Engineering a Sustainable Tomorrow

Jennifer Spence, ESG Director, Essentra

With a background in construction, Jennifer Spence has been at the forefront of sustainability. Her journey began in 2009 at Balfour Beatty, where she spearheaded initiatives to quantify embodied carbon. With a commitment to advancing sustainability practices, she later took her expertise to New Zealand. There, she managed diverse property portfolios at a large University, and played a crucial role in the first underground rail project in Auckland. Today, as the Head of Sustainability Strategy at Essentra, she continues to drive impactful projects on a global scale.

In an exclusive interview with Applied Technology Review Europe, Jennifer S. shares valuable insights on the importance of multi-channel communication in collaboration with commercial partners.

Can you tell me about your professional journey in the field of sustainability?

I work in the field of sustainability even though my degree is in construction. My initial professional experience began with Balfour Beatty, where I worked in their sustainability team, starting in 2009. At that time, Balfour Beatty had a powerful sustainability strategy, recognizing the significance of the construction industry's environmental impact, particularly in emissions. Even back in 2009, the company had set ambitious sustainability targets out to  2020. During this period, my team was actively engaged in calculating scope three emissions and utilizing pioneering research such as  the Inventory of Carbon and Energy from The University of Bath. This marked an early stage in the industry's efforts to quantify embodied carbon in materials. The company was managing 25-year tenders for construction services. It demonstrated an innovative approach by incorporating the embodied carbon considerations into its services.

Following a rewarding five-year tenure with Balfour Beatty, I transitioned to New Zealand in 2013. Subsequently, I took on the role of sustainability manager at a large University, , overseeing the initiatives for their diverse property portfolio, encompassing over 400 properties ranging from science labs to smaller residences. This involved a comprehensive assessment of sustainability metrics, including water usage, waste management, emissions, and energy consumption.

I also had the privilege of contributing to constructing the country's first underground rail system in Auckland. This project entailed intricate work with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and was the first project in New Zealand to achieve a “leading”  rating from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) My role primarily centered on contributing to enhancing the sustainability rating of the project.

Upon my return to the UK, I assumed a pivotal role at Essentra, as the Head of Sustainability Strategy.

What are your current responsibilities as the head of sustainability strategy at Essentra?

My current responsibilities include overseeing ESG strategy and evaluating the materiality and impact of diverse ESG items on the business. This involves formulating tangible targets in alignment with customer demands, fundamentally shaping the company’s ESG strategy across five core pillars. Furthermore, I am also responsible for all annual ratings and disclosures, ensuring compliance with upcoming legislation. This includes horizon scanning and engaging in implementation projects that make a difference.

What are some of the challenges you witness when implementing sustainable practices in Essentra, and what measures do you take to solve them?

From an external perspective, a main concern is the impacts of climate change on our daily lives. Everyone is experiencing the tangible effects of climate change due to the ongoing increase in global emissions. The foremost challenge lies in rapid decarbonization. This task necessitates a delicate balance of ensuring the provision of high-quality services to  customers while simultaneously guiding  employees through this transition. This ensures no one is left behind as the company shifts towards low-carbon processes, products, and services.

“Embracing sustainability in every facet of our operations is not just a goal; it's a responsibility.”

In Essentras s ESG strategy, every initiative is aligned with this transformative objective. The company has science-based targets currently being validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) . These targets include scope one, two, and three emissions. It recognizes that this cannot be done in isolation; it demands the involvement of the entire value chain, making this engagement important. While transitioning to renewable energy and decarbonizing our assets and operations, the company must collaborate with our supply chain partners. This collaborative approach is crucial for meeting the SBTi targets.

According to you, what are some emerging technological advances that play a key role in shaping the sustainable future for companies like Essentra?

The equipment organizations use these days is becoming more energy efficient daily. The engineering department collaborates closely with the supply chain to ensure optimal machinery production. This allows us to manufacture  products in the most energy-efficient manner. Moreover, the company also ensures that the materials it uses are aligned with the company’s objectives.

Recently, our team opened a Center of Excellence at our Kidlington headquarters site. This facility is equipped with specialized machinery dedicated to trialling new materials. The company has allocated dedicated resources to conduct these trials. Furthermore, it has a big pipeline of alternative materials, facilitating the transition from virgin fossil fuel-based polymers into a range of polymers characterized by lower carbon footprints, improved recycled content and increased circularityOur exploration also extends to biopolymers, with a consideration of their origin, land utilization in their creation, and how they break down at the end of their life. Thus, the company remains deeply committed to the comprehensive assessment of the entire material lifecycle.

What advice would you like to give to young professionals aspiring to work in the field of sustainability?

While my professional background lies in sustainability, my degree is in construction and engineering. My interest in this subject, however, has been the driving force behind my journey. Currently, there are many specialized courses in this domain, as sustainability and climate change has gained increasing  public attention. Consequently, information on this subject has become more accessible. The reality of climate change has evolved, and resources such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and methodologies like the greenhouse gas protocol are easily available.

Additionally, the UK has developed its climate change transition plan, prompting every publicly listed company to formulate and publish  its plans toward achieving net-zero emissions. My advice would be to stay passionate and enthusiastic about the work. Work may not always be easy, but If you are passionate and  interested in the work that you do, it is much more fulfilling.