Principal Sustainability and Climate Change Advisor
Name: Victoria Norris
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: English Standard, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Extension 1, Geography, Studies of Religion, Chemistry
Favourite: Mathematics Advanced as there could only be one right answer
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Photovoltaics and Solar Energy Engineering)
"My advice for women picking a career is cultivating a support system, never underestimating yourself, and making your voice heard!"
the inside scoop…
What does a Sustainability and Climate Change Advisor actually do? I support and lead the integration and delivery of sustainability, carbon and net zero strategies, and assessments (including rating assessments, i.e. Green Star) across various sectors including transport, water and energy. I undertake and review modelling, calculations and studies, including greenhouse gas emissions, life cycle assessment, water cycle management, circular economy, nature-based solutions, and climate change risk assessment for significant projects that shape the communities in which we live.
What does a day in your life at work look like? A typical day as a Principal Sustainability and Climate Change Advisor involves collaborative office-based client and design team meetings, managing and mentoring team members, and undertaking and reviewing modelling, calculations and studies.
What's the best part of your job? Undertaking modelling, calculations and studies on challenging and rewarding projects that offer an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which we live by addressing climate change, resource depletion, and social equity issues.
What made you realise construction could be for you? When I could choose elective subjects at university from the Built Environment, I studied BENV2428 Modelling and Visualisation and BENV1072 Design for Energy Efficiency.
Tell us about a favourite project you're working on. I have enjoyed working on Energy Connect as it’s the first project of its kind in Australia to undertake Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Design and As-built ratings. The project is focused on applying innovative solutions to reduce the whole-of-life carbon footprint, minimising the use of energy, water, and materials, reducing waste, and ensuring resilience against forecast climate impacts. Thus, contributing to changing unsustainable production patterns, and sharing lessons learnt on other key transmission projects.
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family. Managing your well-being is all about, balance! I handle one task at a time to maintain focus and productivity. I cycle to work at least three times per week to stay healthy, recharge and relax in my time away from the office.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? As the NSW Inclusive Network for Women Lead, the network wants to influence and champion opportunities for change and improvement, while profiling the amazing work women are doing at Mott MacDonald. Times are changing (slowly) and the STEM fields are becoming more inclusive, as more women are pursuing careers that interest them without worrying about gender stereotypes. Advice for women picking a career includes cultivating a support system, never underestimating yourself, and making your voice heard!
Victoria is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Victoria Norris" and we'll pass your message on.