HBA Sustainability Certificate
Empowering the next generation of sustainable leaders
I'm a Vancouver native deeply connected to nature, since my grade 10 outdoor education program I have become very passionate about environmental science and climate change. This ignited a lifelong commitment to tackling climate issues. During my first 2 years at Huron University, I dedicated myself to enhancing the Green Club and integrating community involvement programs. Today, the club continues impactful initiatives like campus cleanups and engaging local leaders on climate action. My journey reflects my unwavering dedication to learning and implementing solutions for a sustainable future. I'm driven by a profound love for nature and a vision for a greener, healthier planet.
What is your personal definition of sustainability?
My personal definition of sustainability is fostering continual innovation and improvement within societal boundaries. It entails enhancing our lives without jeopardizing our planet's health. Sustainability embodies the capacity to perpetuate actions without causing harm to the environment, ideally leading to its enhancement. It's a delicate balance, ensuring that progress aligns with ecological stewardship, allowing future generations to live and thrive harmoniously with nature. Thus, sustainability isn't just about maintaining the status quo but rather evolving responsibly, nurturing a symbiotic relationship between human progress and environmental preservation.
What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?
In my career, I view sustainability as essential, particularly in addressing climate change, humanity's most pressing challenge. With a deep-seated belief in the imperative of a clean, healthy planet, I'm driven to integrate sustainability into my professional pursuits. My focus lies in facilitating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, an area brimming with technological innovation and promise. Here, sustainability serves as the cornerstone guiding every decision made by renewable energy companies. As I step into this field, I'm poised to utilize my understanding of sustainability to ensure that each action taken contributes positively to our environment. Whether it's assessing the environmental impact of technologies or advocating for eco-conscious practices, sustainability will inform my approach. I'm convinced that by ingraining sustainability into my work ethic and decision-making processes, I can actively contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. Every choice made with sustainability in mind becomes a stride forward in our collective endeavour to preserve our planet for future generations. Thus, sustainability isn't merely a concept but a guiding principle that permeates every facet of my professional journey within renewable energy.
What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?
During my first and second years at Huron University, I spearheaded the integration of two new branches into the Huron Green Club: the Community Involvement Branch and the Huron Environmental Improvement Branch. Through these initiatives, I organized and led numerous garbage cleanups in and around the campus, successfully removing tens of kilograms of waste from the Huron environment. Additionally, I engaged with local leaders in the London area, advocating for climate-related issues such as composting initiatives within the city. These efforts also facilitated environmental volunteering opportunities, including collaboration with organizations like Reforest London. Recently, I engaged in a consulting project with the Social Impact Club, where our team developed a comprehensive sponsorship package for Urban Roots London, a sustainable farming nonprofit. Our work aimed to enhance their fundraising capabilities, potentially unlocking greater support and resources for their impactful initiatives. Through these diverse projects and experiences, I've been actively involved in sustainability efforts, both locally and regionally, striving to make tangible contributions towards a greener and more sustainable future. Furthermore, back in Vancouver, I actively volunteered with organizations like ECO-Team, contributing to efforts aimed at removing invasive species from local forests while promoting the planting of native species for ecosystem restoration.
Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate.
I'm deeply passionate about sustainable clean energy and eager to explore this field further. I'm driven by a desire to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these companies operate and the innovative technologies driving their progress. Additionally, I have a keen interest in social finance, particularly in understanding how investment funds support ESG initiatives and the criteria they consider. By delving into these areas, I aim to deepen my knowledge and contribute to the advancement of clean energy solutions and socially responsible investing practices.
Lachlan Elliott