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This interview features SHW’s inaugural student, Dexter Bridge, currently undertaking work experience within the Sustainability Department. His presence over the course of these eight days contributes to enhancing our organisation’s social value.

 

Dexter has engaged in a variety of tasks designed to provide practical insight into sustainability initiatives at SHW.  Throughout his placement, he is collaborating with team members on projects focused on environmental stewardship, energy data management, and corporate sustainability. By participating in meetings, researching best practices, and assisting the sustainability colleagues with ongoing campaigns, he is gaining invaluable exposure to real-world challenges.

 

This hands-on experience not only supports his personal and professional development but also strengthens our commitment to creating positive impacts within the local community and beyond. The inclusion of students such as Dexter demonstrates our dedication to nurturing future leaders in sustainability and continually improving our organisational social value.

 

We also would like to thank him for his support during these days!

 

Take a look below at the short mini‑interview we conducted while Dexter was with us at SHW to learn more about his experience.

 

• When did you first become aware of sustainability, and what influenced that awareness?

I first became aware of sustainability during my geography lessons at secondary school where I found urban geography topics very interesting.

 

• What sparked your interest in the environment and sustainability?

In addition to studying geography throughout school, my interest in the environment and sustainability was sparked by watching David Attenborough documentaries and talking to my Uncle who works on sustainability and climate change.

 

• At your university, how important is sustainability considered? Can you give any examples of how this is shown?

At the University of Manchester, I think sustainability is very important as my course of ‘Environmental Management’ covers a very broad range of topics including ecology, planning & sustainability. Specifically, the university offers a free and accessible volunteering scheme for all students called the ‘Tree Musketeers’ which help recover or improve local landscapes.

 

• What is one key thing you have learned so far during your time at SHW?

One thing I have learned so far during my time at SHW is how to correctly log client’s energy consumption data in Excel so that it can be analysed. This process also involves referring back to energy invoices and checking the variance of meter readings to ensure the data is correct.

 

• Looking ahead ten years, what environmental advancements do you hope to see?

In ten years, I hope to see smart surfaces be implemented throughout most urban environments, as this works to combat the urban heat island effect, flooding and more. I am particularly interested in how the planning and property sector integrate the implementation of smart services into their services and how they can enhance the positive impact of smart surfaces.

 

• As you are completing work experience with SHW, what aspects of sustainability within the property sector interest you most?

Aspects of sustainability relating to green infrastructure interest me most, for example the future pedestrianisation of Oxford Street is an idea I would like to see spread throughout other major urban areas. In addition to pedestrianising major urban areas, the sustainability can be further enhanced through the integration of smart buildings which is a very interesting prospect.