October 2021 I Embedding Net Zero in Projects: The Power of the Next Generation by David Reid

Net Zero and climate change, whilst taken seriously, is still seen as something which can be tagged as social value or part of the ESG strategy of large corporations and organisations. This approach has subliminal impact of retaining Net Zero as an add-on as opposed to something essential for us to transition to with purpose over the next few years.

Climate change for many is not seen as a burning platform despite the obvious impacts around the planet - other more ‘pressing matters’ retain primacy. As Climate Change will not have that pivotal moment that brings it to stark focus then we are unlikely to meet the targets and challenges which have been set nationally and internationally without very intentional interventions.

For the targets to be achieved we must change the rhetoric and much of this will lie with the Next Generation, their engagement, and their ability to alter the attitudes both of their peers and for those around them. This will take cultural change and a shift in behaviours which must start today and not wait till later when it may be too late to alter the habits of the developing generation.

The Project Management community can have a significant role to play in starting to embed net zero habits until all that we do in delivering programmes as opposed to the current approach of climate change being an add-on or a nice to have. The Next Generation in the PM sector is key to achieving this and we must create engagement which will result in them driving Net-Zero to become part of what we do in our everyday lives both in work and play.

The Next Generation generally at this stage are not fully engaged in climate change as they see this as a job of government or their organisations. Fuel Change has developed an approach to engage the Next Generation which is aimed at changing behaviours to deliver the outcomes we seek. The session therefore will not only outline the backdrop to changing those behaviours but also hear from the Next Generation who are involved in projects to share their thoughts as to who we achieve this over the coming years.

David is a former Vice-President of global professional services company Jacobs. David, a civil engineer, was 30 years with Jacobs as part of the Buildings and Infrastructure business.

Whilst David has a transportation background he worked across all infrastructure sectors within the company including 5 years as Head of Rail for Europe. In his last 6 years with the company he was Head of Sales and Growth for Europe and was based mainly in London.

David recently took the opportunity to move from Jacobs to spend time on roles which allows him to focus on opportunities which ‘ignite his passion’. He has established a social enterprise Fuel Change, a movement which engages the potential of our youth to fight the climate crisis.

He has also been a director of Stenhousemuir Football Club for over 30 years which included the Chairman’s position for 8 years.