Sustainable materials specialist Sam Burdett of Sandberg discusses his experience of being part of ZERO as it looks to drive sustainable change to tackle the climate crisis in construction
How do I harness my passions to make a difference? As a 17-year-old making choices about the next steps in my life (eg, choosing a university degree course) I had no idea my skills and interests could be aligned with tackling the climate crisis. Seven years later and I am doing just that. Since joining ZERO – an innovation-focused industry group in the construction sector – six months ago, I have found a way to combine my academic background and desire to make a difference.
ZERO is on a mission to decarbonise the construction industry…ambitious right?! We are doing this by raising awareness, sharing knowledge and empowering our members. Recently this last point has resonated with me a great deal. As a young professional, new to the industry, I feel my voice has been amplified through the network that ZERO offers. I meet inspiring and exceptionally talented people from across the sector at in-person workshops, industry events and ZERO project calls.
ZERO members have recently been working on writing the Playbook. When launched in March 2023 the Playbook aims to become a resource for anyone involved in the construction project lifecycle, providing actionable advice on how to lower the carbon emissions of their projects today.
We desperately need fresh perspectives to tackle the climate crisis in construction
The reality is that young people aren’t responsible for creating the problems facing us today. Regardless, we are some of the most active and determined to do something about it. This is where groups like ZERO have a chance to shift course, by listening to and empowering the next generation, a distinct difference from other well-established groups.
To tackle the climate crisis, we desperately need fresh perspectives, says James Bowles, the founder and chair at ZERO.
“As stewards of the future, we bear a heavy responsibility to future generations. The urgency to address climate change has never been greater. We must not only equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed, but we must also heed their voices and take action on their behalf,” he said.
“Having worked with the talented young leaders at ZERO for the past two years, I have been consistently amazed by their depth of knowledge, ambition and commitment to creating a better future. It’s time for a new leadership, one that listens and takes action.”
Looking at the demographic of ZERO members, around a fifth are full-time sustainability professionals. The remaining membership is made up of architects, surveyors, material scientists, educators, company founders, engineers and students. This has created a welcoming and inclusive environment where there is no expectation to be from a certain background or to have undertaken specific training. I soon realised that I could use my background in materials science and interest in sustainable engineering to contribute to ZERO’s mission.
Building partnerships to educate students on how to tackle the climate crisis in construction with their skills
Recently, alongside other ZERO members, I have been contributing to building partnerships between ZERO and several leading education and youth organisations.
The current education system has shortcomings and teachers are expected to take on more responsibilities every year. This is where ZERO Next comes in. We are the fast-growing network of students and young professionals within ZERO who are making strong demands from the construction industry.
With the support of Class Of Your Own, who are educating the future of construction through their award-winning Design…Engineer…Construct! Learning programme, ZERO Next will be leading a series of DEC Lunch & Learn sessions for teachers. The goal is to enhance their technical and industry knowledge to show students how they can make a career in construction that can be both exciting and rewarding in tackling climate change.
Alison Waston MBE of Class Of Your Own writes: “One of the things that has set the Design…Engineer…Construct! learning programme apart is the support and respect it receives from industry and academia. Here at Class Of Your Own, we pride ourselves on bringing exceptional professionals into the classroom, both virtually and physically.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of the DEC Lunch & Learn sessions with ZERO Next professionals. It’s an effective and productive way for teachers to increase their knowledge and skills and have confidence in their ability to deliver what, for some, is a brand-new subject. Our teachers will be both empowered and inspired and this can only be beneficial to their students.”
What I have realised is that anyone can make a difference, no matter what stage of your career or area of the industry you are currently in. Being a part of ZERO has given me this confidence, and to anyone exploring how to move into a more climate-focused role, joining ZERO and getting active is a great first step.
As Greta Thunberg writes in The Climate Book: “The only way we will be able to avoid the worst consequences of this emerging existential crisis is if we create a critical mass of people who demand the changes required.”
To be part of the journey join ZERO here.
Sam Burdett
ZERO
www.zeroconstruct.com
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