During the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS) in Birmingham this month, the industry gathered to celebrate the next generation of environmental leaders and changemakers.
The winners of the prestigious 35 Under 35 Awards were announced and Environment 100 Award winners celebrated, showcasing the dedication and achievements of these young professionals and industry experts.
A new wave of talent
At the Green Skills & Future Talent Hub Stage on Thursday 12 September, the leading changemakers from the waste and recycling, water management, energy, construction and young persons connected to managing sustainability were revealed at the 35 Under 35 Awards ceremony.
Collecting the trophy for first place was Darren Forster, Local Authority and Commercial Development Manager at Biogen UK. With over nine years’ experience in the waste management and environmental sector, Forster’s current role sees him lead local authority negotiation for the food and waste recycling firm that transforms food waste into renewable energy and fertiliser. Previously shortlisted in the 2022 and 2023 editions of the 35 under 35 Awards, this year he has achieved the top award following his steadfast commitment towards environmental practice.
Crowned second during the ceremony was Artem Nepryahin, Lead HSEQ Manager at Augean. Nepryahin’s ongoing environmental work supports the waste treatment and disposal company that manages the correct recycling of traditionally difficult to manage materials, including hazardous, radioactive, and nuclear waste.
In third place, Niamh Harris, People Advisor at Thalia Waste Management. Over the past two years at the company, Harris has supported the HR function to build recruitment operations and strong employee relations to boost the expert waste collection, management, and treatment company to success.
Other shortlisted young leaders include Thomas Baker, Specialist (Plastics) at WRAP; Phoebe Russell, Waste Management Consultant at Vegware Ltd.; Daniel Ukasoanya, Senior Supply Chain Analyst at Amazon UK; and Lorna Jackson, Research and Innovation Manager at Keep Britain Tidy.
The full 35 Under 35 Awards Shortlist is now available to view on the ESS Expo website, here.
Celebration of triumphs
Looking at the wider industry, the Environment 100 Awards Ceremony recognises those driving forward the environmental and sustainability agenda within their roles. Aimed at inspiring increased efforts to drive a circular economy across the UK, the new award shines a light on the champions and unsung heroes.
Professionals were recognised across seven categories: Inspiring Green Leader, Net-Zero Champion, Unsung Hero, Emerging Environmentalist, Sustainability Innovator, AI and Tech for Sustainability, and Environmental Advocate.
From CEOs to start-up founders, many individuals were honoured for their impact on environmental businesses and amplifying the importance of a green economy. The 2024 Environment 100 includes Jen Baughan, CEO of Solutions for the Planet; Connor Bryant, Co-Founder and Director of Rubbish Ideas; Obinna Ifechi-Fred, Transport Manager, at Biffa Waste Services; Andrew Parker, Founder of Flood Technology Group; Nicholle Wersland, President and Global COO of Green Boom; and Sophie Zienkiewicz, Co-Founder at Carbon Neutral Fuels.
Hailing from businesses outside of the sector, many eco-leaders with diverse career backgrounds were named as key influences on environmental success. Here, Mark Elton, Technical Director – Environmental Impact Assessment at GHD; David Hannah, Deputy Pro-Vice – Chancellor (Sustainability) at University of Birmingham; Andy Rees, Head of Waste Strategy at the Welsh Government and Rob Thompson, Senior Packaging Manager – Ethics Sustainability & Policy at The Co-op were celebrated.
View the full Environment 100 Shortlist on the ESS Expo website, here.
Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, said:
“The winners of the 35 Under 35 and Environment 100 Awards present an inspiring list of individuals who are driving the industry in the direction we need it to go. Each year the stories and careers of these environmental innovators and changemakers is highly impressive, and this year is no different. With the voices and passion from these nominees it gives a sense of hope to the future of the environmental sector and sustainability efforts.”
