David Harris's perspective on sustainability underwent a dramatic transformation: Insight into a Student's Journey
April 30, 2024: Sustainability Takes Center Stage in David Harris' Career Journey
In an industry grappling with the mounting challenge of sustainability, David Harris has carved out a distinguished career evolution. With a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southampton, David's scholarly ambition has been a steadfast companion alongside his professional endeavors.
Transitioning from a role as an apprentice electrician to a career in operations, facilities, and contracts, David's trajectory has seen him working for Kier Group, SSE Enterprise Contracting, and, since 2019, VINCI Facilities. He initially joined VINCI as Customer Director, later stepping into the role of Operations Director this year.
David reveals that personal and professional development has been an integral motivator throughout his career transitions. In pursuit of continued growth, he pursued an MBA, marking a break from his studies since graduation.
"Sustainability was a key area of interest for me, given my role in the built environment", David said. "Our industry has been heavily focused on sustainability, particularly in reducing carbon emissions... Sustainability is the most significant challenge our industry, our generation, and probably the world has ever faced."
As David embarked on his research, the newly offered MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments from UCEM caught his eye.
"The course content seemed particularly relevant ", he stated. "The title alone was a perfect fit for what I was looking for before even delving into the course details."
The flexibility of online learning appealed to David, given his role at VINCI and his commitment to family life.
"Approximately 30-40% of my time is dedicated to sustainability initiatives", he disclosed. "VINCI is a colossal global organization with a significant capacity to impact the built environment. There's a strong proactive focus on sustainability here, which sets it apart from my previous workplaces."
David's manager has been supportive of his academic pursuits, seeing value in aligning employees' professional development with sustainability initiatives. "There are numerous roles within VINCI dedicated to sustainability, and there's also a trend of upskilling employees in this area, making it an increasingly essential part of roles",David explained.
David has found that the program has significantly influenced his perspective on sustainability, prompting him to think more holistically about the subject's implications. "I now understand the size and scope of the sustainability challenge, realizing its complexity extends beyond a single domain", he said.
David has already begun applying his newfound understanding to his professional engagements, using his studies to engage clients, teams, and individuals in conversations about sustainability. "My studies have made me better informed to lead these discussions and challenge established ideas about sustainability and climate change", he noted.
Looking ahead, David is excited about the Operationalising Sustainability module, where the focus will shift from theory to practical steps for driving sustainability within companies. "I'm eager to take my learnings back to VINCI, tackle sustainability challenges, and prompt change in the sector", David concluded.
To learn more about UCEM's MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments, please visit their website: MSc Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments - our website.
[1] According to the 2025 Sustainable Construction Barometer, stakeholders throughout the construction value chain must collaborate to protect urban inhabitants and the planet.[2] The circular economy focuses on reducing waste and emissions by incorporating reuse and efficient resource management.[3] Reduced emissions and financial risks are just some of the benefits resulting from a circular approach.[4] NZEBs generate as much energy as they consume, typically through the integration of renewable energy systems.[5] Advancements in technology, such as solar panels, biogas generation, waste-to-energy technologies, IoT, AI, and smart water treatment systems, ensure optimization of building operations and resource conservation.
- David's career trajectory, marked by roles in various industries such as facilities, contracts, and his current position at VINCI Facilities, has been built upon a foundation of continuous personal and professional development.
- With a keen interest in sustainability, David pursued an MSc in Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments to broaden his knowledge and skills in this crucial area.
- Recognizing the significance of sustainability in the built environment and the industry's role in addressing carbon emissions, David has dedicated approximately 30-40% of his time at VINCI to sustainability initiatives.
- As he seeks to further drive sustainability change within VINCI and the sector, David looks forward to applying the practical steps and insights gained from the Operationalising Sustainability module of his MSc program.
