Spotlight: Malik

This week, we got to know one of our Sustainability Consultants, Malik Miller.

Malik joined us in September 2024 and has been a fantastic addition to the team.

Scroll down to learn more about Malik and his journey into the Sustainability industry.

What are three lessons you've learnt in the role thus far?

One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of being proactive and outcome-oriented. It’s easy to read a manual and repeat it verbatim to a client, but what truly matters is how the information translates into real-world value for them. Often, this ties into cost and time, where time is usually a cost. Our role is to help clients achieve their goals most efficiently, not simply provide a list of actions.

I’ve also learned that a solid understanding of the technical aspects of sustainability can set you apart. This is especially true in WLCA/LCAs, as well as in optioneering, design-based discussions, and material selection. Being well-versed in these areas allows for more effective collaboration and communication, ensuring everyone involved is on the same page.

Lastly, being organised is critical. With multiple projects and tasks at different stages, it’s easy for things to get overwhelming. If you don’t track what needs updating or chasing and stay on top of deadlines, things can quickly pile up. Organisation is key to ensuring smooth progress and meeting all commitments.

What are your hopes for the sustainability industry?

I hope that, over time, more people recognise the importance of sustainability, as greater buy-in can only be a good thing. However, it’s crucial to understand how sustainability applies to each industry. Lobbying for policies or changes - whether within a business or an entire sector - without a clear strategy for effective implementation often leads to failure. To drive meaningful change, especially at the scale the sustainability industry operates on, we need to minimise barriers to entry and ensure broad engagement.

One of the strongest drivers for sustainability in the construction industry is the financial appeal of green-certified buildings. Higher asset values, access to green finance, and sustainability incentives encourage the private sector to keep pushing the needle forward. Because private companies tend to be more agile, they can adopt new technologies and frameworks more quickly, demonstrating what is both effective and viable.

Government policies, both local and national, then play a crucial role in reinforcing this progress. By raising minimum sustainability standards over time, policymakers can prevent greenwashing and ensure that sustainability efforts are implemented in the right way - driving real, measurable impact.

What aspect of your role do you like the most?

I enjoy working on larger initiatives, such as shaping sustainability policies for companies or providing meaningful insights into their carbon output—whether it's related to their buildings or operations. This allows me to contribute to tangible, real-world change.

I also value the collaborative environment in the office. Each person brings unique strengths and knowledge to the table, and being able to rely on colleagues while sharing my expertise is incredibly rewarding. It feels like we’re all growing and learning together, with a great balance of youth and experience.

Another aspect I enjoy is being involved in projects early on, while the design is still evolving. This allows me to provide optioneering opportunities that are impactful and feasible, shaping the direction of the project from the outset.

How did you get to the position you're in currently?

I achieved my A-Levels in English Literature, Maths, and ICT in 2018. I then pursued a degree in International Business, further enriching my education by attending a Sustainable Business Summer School in 2021.

Then, in 2023, secured a trainee position at Morgan Sindall. At the interview I talked about my passion for sustainability, which is where the opportunity for my role came about.

Last September, I was contacted regarding this position and saw it as an opportunity to get a more well-rounded understanding of sustainability. My foundation in construction from my role at Morgan Sindall helped give me a thorough understanding of the sector.