From blue to green: The former policewoman turned sustainable engineer

Former policewoman Beth Cocker has transitioned to a career in sustainable engineering with Evolusion Innovation. After spending over a decade in the UK police force, Cocker found her career path in sustainable engineering through transferable skills rather than qualifications. Now, she focuses on energy performance certificates, auditing work, and lifecycle assessments for manufacturers.

Cocker emphasizes the importance of decarbonisation, reducing high-carbon inputs, and increasing circular manufacturing practices without introducing more polluting recycling activities. She addresses the myth that sustainable engineering is a weak science or a box-ticking exercise, instead, advocating for evidence-based practices and active participation across the team.

Cocker believes that effective sustainable engineering requires planning and input at the right stage, pointing to examples such as insulated buildings that may result in overheating and increased energy consumption. She stresses the urgency of addressing global warming and highlights the built environment's contribution to carbon emissions.

Cocker emphasizes the industry's responsibility to positively impact the planet and the role of legislation in driving sustainable practices.