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Sheryl Owen embodies sustainability leadership. Her purpose is to create a sustainable environment where everyone can thrive. “The environment should not be a commodity available for a select few,” says Sheryl. “In order for us to elevate, we must be aware of our impact on the environment and marginalised communities”.
In her numerous volunteer roles, Sheryl helps organisations find opportunities to link their environmental goals with positive community outcomes.
She applies a holistic approach to her work. She’s a strong believer in the power of communication and crafting solutions that benefit all.
From Environment Science to Global Expert
Sheryl’s journey began with an interest in the environment during high school science. She’s kept at it and after studying engineering decided to make a career out of her passion. Sheryl now demonstrates leadership in her role as a professional consultant and as a volunteer for numerous community organisations.
Sustainability Leadership
I asked Sherl exactly “what does a sustainability analyst do?”. Much of her work involves managing the certification of building projects. She’s worked with LEED, WELL and Fitwel, and has also recently become a Certified Passive House Consultant.
In addition, Sheryl is well versed in the One Planet Living framework.
More than just ratings and standards though, Sheryl tries to work with other engineers on the design team to optimise everything from procurement to daylighting. As a Sustainability Analyst, she can also offer building science services such as energy and thermal bridge modelling.
But it’s not just about physics and modelling. Where she shows real sustainability leadership, is communication. Collaboration is key. The most successful projects are the ones where the whole team gets on board together, and early.
Equity and Sustainability
Many of Sheryl’s clients have ‘ESG’ or Environmental, Social and Governance goals. Clients are usually pretty strong on the environmental side of things, explains Sheryl, but not so much with the social and governance goals. Sheryl demonstrates leadership by holding clients to account.
Holding Clients Account
It’s all well and good have a nice sustainability statement on a website, but often firms don’t know how to put this into practice. Sheryl says it’s usually not hard to find a company’s environmental, social or governance statement. They’re often keen to promote their message. Designing a new building is a great opportunity to make these statements become more than just words.
Follow the Future
Building Codes are going in the direction of net-zero. If you’re not building to that, or similar, the asset is going to be redundant in the future. Using this argument, Sheryl can often make a good economic case for going above the current building code.
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