Name: Hayley Sheppard

Role: BREEAM & Sustainability Consultant

How did you become a BREEAM & Sustainability Consultant?

I was interested in the environment. I was brought up in the countryside and as a kid I always noticed things like littering and it upset me. I always had a real sense of wanting to protect the environment.   

I studied Environmental Management and Sustainability at University and my first job out of Uni was for a local company offering Carbon accreditations. This leant itself really well working with companies and assessing their performance in relation to sustainability.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I do enjoy the project management aspect, completing projects and getting certificates is satisfying. I also love seeing innovative technologies and building solutions – it never ceases to amaze me how ingenious humans can be to solve problems. I also love noseying around sites and new buildings before they open to the public!

Out of all the projects you’ve been involved with have you got a favourite and why?

My first BREEAM certificate was quite a special one; it was a new university building in Liverpool so that was memorable. My favourite current project is probably the Ralli Quays office building in Salford. The design team is really proactive and pushing the boundaries with this building and it’s exciting to watch it unfold.

How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

When I did my degrees, the industry was really starting to gain momentum. I would say that is still building and there is so much more ‘noise’ around sustainability, but I’m not sure it’s translating into enough action

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I enjoy being active; riding my horse, mountain biking and walking the dog with my partner, we also love going out for tea!

If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be?

I tried to be a professional horse rider out of college and I wasn’t brave enough! So I’d probably be a psychologist. I am very interested in mental health and do believe it is intrinsically linked to achieving a sustainable society.