REnvP Profile | Maddie Booth, Sustainability Consultant and Environmental Educator

What does an average day look like in your career?

I’m a firm believer that sleep is one of the most important things for your health, so I am not an easy riser, instead I like to keep my mornings slow and focus on getting sunlight (if that’s possible) and staying off my phone until I sit at my desk. As like most people, the mornings of work seem to be catching up on emails and any urgent matters.

At the moment my work is very project lead so I have the privilege of being able to time block my day to work on these specific projects. I usually try to find an hour in the day for some continuous education whether that is reading a newsletter on developments in environmental education, listening to a new podcast or reading part of a new book – this is especially important for me at the moment as I am going through a career development stage. I usually have a workshop to deliver in the day as well as quite a few meetings. I try to make sure that my meetings end 5-10 minutes before the allocated time so that I can ensure the follow-ups are complete asap and don’t get lost in my many to-do lists! Towards the end of the day I like to set up my following day so that I can feel de-stressed and truly unwind in my evenings.

How did you get to where you are now?

My journey to where I am today has been a combination of education, gaining as much experience as I could, and having a deep passion for sustainability.

I started my career in roles that allowed me to gain hands-on experience in sustainability projects, I joined Solihull College as their Sustainability Co-ordinator then Sustainability Manager. I then started to work out where I fit into this area of work and left this role to deliver programmes in sustainability. I joined Birmingham Enterprise Community (BEC), where my role involved creating and running sustainability courses. I started to see that I was really enjoying the education side of my work so my next role involved a jump to The Education and Training Foundation (ETF), where I played a pivotal role in shaping national sustainability education initiatives for the Further Education Sector. This experience broadened my understanding of working directly with those that are developing and delivering our college curriculum.

Throughout my career so far I have held advisory positions in both local and national government, which allowed me to influence sustainability policies and practices at a higher level. A pivotal point for me in my career was delivering a TEDx Talk. It allowed me to share my vision and inspire others to take action towards sustainability. It has definitely been what I would call a ‘squiggly’ career, but threaded through this was my passion for working with people, to build community and help people understand what can sometimes be quite a difficult topic to speak about. I started out as an entrepreneur, turned manager, turned advisor but I have always been about continuous learning, you can never truly know everything about the area you work in.

Since March 2024 I was fortunate enough to take a career break and visit 8 countries, volunteer with some amazing programmes and meet some fantastic climate entrepreneurs who have really shaped myself and my next steps. I am now back working with organisations in a freelance role providing lecturing, interim sustainability management, and training for educational institutions. My work involves supporting startups, mentoring new sustainability managers, and creating resources for sustainability education.

How has your focus on environmental impacts changed over the course of
your career?

Over my career, my focus on environmental impacts has evolved from implementing small-scale community projects to influencing large-scale policies and organisation wide strategies. Initially, I concentrated on grassroots initiatives and local conservation efforts.

As I gained experience, I transitioned to developing sustainability programs for educational institutions and advising governments on sustainable policies. Today, I focus on comprehensive strategies that integrate education, corporate sustainability, and policy advocacy, promoting a circular economy and mentoring new sustainability leaders. This evolution reflects a broader, more systemic approach to achieving significant and lasting environmental impact.

What are the top three key knowledge areas that are crucial to your role?

1. Sustainability and Environmental Science: Understanding the principles of sustainability, climate science, and environmental management to develop effective programs and strategies.
2. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Knowledge of local, national, and international environmental regulations and policies to guide organisations in compliance and advocacy efforts.
3. Project Management and Leadership: Skills in managing sustainability projects, leading teams, and mentoring professionals to drive initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and achieve sustainability goals.

What part of your job do you find the most exciting?

Engaging with individuals who share a commitment to sustainability is incredibly inspiring. These interactions provide fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and collaborative opportunities that drive meaningful change. Building networks with like-minded professionals and organisations enhances our collective impact, creating a supportive community dedicated to environmental stewardship. The energy and enthusiasm of these connections fuel my passion and motivate me to continually strive for better solutions. Together, we can achieve significant advancements in sustainability and make a positive difference for our planet.

What are your 3 top tips for those applying for REnvP?

1. Gain Practical Experience: Engage in diverse environmental projects to build a solid foundation of hands-on experience. This demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
2. Continual Learning: Stay updated with the latest developments in environmental science and sustainability. Attend workshops, take courses, and read industry publications to enhance your expertise.
3. Network and Collaborate: Connect with professionals in the field through industry events, forums, and social media. Networking not only provides learning opportunities but also opens doors for collaborations and mentorship, enriching your professional journey and broadening your impact.

Why would you encourage others in your sector to aspire to become a REnvP?

Becoming a Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) signifies a high standard of professionalism and commitment to environmental sustainability, which can open doors to advanced career opportunities and leadership roles. The accreditation also provides access to a network of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.