In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. As we grapple with mitigating and dealing with the consequences of climate change, there is a growing demand for innovative individuals who can deliver design with environmental consciousness. Becci Taylor, distinguished alumni hailing from the prestigious University of Cambridge, is a visionary in the realm of the sustainable built environment.

With an unwavering passion for design and a profound curiosity, Becci has embarked on a remarkable journey marked by innovation and boundless enthusiasm. Though an engineering graduate from Cambridge, Becci’s insatiable thirst for diverse experiences led her to explore avenues such as consultancy. Currently, she is working as a Director of Arup, drawing on and continuing roles as a mechanical building services engineer, building physicist, and sustainable built environment consultant. Engaging in an idiosyncratic interaction with The Global Women Leader, Becci shares the imperious details of her journey as one of the influencing alumni from the University of Cambridge.

Tell us about Arup. What are the various responsibilities that you shoulder as one of the firm's Directors?

Arup is a global network of talented designers, engineers, and sustainability consultants who are dedicated to creating a better world through sustainable development. We harness the power of imagination, technology, and expertise to shape a more sustainable future. With a workforce of around 18,000 specialists, Arup places a strong emphasis on Research and Development (R&D), particularly in the field of sustainability.

As a Director of the firm, my overarching responsibility entails effectively directing and leading extensive cross-functional engineering teams.  Simultaneously, a significant aspect of my role entails adopting a strategic approach, wherein I actively engage in cultivating novel business opportunities, particularly within the realm of sustainable development within the built environment. A substantial portion of this pursuit revolves around addressing critical aspects like housing, where the primary focus lies in diminishing carbon emissions and proactively mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

You possess over two decades of industry experience. What are some of the major business challenges you encounter in your current role at Arup? How do you overcome these roadblocks?

Construction, being an industry deeply rooted in tradition, poses a formidable challenge in terms of driving transformative change within its framework. The most significant hurdle lies in persuading investors and developers to explore new concepts in sustainable building practices, often where they may be ‘going first’ which comes with less certainty and demonstratable precedence but is necessary to foster fresh avenues in the realm of sustainability. Evolving regulation towards more sustainable practice presents a constant stream of novel obstacles to overcome, but also to exceed. By fostering a culture of open collaboration, I actively seek out partnerships and alliances that amplify our collective impact. Furthermore, when confronted with challenges, I consistently adopt a unique perspective, enabling me to adapt to shifting industry dynamics and embrace innovative approaches that pave the way for progress.

In your opinion what have been the biggest milestones that you have achieved so far in your career?

Among the noteworthy milestones in my career, I take pride in navigating the business successfully to uncharted territories, thereby expanding its horizon. One such significant accomplishment involved spearheading our decarbonization efforts within the housing sector in the United Kingdom.

When confronted with industry practices that fall short of supporting sustainable design principles, I drive transformative change rather than passively conforming to the status quo. I firmly believe in challenging and reshaping existing norms to align with environmentally conscious approaches. By taking a proactive stance, I actively contribute to a more sustainable future, employing my influence to bring about meaningful and lasting improvements in the industry.

How has your Alma Mater University of Cambridge, UK, impacted your journey as an individual and as a professional?

My time at Cambridge was truly remarkable and I cherish the experience I had there. The academic environment proved to be immensely supportive, offering me opportunities to engage with accomplished academics, teachers, and mentors. Beyond the confines of academia, I had the privilege of being involved in organizing events within my college, which added an extra dimension to my overall experience.

"I envision a future where sustainability drives revolutionary & joined-up changes in the industry, paving the way for effective climate action, resource management & the regeneration of natural resources"

During my engineering studies, I not only learned the value of hard work but also discovered the importance of balancing it with enjoyment. This taught me the significance of finding fulfillment in my pursuits while maintaining a diligent work ethic. Cambridge’s collegiate system meant that the lifelong friends I made there helped with my comprehensive understanding of how the world functions as they studied subjects such as English literature, philosophy, and economics, supporting me to develop a well-rounded perspective.

How do you foresee the global ‘sustainable built environment’ sector evolving going forward? In your opinion which market forces will create the biggest impact?

The future of the industry holds immense potential for revolutionary changes in sustainability, albeit at a relatively nascent stage in India. The colossal focus on decarbonizing the built environment signifies the magnitude of the task at hand. It is evident that significant efforts are required to effect the desired transformation. Incorporating sustainable design principles in construction practices can help minimize the negative impact on ecosystems. Ultimately, a comprehensive and integrated approach that encompasses sustainable design, efficient resource management, stakeholder collaboration, and nature conservation is crucial to address the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste management. I would like to reinforce the critical importance of joined-up national building regulations. We can only achieve a meaningful reduction in a building’s whole-life carbon emissions if other regulations allow for a safe yet progressive approach to design.

Becci Taylor, Director, Arup

Becci Taylor is an esteemed leader and advocates for sustainable built environments. With a background in Engineering and expertise in Environmental Physics, Becci’s passion led her to explore diverse avenues, where she thrives in pushing boundaries and seeking new experiences to deliver low-carbon. buildings alongside human comfort.