World Earth Day. Spotlighting the people shaping Curtins’ sustainability journey

World Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we design, build and care for the world around us. At Curtins, sustainability is not a bolt on. It is embedded in how we think, how we collaborate and how we deliver lasting good for communities. 

In our latest episodes of the Behind the Curtin podcast, two of our colleagues share what sustainability means in practice, from carbon reduction and retrofit to career fulfilment and inclusive leadership. 

Reducing carbon through innovation and collaboration 

In her episode, Niamh McCloskey, Technical Associate in Sustainability, offers an honest and insightful update on Curtins’ carbon reduction journey. She shares how we are tracking against our embodied carbon targets and celebrates a reduction in operational carbon, progress that reflects years of consistent effort and collective ownership across the business. 

Niamh also speaks candidly about one of the biggest challenges facing our industry, the lack of clear and consistent legislation around carbon reduction. Despite this, she highlights the momentum building through material innovation and carbon capture technologies, some of which Curtins is actively involved in exploring and implementing with partners. 

A key theme is collaboration. From recognising the impact of Curtins’ new digital innovation roles are having, through connecting our teams with emerging technologies, to the reuse of materials on live projects, the episode shows how individual expertise contributes to shared impact. 

Reuse, retrofit and the role of higher education 

Both episodes reinforce the importance of reuse in delivering a more sustainable built environment. Niamh reflects on the role of higher education estates and the opportunities presented by reimagining existing buildings, a theme that strongly aligns with conversations taking place across the sector, including at events such as AUDE Annual Conference. 

Stephen Beggs builds on this perspective by sharing why sustainable design and retrofitting have become central to his career. He explains how working with what already exists can reduce carbon, preserve value and create places that continue to serve communities for generations. For Stephen, sustainability is not just a technical challenge but a responsibility to future users and future engineers. 

People, purpose and progression 

Beyond technical solutions, these conversations shine a light on the human side of sustainability. Niamh speaks openly about career progression, feeling fulfilled in her role and the importance of visible role models, particularly for women in engineering. She also reflects on returning to work after maternity leave and the positive impact of leaders who demonstrate healthy work life balance and set clear boundaries. 

These experiences speak directly to Curtins values of being human, integrity, curiosity and impact. By investing in our people and creating space for open conversations, we strengthen our ability to deliver expert, sustainable solutions. 

Building a better future 

For over 65 years, Curtins has been at the forefront of developing sustainable engineering solutions that enhance the world around us. As a 100% employee owned consultancy, our people are empowered to do the right thing. 

This World Earth Day, we are proud to share these stories. They remind us that building a better future is about more than targets and technologies. It is about people, purpose and the difference we make together.