How can net zero be built into major projects? Does being a trend setter in this area make it harder – but easier for those who follow?
Anna Cockman, Head of Estate Development (Project Delivery) at Lancaster University, was once the hands of BBC2 (really), but is now overseeing a huge project to build the Net Zero Energy Centre.
After discovering exactly what project management is, we discuss the challenges universities face when it comes to declaring a climate emergency, and achieving Net Zero targets, and how approaches to sustainability in project management have changed in recent years.
We discuss the importance of messaging for major construction projects and their impacts, the challenge – and criticality – of carrying out life carbon assessments, and find out what the Net Zero Energy Centre is and how it will impact Lancaster’s carbon footprint.
Among the big questions, we ask: Is Jan good at managing projects? How niche can specialist topics be on Mastermind? And, is watching energy silos being delivered a good use of your weekend?
We reminisce over old BBC trailers, Jan offends Australians (again), Paul discovers the person responsible for his workplace conditions, Anna bemoans the impact of The Apprentice on the image of project managers, and Shortland Street gets some more well-earned publicity.
Read an outline of Lancaster University’s Net Zero Energy Project here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/facilities/estates/net-zero-energy-project/
And find more background on Lancaster University’s approach to sustainability here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sustainability/annual-report/
Transforming Tomorrow
Sustainability is key for any business that wants to build a lasting legacy. From carbon footprints to biodiversity to modern slavery, seabeds to factory floors, everything matters.
On Transforming Tomorrow, we make the complex understandable, the theory practical, as we guide you through the ever-changing and often exciting world of sustainability in business.
Speaking to internationally renowned experts and business leaders, we uncover how to mainstream environmental, social and economic sustainability into purposeful business strategy and performance.
Whether you are leading transition in your business, want to build a corporation with a green heart or change your individual actions, or just want to know more about how space weather might affect your operations, Transforming Tomorrow is the show for you.
Hosts Jan and Paul bring insight, perspective, and not a little amount of disagreement, to all the subjects, helping you find the message among the madness.
Join us every Monday to uncover new insights and become a little more inspired that you can make a difference.
You can find transcripts for most episodes at: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/pentland/resources-for-education-and-practice/transforming-tomorrow-podcast/transcripts/
Send your questions on any of the issues we discuss in Transforming Tomorrow to [email protected] or fill in our feedback form here: https://forms.office.com/e/7Bw4rDiRDt
Find out more about the Pentland Centre and its work here: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/pentland/
Meet the Hosts
Professor Jan Bebbington is the Director of the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at Lancaster University. Jan is an expert on accounting, benchmarking (to her co-host’s annoyance), and how business and sustainability intersect.
Jan loves nature and wants to protect it – and hopes she can change the world (ideally for the better). She is also motivated to address inequality wherever it is found and especially to eliminate forced, bonded or child labour. Transforming Tomorrow is one small step on that quest.
Paul Turner is a former sports journalist who now works promoting the research activities in Lancaster University Management School – a poacher turned gamekeeper as his former colleagues would have it.
Paul has always been interested in nature and the natural environment – it comes from growing up in Cumbria – and has been a vocal proponent of the work of the Pentland Centre since joining Lancaster University. He does not like rankings and benchmarking, and is not afraid to say so.