Sustainability Leadership in Construction, Net Zero & Influencing Change
In this episode of The Unlikely Executive Podcast, Barbra Carlisle speaks with Claire Brown, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, about what it really takes to lead sustainability in construction, housing and the built environment.
From net zero housing targets to retrofit strategy in UK homes, Claire shares practical insights on how to influence stakeholders, communicate complex sustainability issues, and drive change across large organisations.
If you’re a leader in construction, engineering, housing, or sustainability, this episode is packed with real-world strategies you can start using immediately.
🔑 Key Topics Covered
What sustainability leadership actually looks like inside global construction firms
How to influence senior stakeholders who don’t care about “carbon”
Why language and communication are critical in driving change
The real meaning of retrofit in UK housing and why it matters
Tackling energy efficiency, heating systems and net zero targets
How to handle resistance, conflict and pushback in complex organisations
Leadership lessons from working in the public sector and large estates (including policing)
Why listening is your most powerful leadership skill
Balancing ambition, career growth and personal wellbeing
Practical advice for anyone starting a career in sustainability or the built environment
👤 About Claire Brown
Claire Brown is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Turner & Townsend, working across major UK retrofit and housing projects.
Her work spans:
Delivering sustainability in the built environment
Advising on energy efficiency and carbon reduction
Supporting housing providers with retrofit programmes
Leadership in professional sustainability networks
She also sits on boards, contributes to industry groups, and has recently submitted her PhD focused on heating and cooling demand in UK social housing.
🎧 Listen If You Want To…
Lead sustainability initiatives with more confidence
Influence difficult stakeholders without conflict
Improve energy efficiency in housing or construction
Build a more resilient, forward-thinking organisation
Develop your leadership style in complex environments
🚀 Work With Barbra Carlisle
If you’re a business leader in construction, engineering or housing and want to:
Lead decisively under pressure
Build a team that takes ownership and initiative
Handle difficult conversations and challenges with confidence
👉 Join my programme: www.gleecoaching.co.uk
👉 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbracarlisle
📩 Or message me directly to explore coaching and leadership development
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