of the university.
I have a degree in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Policy and Management.
I think that much of my studying, together with strong interpersonal skills, has helped me get to where I am today.
I enjoy working with people to really make a difference in the challenges of climate change and reducing the environmental impacts of the university.

Tell us about your job – where do you work and what do you do?

I work at LSBU (London South Bank University) as the Energy & Environment Manager. I take the lead on driving the university’s environmental / green agenda forward. My role involves preparing environmental strategy, developing implementation plans, and employee engagement. I'm involved in lots of different things.

What inspired you to do what you do? How did you get into it, did you have a plan?

My interest in the environmental field began while I was doing my degree in Civil Engineering. After completing that, I applied for a postgraduate course in Environmental Policy and Management to pursue my interest further. I got into the London School of Economics and since completing my MSc I’ve had 3 jobs, 2 in consulting roles and the 3rd being my current post.

Why is your job meaningful? Both to you personally, and in how it benefits the wider world in terms of climate change and other environmental challenges.

My job lies at the intersection of my skills, interest and attitude. It provides me with a platform to make things happen which are better for the environment.
Although there is growing awareness amongst the university staff and students about green issues, only a handful of them are actually participating or actively contributing to reduce their environmental impact. Since joining, I’ve initiated smart lighting control projects, signed up to behaviour change programmes, and initiated a green champion volunteer scheme. I’ve made a commitment towards reducing our carbon emissions and prepared an action plan. I hope that all of these will contribute towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, and make us more sustainable.

Many jobs in this sector are very new, how long has your job existed?

5 months.

What personal qualities do you think have got you where you are today?

Ambition, attitude, communication skills, discipline, empathy, a willingness to learn, and an ability to perform at a high level. I also have a strong work ethic.

What are the essential skills for your job?

Essential skills for this post are knowledge of my field, and people skills - I work in a team and am always communicating with others.

What qualifications do you have? Are these typical for people in your role?

I have a BSc in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Policy and Management. I’ve completed the AIEMA Open Book Assessment (Associate membership of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment), and made the grade to an Associate Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (with my application underway).
A degree in this subject area does help, and there are also lots of industry specific courses.

What do you think most helped you get where you are now?

For a similar post, I would say the industry average is 10+ years of experience. With respect to age, early-mid 30's, though I'm still in my late 20's. I have strong customer focus and am adept at dealing with individuals at all levels. Good communication skills have been crucial. I believe my strength lies in working with people, identifying and creating opportunities and facilitating change.

Please describe a typical working day

I attend meetings, write papers, meet suppliers and contractors, and take people on site walkabouts.
I work a 35 hour week. I don’t do overtime as such, but often work on as I’m used to working slightly longer hours.

What do you enjoy most and least about what you do?

I enjoy all aspects of what I do.
I don’t tend to get stressed because I enjoy the job so much!

What kind of people do you meet through your work or do you work alone?

I meet all kinds of people, from students to suppliers.

Do you feel well paid for what you do, or is it not about the money?

I am well paid for this post.

Finally, what do you know now about jobs, careers and the future that you wish you’d known when you were at school?

I wish I was a bit more serious with regard to studies; I think that’s important.

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