Talking renaissance era scientists, the need for a new Climate Change Act and environmental learnings from Covid-19 with SmartCarbon’s Lead Consultant, Anindya Chatterjee.
Anindya joined SmartCarbon in 2021, having graduated with Distinction from Northumbria University’s highly-regarded Masters course Safety, Health and Environment Management with Advanced Practice. Since then he has gone on to be recognised as a Practitioner Member by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) and led SmartCarbon’s consultancy team.
Here’s what he had to say when we interviewed him recently.
Hi Anindya, can you tell us a little bit about where you grew up and what you aspired to be before you left school?
I grew up in India where due to my father’s job postings we moved quite a few places around the country before settling in the capital New Delhi. I dreamt of becoming a scientist but then realised all the easy phenomena have been discovered by renaissance era scientists! I did fulfil another childhood dream of being a fire fighter as my first job.
What brought you into the carbon reporting role?
Being responsible for environment, health & safety management in the power sector I had some understanding of Greenhouse gas emissions. However, it was during my sabbatical to study a Masters degree at Northumbria University that I became acutely aware of the scale of the climate crisis and got actively involved with Carbon accounting through a couple of student projects under the supervision of Anna-Lisa Mills (SmartCarbon’s founder), who was my Lecturer at the University.
By the end of my studies, I decided to pursue this as my new career as there is skill shortage in this area and it serves a far greater purpose than my previous jobs.
What has been the most satisfying aspect of your job so far?
Working with organisations of varying sizes and sectors, taking them on a journey from realisation to action. No two days in the office are same. Perhaps the most satisfaction comes from meeting some of the amazing people who clearly care and are passionate about bringing changes. I love the sense of camaraderie that we as individuals and businesses are working together to protect our future.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
The lack of regulation around carbon reduction for organisations is the biggest barrier to rapid and meaningful actions. Decades have passed since the Climate Change Act of 2008, yet we do not have single regulation requiring emissions reduction. The commercial pressures and policy instruments like PPN 006 are the only drivers for now, but those can only go so far!
What piece of advice would you offer to any organisation looking to measure their emissions?
Start today! With the plethora of guidance and tools (like SmartCarbon) being available, entry to carbon accounting is easier than ever.
For the organisations already reporting – improve the accuracy by moving away from spend-based calculations so that you have the granularity to monitor effectiveness of implemented actions.
What would people be most surprised about when measuring their carbon footprint?
Carbon accounting requires data from all aspects of a business. First time reporters often get surprised how de-centralised their data is. It requires engagement with various stakeholders to gather them all. Data collection is the most time-consuming part of carbon reporting.
If you weren’t helping organisations to measure and report their carbon footprint, what would you be doing?
If not working on climate action, I will probably be working in health and safety roles. There are quite a few similarities between them in terms of people engagement, monitoring and behaviour changes.
Who would you describe as a climate leader that you admire?
There are so many individuals to name, who are bravely facing the near constant wave of head wind in various guises, that continues to inspire me. However, if I have to name one, that would be Greta Thunberg for her sheer bravery at such a young age. She has been constantly analysed and ridiculed just for asking the right questions.
If climate change is the greatest that any generation has faced, what gives you hope that we will rise to it?
COVID19 was a very good example of how quickly we as society can change and adopt when we decide to. Climate action just requires leadership with long term vision and letting the innovation happen. Technologically we have already passed the crossroads where our energy needs should not be costing us our future on the planet.
What interests do you have that help to take your mind away from work?
Spending time outdoors with my family and exploring the beautiful natural world. I am forever in search of traffic free cycle paths in UK to ride on.
Tell us one surprising fact about you that not many people would know?
I once mobilised two mobile cranes and emergency response crew to spend a good few hours rescuing a stray dog trapped between two shipping containers. Thankfully my manager let me off later with just a few terse words!
What if any changes have you made in your lifestyle in response to the climate challenge?
Growing up in a family with modest means in India, we lived with very limited resources and any wastage was sacrilege. I now try to instil some those values to our son. I am in the process of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Buying a pre-owned EV car and installing heat pump were the best decisions so far!
Make sustainability a priority for your business with carbon emissions reporting. Get in touch with the SmartCarbon team today.