Mainer Academy 2024: Our new graduates start their journey to a sustainable future
In 2022, we established the Mainer Academy, a graduate scheme designed to invest in young talent as a vital component of a sustainable future. In this article, we are pleased to introduce our recent graduates and reconnect with former graduates to understand the impact of the Mainer Academy on their careers.
Why did we start the Mainer Academy?
The Mainer Academy was setup in 2022 to provide graduates with the necessary experience to thrive in a consultancy environment whilst working on live sustainability and built environment projects across the UK.
At Mainer Associates we believe that this investment in young talent is key and we are delighted to welcome two new graduates, Lucy Summerell and Anna Berger, who have joined previous graduates, Joe Clough and Mark Owen-Phillips here at Mainer. So, let’s start by hearing why they are joining us.
Lucy Summerell
Graduate Sustainability Consultant
I’m joining Mainer after studying MSc Management and Sustainability at Manchester Metropolitan University.
My interest in sustainability developed while I was at University of Leeds studying BA Art and Design, where I took a Design for Sustainability module in my second year which influenced me to further explore sustainability and innovation.
From here, I incorporated sustainability into all my projects and essays and planned to further my education by completing a masters. Throughout this course, I explored the relationship between business and sustainability and everything I learnt highlighted that I wanted a career where I could encourage people to engage with climate action for sustainable development.
I applied to the Mainer Academy after researching and finding an interest in sustainability practices within the built environment. During the application process, I gave a presentation evaluating the viability of reaching the net-zero by 2050 target within the built environment. By researching the policies in place and current progress with technological innovations, I started to understand how sustainability issues are addressed in this sector.
I’m looking forward to developing new practical skills to conduct a variety of sustainability assessments that when applied, will contribute to achieving the net-zero target. I’m also looking forward to engaging with every aspect of Mainer, from its marketing to the technical software used for Whole Life Cycle Assessments (WLCA) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM), to create a better understanding of Mainer’s operations and how I can put my research into practice.
Anna Berger
Graduate Sustainability Consultant
I am joining Mainer from the University of Manchester after having completed a MSc in Global Urban Development and Planning.
This degree taught me about the environmental and social challenges facing cities and expanded my interest in sustainability and the importance of limiting the carbon footprint of buildings. This also added to the technical knowledge I gained during my undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.
I applied to the Mainer Academy because the company is involved in significant projects around the UK and delivers tangible results. Since I wish to work in an industry in which sustainability is key, Mainer Associates looked like the perfect opportunity to be part of that movement. During the hiring process, I gave a presentation on the environmental and social impacts of Low Emissions Zones (LEZs) in the British cities they have been implemented in.
I discovered that both city reports and peer-reviewed studies agreed on a reduction of air pollution although the extent of that decrease showed variations. However, due to the recent implementation of LEZs, only a few peer-reviewed studies had been published, meaning those studies lack variations and possibilities to compare them. I found this research interesting as it gave me insights into the issues and advantages of LEZs, which I had no previous knowledge on.
Whilst working at Mainer Associates, I am looking forward to learning about carbon reduction solutions and certifications, while understanding how to use WLCA and BREEAM assessments methodologies.
Our previous graduates Joe and Mark are now fully qualified Sustainability Consultants, so how have they been getting on?
Joe Clough
Sustainability Consultant
Coming up to my 2-year anniversary since joining the Mainer Academy, the skills and knowledge I have gained in this time have allowed me to become an experienced and qualified Sustainability Consultant.
As a qualified BREEAM New Construction Assessor I provide advice and expertise on BREEAM compliance for new-construction projects in the UK. I now possess in-depth knowledge of sustainability principles, environmental performance metrics, and building design strategies aimed at achieving high BREEAM ratings.
My expertise extends to conducting thorough assessments; identifying opportunities for sustainable design integration; and providing strategic recommendations to optimize building performance across various categories, including energy, water, materials, and ecology. I have successfully assisted on multiple projects in achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification, including two of the most sustainable offices in the UK: 11 & 12 Wellington Place in Leeds, and The Eden building in Manchester.
I am also now proficient in utilizing LCA software and methodologies and Excel to analyse environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. I now lead on several projects delivering WLCAs alongside BREEAM Mat 01 LCAs and Man 02 LCCs. I have also developed my report writing skills in this time and can now expertly write detailed reports on embodied carbon emissions from construction projects. These reports include actionable insights and recommendations aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of construction projects.
I am now looking forward to continuing to evolve my skills in delivering WLCA and BREEAM assessments for our clients throughout the country.
Mark Owen-Phillips
Sustainability Consultant
During my time at Mainer Academy, I’ve deepened my understanding of the WLCA process and the BREEAM standards.
Completing industry-recognised certifications in One Click LCA has further enhanced my technical knowledge, and I have gained expertise in delivering high-quality WLCAs, which has been both challenging and rewarding, especially when working on established projects for high-profile clients and collaborate with a range of team teams on sustainability-driven initiatives.
At Mainer, I have had the opportunity to learn about carbon offsetting and pricing from the UK Green Building Council. I have also been fortunate to lead the development of our in-house app, Carbon Centric, which will enhance the quality of our WLCAs and data interpretation. Being involved in this innovation has been particularly exciting, as it directly contributes to improving our sustainability efforts and client outcomes. I’m excited to soon undergo further training through the RICS Whole Life Carbon programme.
Overall, this experience has been both fulfilling and motivating, as it not only broadens my technical capabilities but also enables me to meaningfully contribute to a greener future thanks to the Mainer Academy.
The future for Mainer Academy
We are excited to have such talented graduates joining our team at Mainer Associates.
We’re looking forward to see how Lucy and Anna develop their skills and confidence throughout the programme like Joe and Mark have done, and wish them all the best as they start out in their Mainer careers.
As the Mainer Associates grows, we hope to give more graduates the chance to join the Mainer Academy next year.
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