CEnv Profile | Alexander Herridge CEnv, Carbon & Sustainability Manager

Q&A

Q: Tell us a bit about your current role. 

A: In my current role I promote carbon reduction and sustainability improvements across the Anglian Water @One Alliance. Anglian Water has some tough capital carbon targets and my team and I provide data and insight as well as practical support to project teams. I am involved in several industry-leading collaborative projects to improve the way carbon impacts are considered through the investment cycle and improve the uptake of low-carbon materials.

One of the main aspects of my role is communication – getting information and best practice out internally and externally, as well as promoting the role that carbon reduction can play in delivering broader environmental and cost benefits.

Q: When would you say you became interested in environmental issues?

A: Exploring the Alps during the summer holidays and seeing how glaciers are retreating was a real eye-opener. The son of a geography teacher, it always seemed natural to be interested in the world around us and then it’s just a short hop, skip and a jump to promoting sustainability and better environmental management.

Q: Tell us a bit more about your background and how this led to your current role.

A: I studied at Swansea University for four years: a BSc in Geography, focussing on the physical environment; directly followed by an MSc in Environmental Dynamics and Climate Change. I was then lucky enough to join the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water graduate development programme, which gave me the freedom to pursue my environmental and climate change interests. I spent 8 years in the Energy Team, focussing on deploying solar power, energy efficiency measures and reporting operational carbon emissions. Moving to Capital Delivery and taking on more responsibility for carbon management for 4 years really broadened my appreciation of the Net Zero debate. I have since moved to Anglian Water to lead carbon reduction within a larger alliance.

Q: What does CEnv accreditation mean to you?

A: The CEnv accreditation reminds me of what I have achieved in my career and the responsibility I have to promote sustainability wherever I can.

Q: What would you say to those unsure of how to make a difference?

A: Everyone has a role to play. Even if your role in climate action isn’t obvious, talk to your employer about courses that might be available to help you make a difference. Carbon Literacy is an amazing framework for understanding the science of climate change and understanding your role in reducing emissions and building resilient communities. Environment professionals will often find that their ability to influence others can save more carbon than personal actions – but to be credible you need to practice what you preach!