Embracing a Career in Sustainability: Insights from a Levidian Intern
As a climate tech business, Levidian is committed to driving forward the transition to net zero, focusing on decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors and using sustainably produced carbon to further decarbonise major global industries including batteries, thermoplastics, tyres, and construction.
Supporting individuals with career aspirations in the sustainability field is central to Levidian's ethos. This includes those at the beginning of their careers, and over the last two years Levidian has welcomed remarkable interns across a variety of functional departments; including engineering, research and development, and innovation and funding. Most recently, Lydia Williams joined the team as an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Carbon Markets Intern.
In this article, Lydia shares her motivations for pursuing a career in sustainability, the importance and impact of the work she is undertaking, and the evolving, diverse opportunities available within the fields of sustainability and ESG.
It’s an exciting time to be pursuing a career in ESG. Businesses are increasingly aware of their responsibility to drive down emissions, build more sustainable operations and take a holistic approach to measuring their impact. “To successfully progress towards climate goals, it’s crucial for businesses to understand both the risks and impact of sustainability issues on their enterprise, as well as how the enterprise impacts the environment and society. Understanding this concept of ‘double materiality’ and integrating ESG principles into a business’ core strategy and operations is important,” Lydia comments.
This growing focus on sustainability is reflected in the increasing number of jobs classified as ‘green’, with around a quarter (27%) of working adults in the UK describing any part of their job as a ‘green job’¹. In addition, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) highlights that the number of companies setting validated science-based climate targets has doubled in the past year².
"Individuals who pursue a career in sustainability will enter a really exciting environment. Sustainability professionals play a rewarding role, centred around fostering credibility and accountability when it comes to setting and achieving ESG targets, in turn boosting company reputation and adding shareholder value” says Lydia.
Thinking globally, acting locally
When it comes to her own motivation to pursue a career in sustainability, Lydia says that “Addressing sustainability issues in organisations requires a holistic approach, an understanding of the interconnection of the various business activities and departments and the ability to enact focused, progressive yet realistic changes. This makes working in this space highly collaborative and stimulating, demanding a diverse skillset, and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation.”
Lydia also highlights the ability to forge new paths and create opportunities in the pursuit of climate goals. “Sustainability and ESG practices are generally still in their infancy, offering infinite opportunity for innovation and improvement. Everyone is talking and thinking about sustainability. Thinking globally but acting locally can turn these ideas into action to improve our world, all over the world.”
Applying theory and learning into practice
An increasing number of higher education institutes are offering courses linked to ESG, with 67% of UK university students saying sustainable development is something they would like to learn more about³, and the momentum for careers in sustainability is increasing. "My journey in sustainability began with studying the subject at university, followed by work experience in the ethical retail and philanthropic sectors. During my final year at university, my interests shifted towards exploring how sustainable changes can be funded and I began to recognise the potential and challenges of the Voluntary Carbon Market. With academic experience in Renewable Energy Credit development, I decided to focus on understanding credibility in carbon projects, so I secured work experience in carbon credit ratings” explains Lydia when asked about her personal journey.
“I’m thrilled to now apply my knowledge, vision, and experience to my broad and far-reaching role at Levidian. My remit includes carbon accounting for our decarbonisation services, working with the wider team to develop Levidian’s offering within Emission Trading Schemes and Voluntary Carbon Markets, as well as the carbon accounting of our company operations; a satisfying blend of interpreting sustainability policy and practice. My goal is to make a tangible difference in progressing towards climate targets, to build on the reputation of our team and our company, and ultimately to deliver the best outcome for all stakeholders.”
The future is green
When asked to summarise her experiences in the world of sustainability and the career opportunities she has undertaken so far, Lydia comments “It’s important for businesses to view ESG strategically and as value-enhancing to enable them to navigate the transition towards net zero emissions and avoid potential losses from stranded assets in the future. I’d encourage others to enthusiastically consider a sustainability career or take on an ESG focused responsibility in the workplace. The evolving opportunities are huge, your ideas can be very impactful and it’s incredibly exciting and fulfilling to see the difference you can make!”.
About Lydia
Lydia is a Warwick University graduate with a degree in Global Sustainable Development and Politics. In September, Lydia will enrol at the University of Edinburgh where she will undertake her Masters in Carbon Management.
Alongside her studies, Lydia will remain at Levidian as a permanent member of the team in her new role as ESG and Carbon Markets Analyst.
Interested in following Lydia’s path?
We’re always on the lookout for exceptional people and are building out our Summer Internship Programme (application window January – March). If you’re interested in putting yourself forward, please contact us at careers@levidian.com.