Meet Richard Lupo, NEW VoluntEER at Transition Stroud (TS)
This month, we talk to Richard Lupo, one of the newest members of the Transition Stroud team. Richard will be writing a regular blog for TS starting next month, stemming from his expertise as a chartered environmentalist.
Most of us have a vague idea of what a chartered accountant does –
but what’s a chartered environmentalist?
A chartered environmentalist is a professional who has a good
scientific understanding of environmental principles. They also
understand the various tools and policies that drive environmental
improvement. On top of that, they’ve put that knowledge into
practice over several years. The analogy with chartered accountant is
a good one, because we also have to work to a defined code of ethics
and continually keep our knowledge up to date. In case people are
interested, I’m chartered through IEMA.
How did you get into the line of work you’re in now?
Ever since school, I was interested in the environment, but back then
there were never any environmental jobs. I ended up in manufacturing
for about 14 years, always trying to find ways of reducing waste and
energy use. So in a way it was environmental, just not labelled as an
environmentalist. I then got a chance to do a Masters in
Environmental Engineering and, after a short stint doing research on
construction waste recycling, I got into my current line of work.
Can you tell us about one or two of your projects?
We do a lot of environmental reporting for clients and I particularly
like it when clients embrace our recommendations. We start off with
what we call ‘primary data’ from the clients – things like how much
gas and electric they’ve used. Litres of diesel, other details about
their properties. We transform that data into carbon emissions
reports and other environmental performance. Then we compare the
client’s current performance against the science-based targets of
where they should be such as net zero by 2050. Then we list a series of
recommendations they should implement to reach those
long-term targets. Clients love the way we provide a
great framework for them to manage their improvements.
Other types of projects I enjoy are where we actually go into
buildings and identify energy saving opportunities. These can range
from simple measures such as reducing hot water usage, to more complex
things like solar power installs.
As a business, we want to make sure that our work has impact. For that
reason, every time we finish a project, we always ask the client to
give us marks out of 10 for how much our work has led them to make
environmental improvements, 10 means we were the only reason and 0
means we had no impact whatsoever. I’m pleased to say that our
average score is 8 our of 10. Sometimes they even write back and tell
us that they are proceeding with solar PV [photovoltaic solar panels] based on our reports.
What’s the link between being green and wellbeing?
Protecting our environment means protecting our supply of basic needs
like clean air, sufficient water, thermal comfort and food. An easy
example of this is pollution from road traffic degrades our air
quality. A less obvious example is how climate change is impacting
food crop yields here and from countries that we import from. As a
society, we all need to ensure that these basic needs can be satisfied
so that we can happily go on to socialise with our friends, gain
recognition for the good things we do and have high levels of life
satisfaction. I like to think of this in terms of the Maslow’s
famous hierarchy of human needs – at the top of the hierarchy is
‘self-actualisation’ and, or maximum wellbeing. In order to get there we
need our basic things like air, water, food and thermal comfort.
Maslow also described a ‘security’ need which is where I think
environmental protection plays a huge part.
On top of all that lovely green areas are great places to socialise in
and there is growing evidence that being exposed to nature actually
increases our own wellbeing.
Do you live your green credentials at home as well as at work?
Well, I try my best. I’m chuffed with my solar PV and I’m in the
process of getting a battery. The first thing we did when we moved in
was to insulate the cavity walls which has really helped keep us warm
in the winter and surprisingly cool in the summer. I’ll walk or bike
short distances and use the train as much as I can for longer
distances. Failing that, I drive a hybrid car. We’ve installed water
efficiency measures in the home, and we do composting and wildlife
planting and recycle as much as possible.
Why did you want to join Transition Stroud?
I see it as a great opportunity to help people in Stroud lead much
greener lives and to maximise their wellbeing, which is what the
‘Transition’ is all about. I think I can bring the ‘numbers’
to this transition so everyone can see the data and then take action
where they can.
What can people expect from your blog, and who will enjoy reading it?
I think from the tone of the answers above people can expect data!
I’ll get the data from as authoritative sources as possible and as
local to Stroud as possible. There’ll be data on carbon emissions,
water efficiency, air quality – all from official sources. I’ll be
comparing our current performance against what ‘good’ looks like and
then making practical suggestions on how to improve.
Three things you can do today
- Go onto the Severn Trent website and get (and install) free water-saving devices in your home. Focusing on devices that save hot water will also save on your energy bills.
- Home owner-occupier? Get three quotes for solar PV and choose the best for installing – just letting you know that Checkatrade now has a section for solar installs
- Next time you buy coffee from the supermarket, choose a brand with the Fairtrade logo.
Find out about more local Stroud Transitioneers
If you would like to share your sustainable living story, please contact Kerri on news@transitionstroud.org