Hi! I’m Lena, and prior to Ivey, I majored in Climate Change and Society for my first two years at Western. I’m passionate about sustainability and particularly the connection between public health and our changing climate. I’ve had the experience to work directly with the ESG team at an asset management firm and directly consider the impacts of investments on local communities, the environment, and long-term sustainability. I’m excited to learn more about sustainability in relation to Indigenous communities and innovations in decarbonization technology. In my free time, I also love exploring trails, hiking, or reading a book outdoors!

What is your personal definition of sustainability? 

To me, sustainability is about ensuring a long-term future by balancing present needs with the capacity of future generations to meet their own. This involves fostering harmony between human activities and the environment, and acknowledging that each of our actions, even something as simple as recycling, impacts the well-being of both current and future generations on our planet. The onus is on us to embrace practices that conserve resources, promote regenerative processes, protect ecosystems, and promote social equity. This can be done through reducing waste, advocating for conservation efforts, and promoting diversity and inclusion at school and in the workplace. 

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

Professionally, I’ve had experience working on the client-side within the asset management industry and have seen the increasing importance of sustainability-focused consulting work. Paris-aligned emissions goals, decarbonization strategies, and net-zero goals are key strategic focuses for financial institutions, and consultants are imperative in driving the success to a net-zero future. There’s the difficulty of balancing business needs and returns for shareholders with social and environmental good, however, the core aspect of helping large corporations’ “transition” is an innate interest of mine. This is especially important given that 100 companies have been responsible for 71% of global greenhouse gas emissions in the past 40 years.  

I hope to leverage my business education, background in geography, and experience in ESG reporting and strategy to help corporations align to carbon-neutral strategies as a consultant. Further, I hope to be able to work on projects within the APAC region, where renewable power generation has gained a considerable amount of investment, and where managed coal phase-outs are a priority right now. I believe that this is the most fundamental challenge in ensuring a sustainable future, and I hope to further my education and work experience to allow me to work globally within the transition space. 

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

In my first two years at Western, I was involved with EnviroWestern, where I coordinated an Eco-Guide for O-week with information such as where to dispose of batteries, and how to sort waste on campus. I also led a Meatless Mondays initiative for Residence Life Staff to decrease meat consumption and reduce Western’s carbon footprint.    

This past summer, I worked within the corporate ESG management team at a large asset management firm. One of my projects involved tracking and analyzing the Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions of the top-emitting portfolio companies for each business group. I researched multiple industries to standardize intensity metrics. Further, my largest project was a strategic analysis of ESG reporting standards across peer companies. I focused my efforts on understanding TCFD reporting standards to improve emissions reporting and biodiversity efforts. I met with the leads of each group and conducted a KPI exercise to align portfolio companies with stricter targets.    

Further, I’ve been involved as an HBA1 Careers Sapling for the Social Impact Club. I’ve had the privilege of working on a sustainability internship tracker and an Information Package for students covering various industries and jobs within social impact and sustainability. 

Please list any sustainability-related interests you want to explore during the certificate. 

• Sustainability or energy-related consulting and strategy work
• Decarbonization and renewable energy projects