Sustainability Consultancy – Meet the Team

Sustainability Consultancy – Meet the Team

by | Jun 7, 2024 | Blog

We are very pleased to introduce you to the Hannan Sustainability team.

As Building Services Engineering Consultants sustainability has always featured at the heart of our design process.

Hannan provides a wide range of sustainability consulting services to support our clients to shape and define strategies to achieve site specific and corporate Sustainability targets including:

  • Net Zero Carbon
  • NABERS UK & Energy Performance Modelling
  • Building Certification
  • LCA and LCC Studies.
Name: Tim Bell
Role: Head of Sustainability
How did you end up working in sustainability?

A long time ago, I worked with my Dad in California, where we designed and built bespoke homes. It really piqued my interest in construction. From there I took an MSc In Construction Management and Economics at UCL, where sustainability was touched on, before moving into consultancy working on Life cycle costing projects. It just happened one day that I supported a project team on a BREEAM project and found the various subject areas to be very interesting. From there I haven’t really looked back, and my focus was fixed firmly on sustainability.

What do you enjoy the most about your job and what do you find the most challenging? 

The variety of project types makes the job interesting and certainly as more of our clients are looking at Net Zero and decarbonisation there is a wider variety of sustainability topics to focus on rather than purely certification. This allows us to add value. Managing several projects can be challenging whilst ensuring that what Hannan provides to our clients is of the very highest quality.

How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

Well it’s changed dramatically. I remember sitting in meetings 20 years ago and being asked ‘Sustaina…what?’ Now obviously, climate change, decarbonisation and net zero are everyday terms and key drivers for the built environment. Importantly all these issues are being discussed, taught in schools, highlighted in the media and the younger generation, on the whole, are much more aware of the situation we find ourselves in and keen to make a difference. The built environment is now defined by sustainability and developers and investors are motivated to deliver and invest in ‘green’ assets as tenants become more particular about the buildings they want to work in.

What changes do you foresee for the next 20 years?

Embracing innovation, sustainable supply chains and procurement, the continued rise of the circular economy and more focus on the economic and social impacts of sustainability such as community engagement. As the climate crisis becomes increasingly complex, customers will also be more cautious about their own carbon footprint and will question if a product is sustainably sourced or produced.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I try to live a relatively active lifestyle and have recently taken up Padel and play as often as my knees allow. I’ve basically got all the gear and no idea! Just being with my wife Sarah and daughter Esme. Long walks in Formby Pinewoods and on the beach with Indy our dog. And got to put it out there, I’m a lifelong LFC supporter so try to get to Anfield when I can and having grown up in California, I also have a great passion for baseball and American Football. 

Name: Charlotte Becker
Role: Graduate Sustainability Engineer
Which training route did you take?

I completed a BSc (hons) in Environmental Science and an MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology both at Keele University, before spending a year gaining industry experience working in environmental consultancy.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the fact that I am able to apply my passion for the environment to projects that can produce real-world positive impacts such as preventing greenhouse gas emissions or making improvements to the local environment which can be very rewarding. I also enjoy the wide variety of tasks and projects I get to work on in the role of Graduate Sustainability Engineer, as well as being able to play a part in the transition towards sustainable development that encompasses all aspects of sustainability from material efficiency to ecological enhancement. 

What do you enjoy about working at Hannan Associates?

I enjoy the friendly and supportive atmosphere at Hannan Associates and being able to work with, and learn from, a range of different people who are very knowledgeable in their respective disciplines. I also enjoy the variety of training opportunities I have been given since working at Hannan Associates which have enabled me to develop my skills and understanding and have put me on a path to becoming a recognised sustainability professional.

What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I like to spend much of my spare time with my family and friends as well as staying active by going running and doing gym classes.

Name: Matt Dalley
Role: Senior Energy & Sustainability Consultant
How did you end up working in sustainability?

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in December 1997. In 1998, at the age of 16, I applied to study A-Levels in Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.  This led me to study for a degree in Environmental Protection and then read for an MSc in Sustainable Development.

What do you enjoy the most about your job and what do you find the most challenging? 

I enjoy seeing the evolution of sustainable building design and the finished building.
The challenge is changing the existing mindset of designers and contractors towards sustainability.

How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

Sustainability has gone from being a fringe concept to a core requirement. Clients and tenants now understand the climate issues and expect a high level of sustainability in their buildings.

What changes do you foresee for the next 20 years?

The move to zero carbon and the use of operational energy models / in-use energy data will become a driving factor in building design.

Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

A career in sustainability can be rewarding, but there are still many challenges. As with many things, the barrier of cost requires a compromise between sustainability and affordability.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Hiking/camping /DIY.

Hannan Sustainability Services

Strategy

  • Sustainability Strategy (Building and/or portfolio level)
  • Net Zero Carbon Pathways
  • Bespoke Sustainability Framework & KPI development
  • Planning – Energy & Sustainability Reports
  • ESG and Sustainability Policy development 

 

Certification & Assessment

  • BREEAM
  • BREEAM Communities
  • CEEQUAL / BREEAM Infrastructure
  • NABERS
  • LEED
  • WELL – Early stage advice
  • GRESB Consultancy
  • EPC

Decarbonisation

  • Operational Energy Modelling
  • Passive Design Analysis
  • Low Zero Carbon – Renewables Feasibility Studies
  • Embodied Carbon Assessments

Additional Services

  • Indoor Air Quality Plans
  • SBTI Consultancy Services
  • Life Cycle Costing Assessments
 
Please reach out to our team to discuss how we can support your organisation on your sustainability journey.
Tim Bell

Tim Bell

Head of Sustainability

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Meet the Team: Graduates Louis and Tom

Meet the Team: Graduates Louis and Tom

by | Mar 14, 2023 | Blog, Hannan News

We are very pleased to introduce you to Louis and Tom, the latest recruits to join the Hannan team……

 

Name: Louis Heywood

Role: Mechanical Design Engineer

Which training route did you take?

Masters degree in mechanical engineering at the university of Sheffield.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I like the variety of the job, since joining I’ve been involved in a wide variety of projects including residential blocks, offices, warehouses, and hotels. Each project brings new challenges and new tasks to get involved in.

What do you enjoy about working at Hannan Associates?

The team here is smaller than at the multi disciplinary practice where I previously worked, but here I feel that I have a more responsibility and am playing more of an involved role than I’ve previously was. I’m also getting to work on some really interesting projects.

Have there been any projects or sectors you’ve particularly enjoyed working on since joining Hannans?

I’ve enjoyed working on the Radcliffe Civic Hub project for Bury Council,  which will provide new leisure facilities for Radcliffe town centre.

What are your future career & learning goals / aspirations?

My current goal is to carry on developing my skills and experience within the industry working towards taking the lead on a full project.

What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

In my spare time when I’m not busy doing DIY projects at home or going to B&Q again… I enjoy hill walking, running and climbing. On the weekends I like to go camping in my campervan around the UK.

Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

I’d tell new engineering graduates not to overlook smaller companies when applying for roles as, based on my experience they can offer more interesting and hands on experience.

 

 

Name: Tom Meese

Role: Electrical Design Engineer

Why did you decide to become a building services engineer?

I decided to become a building services engineer during my MSc when we did a unit called, ‘Zero Carbon Built Infrastructure‘. This unit included learning about energy demand within buildings and the impact the building fabric has on energy consumption. This was my first introduction to building services work.

Which training route did you take?

 My training route was….

  •  A-levels – Maths and Physics and History 
  • BEng – Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Manchester Metropolitan University
  • MSc – Renewable Energy and Clean Technology – University Of Manchester

What do you enjoy about your job?

 I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job and the variety of different jobs for a variety of different clients

 I enjoy being a part of the Hannan Associates team.  My managers keep me busy but the workload is well balanced, I am not put under too much pressure and I am given trust and freedom to manage my time.

 Have there been any projects or sectors you’ve particularly enjoyed working on since joining Hannans?

I’ve particularly enjoyed working on the expansion works at Stoke City’s Football Ground and the network layout design for Liverpool Waters for Peel.

What are your future career & learning goals / aspirations?

My future career goals include….

  • Becoming a chartered engineer
  • Have an impact with the low carbon aspect of design
  • Become someone people are confident to come to for answers on technical and difficult questions
  • Specialise in electrical engineering but be able to work on some mechanical tasks to

    What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

    In my spare time I enjoy going to football games or gigs. I try to visit as many different stadiums as possible.

    Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

     My advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering would be…..

    •  Try and make relevant contacts in the industry as soon as possible
    • Develop an understanding of other areas involved, not just the area you study
    • Keep up to date with the latest information in the sector through reading papers or watching conferences etc.. 

     

    If you are interested in joining the Hannan team in a Building Services Engineering apprentice or graduate position please get in touch. Our workforce is our greatest asset and we are always on the lookout for new talent.

    With 40 years in business we can offer you valuable experience of a fast paced, innovative environment and a very varied workload. Our long standing team of engineers provide mentoring and guidance and we are committed to providing support and funding for continued training and development.

    Hannan Associates are an equal opportunities employer and we value the diversity of our workforce. Applicants are considered in relation to business needs, job requirements & individual qualifications without regard to age, sex, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Carolyn Sidebotham

    Recruitment Manager

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Meet the Team Q&A: John Walker

    Meet the Team Q&A: John Walker

    by | May 18, 2021 | Blog

    Name: John Walker

    Role: Director & Electrical Design Engineer

    How did you become a building services engineer? 

    I was interested in architecture, interiors, physics, engineering and Sound. I didn’t think I had the artistic ability for architecture and because I really enjoyed problem solving I chose engineering. I almost got a job as a sound engineer with the BBC which would have taken my life on a really different path. I started as a trainee electrical building services engineer after leaving school and studied part time eventually getting my degree with the open university.

    What’s your favourite thing about your job?

    The variety in construction keeps you interested. Every project is different and the environment keeps changing. Low carbon buildings have made our role more interesting. Buildings have also become much more technically advanced over the years. One of my other early ambitions was to have my own business and I have achieved that at Hannan Associates. I like being in medium size company because everyone has a real influence rather than being part of a large corporate machine.

    Out of all the projects you’ve been involved with have you got a favourite and why?

    I don’t really have any favourite projects it’s more about enjoying working in good teams. I have been fortunate to work in situations where the same team has worked together on projects spanning a number of years. The trust and understanding you build with everyone makes the challenges more enjoyable.

    How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

    When I first started in the industry we were drawing with pens, producing document on typewriters and communicating with the design team using letters in the post. Response times were around 1-2 weeks to get a reply to your letter. The photocopier took up an entire room in the basement and there was no internet, email or mobile phones. MS windows didn’t exist so when you switched on a computer it was just blank screen. I used write software programs for some the calculations we were doing for lighting.

    What do you like to do when you’re not working?

    Getting together with friends and family and having a laugh. Food – at home and in restaurants. Outdoor activities – walking, cycling, skiing, open water swimming. Travel – exploring the world and other cultures. Music, Cinema and Art.

    If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be?

    Working in a cool little bar on a beach somewhere

    John Walker

    John Walker

    Director

    Email: [email protected]
    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
    Meet the Team Q&A: Vicky Priestley

    Meet the Team Q&A: Vicky Priestley

    by | Feb 24, 2021 | Blog

    Name: Vicky Priestley

    Role: Business Development & Marketing Manager

    How did you get into marketing?

    I’ve always enjoyed writing and I am quite a creative person. I excelled in subjects like English, Drama and languages so when I finished college I chose a subject to study at university that I knew would provide opportunity for creativity but would be practical in terms of entering the world of work. I studied Public Relations with Marketing at UCLAN and loved it!

    After leaving university I got a temporary job at Hannans as PA to Bill Hannan, which was a real eye opener into the world of business and construction. There was never a dull moment!

    I was asked to stay at Hannans to help with Marketing and 17 years later I am still here. My role at Hannans has evolved and grown with the company over the years and this has kept it interesting and challenging.

    What’s your favourite thing about your job?

    In my role I am given quite a lot of freedom and trust. I am involved in other aspects of the management of the organisation and have always been encouraged to pursue my continued professional development – including obtaining my professional diploma and my chartered status. 

    It is amazing seeing new developments reach completion and knowing that your company contributed towards its creation. Especially the larger mixed use regeneration schemes we work on, which truly transform underused and neglected areas into brand new communities. It’s a very exciting industry to be a part of.

    Marketing is so important to the Building Services Engineering industry because historically engineers are a bit shy when it comes to talking about themselves and the important work they do – they definitely need a little help in that department.

    How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

    In terms of the marketing industry, obviously the advancement of digital marketing has been huge and is now at the core of most marketing strategies.

    I think when I started at Hannans in 2004 many of the ‘old school’ ways of the property & construction industry had already evolved – there weren’t any cigars in the board room and the typing pool was no more! But when I look back now at where we have come as a company since, I can see that things have changed massively– the advancements in IT and BIM, the increase in awareness and priority of ESG issues (in particular in relation to decarbonisation), the rising importance of the Building Physics department, the increasing sophistication of financial reporting, Manchester City Centre itself…..

    Another important change is that it has definitely become clearer to clients that Building Services Engineering is a crucial aspect of effective building design and the M&E consultant needs to be appointed during the very early stages of the project. Especially with the increasing urgency surrounding climate change and net zero carbon.

    But one thing that hasn’t changed is the highly social nature of our industry – I guess one of the things we are all missing during COVID.

    What do you like to do when you’re not working?

    I live on the outskirts of the city centre so I’m lucky to have plenty of theatre, live music, great bars and restaurants just a short walk away  – one thing I’m missing at the moment. I am a massive foodie and love eating out and cooking at home.

    I think like a lot of people during lockdown, exercise has helped massively with maintaining my mental health. I have been enjoying a lot of walking & yoga and have even started running – something I never thought I would see !

    If you had a career change what else would you like to do?

    Well, I think it would be pretty cool to be a landscape architect or maybe have a little tea room & florist laughing

     

    Vicky Priestley

    Vicky Priestley

    Marketing Director

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

    Meet the Team Q&A: Juan Carlos

    Meet the Team Q&A: Juan Carlos

    by | Aug 11, 2020 | Blog

    Name: Juan Carlos

    Role: BIM Manager

    How did you become a BIM Manager?

    When I was a kid, I had always been interested in building services, at school, I was accepted in the computing program and I have been developing my skills since then. During the past 10 years after I came to this country, I was trained as a CAD technician which lead me to Building Modelling World.

    What’s your favourite thing about your job?

    Being part of the process of creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle is very interesting. Converting data into a built asset makes me proud. Also, working for a company whose products improve the lives of thousands and seeing the result of that and knowing that I played a part in the process is very rewarding for me.

    Out of all the projects you’ve been involved with have you got a favourite and why?

    I have worked on many important projects throughout my career and all projects have been a very exciting test to accomplish. But I especially enjoyed working on Vision Tameside, this project challenged my capability as a BIM technician and pushed me to the next level. It has significant importance for me due to its complexity.

    How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

    BIM has gradually grown from its origins in BM (Building Modelling) into BI (Building Information) with various combinations of model and data in between. A Building Information model can be viewed as a collection of information in the context of project information. Building Services Industry is now entering the phase where BIM is valued as a whole for the information it can contribute beyond design and construction, and there are clear use scenarios were BIM is a key part of the process.

    What do you like to do when you’re not working?

    Becoming a father has been a big step in my life and my kids make me happy. That is why I enjoy spending time with my them and my wife at the beach or the countryside. Sports and activities like football, swimming and cycling allow me to enjoy my free time with my family.

    If you weren’t an engineer, what would you be?

    I always liked sports in school, but I wasn’t good enough. I would probably be a mechanical engineer, this degree would help me to take my career to the next step.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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