Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Thu, 2017-08-31 10:40
The University carries out a vast amount of research which has a significant environmental impact. The new Sustainable Labs Coordinator, Martin Howes, will be working with University laboratories, helping them to become more sustainable. Read on to find out more about the newest member of the Environment and Energy team.
Name:
Martin Howes
Position:
Sustainable Labs Co-ordinator
What does this position entail?
This is a new position focusing efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of laboratories across the University. I will be looking at everything from facilities and equipment to user engagement.
What is your (education/qualifications) background and how did you get here?
I have a degree in Physical Geography from Lancaster University and whilst there volunteered as a fuel poverty home energy assessor. That piqued my interest in reducing energy usage, for the planet and societal wellbeing. I then worked as Energy Projects Co-ordinator at a brewery in the north-east, before joining the University.
What were you doing before joining the Environment and Energy section?
I was, and still am, Energy Co-ordinator at the Department of Plant Sciences (on a part-time basis), tasked with reducing the energy usage of departmental activity.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Recognition at the national Green Gown Awards for my work leading the University’s plant growth LED project.
What are you most looking forward to getting your teeth into in the coming year?
I’m keen to assist staff across the University unlock improvements that benefit their work and reduce environmental impact.
What gets you out of bed (and into work) in the morning?
The chance to work with passionate colleagues to make this university a little more environmentallyresponsible along with tea, always tea.
What is your environment and energy pet hate?
Littering
What is your favourite green gadget?
A trusty electricity usage logger. You can’t reduce what you can’t measure!
What do you think is the biggest environmental challenge?
Re-wiring ‘business as usual’ to be carbon neutral/negative on the scale and at the speed required to mitigate runaway climate change.
Tell us one little known fact about yourself?
I’m a European Latin dancing champion.
Who is your inspirational figure (real or fictional)?
Alex Zanardi – a universally liked and respected champion racing driver who lost both his legs in a horrific accident. He came back to race successfully again, win Paralympic gold medals and design his own prosthetic legs!
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy exploring new places and the outdoors (a typical geographer answer). Hiking, running, birdwatching and conservation volunteering are all things that I make time for. I also do formation Latin dancing and avidly follow motorsport.
First impressions of Cambridge
I’ve been here for a few years now, but I still enjoy finding new leafy pockets of green space and backstreet pubs.