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How to succeed as a new sustainability manager
In conversation with Libby Kerman, Sustainability Manager, Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
Libby Kerman stepped into the newly created role of Sustainability Manager with Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, just a year after university. Now, two years on, I interviewed Libby and she shared her experiences of how to succeed as a new sustainability manager.
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In this episode, Libby talks about what she’s achieved and learned. She told me about:
- The achievements she’s most proud of
- Who and what helped her succeed
- Tackling her next big task: sustainability reporting
Listen for ideas and inspiration to help you make greater progress on sustainability:
- Why you sometimes learn most from people who resist change
- How relationships with colleagues across the business have been crucial
- How external networks of peers are so important
- Why you shouldn’t worry that you don’t have all the answers
- Podcasts that Libby has found useful on her journey
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Listen to what Libby’s learned and achieved in two years as a brand new sustainability manager…
Achievements
Libby Kerman has achieved significant milestones in her role as Sustainability Manager at Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP). Key accomplishments include:
Application to Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund:
- Coordinated data collection, facilitated discussions, and garnered senior leadership support.
- Secured over £8 million in joint funding, enabling a £16 million project.
- Oversaw the installation of external wall insulation for 730 properties and air source heat pumps for 82 properties.
- The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions and lower customer energy bills by around £380 per year.
Development of a New ESG Framework:
- Recognized the need to refresh the existing ESG strategy.
- Engaged with colleagues across the business to create a comprehensive ESG framework.
- Successfully launched the new strategy, fostering improved engagement and communication within the organization.
Promotion of Green Spaces:
- Advocated for the value of green spaces alongside property management.
- Introduced KPIs to enhance biodiversity, including setting up five new biodiversity sites annually.
- Collaborated with organisations like Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to improve and maintain these sites effectively.
Success factors
Factors that have enabled Libby to deliver these achievements include:
- Supportive Leadership and Teams: The arrival of the Corporate Head of Property with a strong passion for sustainability, along with supportive colleagues in the asset team and culture team, provided Libby with confidence and backing to push sustainability initiatives.
- Development Programs and Networks: Participation in development programs like the top 30 under 30 program and joining external sustainability forums offered Libby confidence, peer support, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Internal Relationships: Building strong relationships with colleagues across different teams enabled effective collaboration and the formation of a sustainability ambassador group, fostering a supportive and engaged internal community.
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Worthwhile conversations
Our sustainability netwalks bring together sustainability leaders and pioneers to share practical experience; spark new ideas and explore the (often unspoken) challenges.
How to succeed as a new sustainability manager – Libby’s advice
Libby offers the following advice to other early career sustainability managers:
Lean into colleagues and create internal networks:
- Understand different service areas within the organization.
- Build relationships with receptive colleagues.
Don’t worry about unanswered questions:
- Recognise that having many questions is natural and makes the field exciting.
- Use unanswered questions as motivation to drive progress and learning.
Continuously learn and build external networks:
- Seek networking opportunities with individuals in similar positions.
- Leverage the expertise available within the sector for guidance and collaboration.