Nigel McCormick, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager, Ards and North Down Borough Council
What subjects did you enjoy at school that supported your career path?
GCSE: Maths, DA Science, Technology & Design, English, Business Studies, Information Technology. A-Levels: Maths, Design & Technology, Computing
Did you study at university or higher education?
Yes
What course did you study?
BEng Environmental Engineering & then an MSc in Renewable Energy and Energy Management
What does a typical day or week in your role look like?
A typical week involves attending various meetings within the council with other council departments to discuss policies, how each departments actions are progressing in our road to Net Zero, meeting with other councils and public bodies for Energy Forums and Sustainability Forums. I also review our consumption figures each quarter with our data analyst and energy efficiency officer. I also am responsible for reviewing the sustainability aspect of any new or revised council policies.
What part of your job do you find most interesting or exciting?
I like meeting with the different forums and colleagues to try and work out how everyone is committing to tackling climate change and sustainability. We may be a small country but if we do all that we can, then at least we know we have done our bit for the world!
What advice would you give to pupils who are interested in a career in sustainability?
Looking back now i wish i had studied Geography at GCSE and A-Level, but looking towards University or College now at your age, I would suggest researching courses that involves a good mixture of sustainability type modules and also renewable technologies. These are the key topics that we need to know about to mitigate and adapt to climate change.