Emily September works for the Western Cape Department of Public Works in the Chief-Directorate: Immovable Asset Management. She recently obtained GBCSA EBP Accredited Professional status, and answered a few of our questions.
One of her roles as a team member in the department is to assist, develop and implement projects to mitigate the impacts of climate change through energy efficiency transformation within public sector buildings and infrastructure. Being part of the EPC project ensures that the department complies with legislation, and ensures it implements green technology to improve the building rating and thereby support the set international energy targets to reduce carbon footprint.
What is your academic background? Let us know about your qualifications and/or certifications.
In 2019, I graduated from Stellenbosch University and obtained a BA degree in Development and Environmental Studies where I majored in Geo-Environmental Sciences and Public Development Management and half majored in Sociology. From 2019 to date, I’ve obtained the following certificates: Project Management; Property Management; Supply Chain Management; and recently obtained my GBCSA Existing Building Performance (EBP) Accredited Professional status.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Being in a working environment which promotes social responsibility. It feels amazing being part of a Department where I can work and simultaneously make an positive impact not only to society but being conscious of the environment too. Personally, working in the public sector adds purpose to my personal life. I believe it’s a beautiful thing when your career and passion come together. “The goal in life is to make an income while making an impact”.
Which projects are you most proud of working on?
The Energy Performance Certificate Project; Property Efficiency Report Project; ESCo Project – these projects definitely have an indirect positive impact in society and environment.
What professional achievement are you most proud of?
Personally, I am proud of all my achievements reached thus far – big or small. One that stood out for me was achieving my AP status. I believe that arriving at one goal is the starting point of another.
What set you on your current career path?
Being the change I want to see in the world and wanting to understand knowledge about how communities work, about the processes of economic development and the natural environment and understanding the nature and results of interaction among communities, socio-economic development processes and the natural environment. By understanding these, I wanted to do something where development can occur and simultaneously preserve different spheres of the earth.
Who or what have been the strongest influences guiding your professional life?
Climate change, our dependency on unsustainable resources and what will happen if sustainable mechanisms are not in place – the ripple effect thereof (could affect human health, infrastructure, and transportation systems, as well as energy, food, and water supplies). For me, the drive is to implement those sustainable mechanisms/ energy efficiency initiatives.
Which has been more valuable in your career, your education or your experience, and why?
In my opinion both education and working experience has been valuable. My education enabled me to put theory-based learning into practice. Experience equipped me with the soft skills required to execute the tasks and projects.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your professional career?
Stepping outside of your comfort zone and to learn new skills/ information can be uncomfortable but the minute you do, your confidence grows. It’s one of the best ways for you to develop in everything you do and it can open the door to lots more opportunities. Staying in the same comfort zone won’t help you grow and won’t give you those opportunities. You take the leap, this is one of the most important life lessons I’ve learned in my professional career.
How has the industry changed since you started?
The need to implement energy efficiencies has become more evident. Increased uptake of rooftop solar PV; Introduction of alternative energy sources; Energy efficiency project collaboration and engagement with other departments; Upskilling of staff to become AP’s with GBCSA; ESCo contracts that have been put in place which promote energy efficiencies.
What do you think are the changes needed for the industry to reach its sustainability goals?
The changes needed for industry to reach its sustainability goals is not only policy implementation but also project implementation and management. Sustainability goals should, in my opinion, be mandated across all spheres (private and public sector). Utilising Public Private Partnership’s and ESCo’s to unlock capital in order to implement sustainable initiatives.
What advice do you have for someone new to the green sustainable built environment sector?
The building sector has a major impact not only on economic and social activities but also on the natural and built environment. Taking the leap in green sustainable built environment sector is a process which enables all people to realise their potential and to improve people’s quality of life in ways which protect and enhance the Earth’s life support system.
