We’re all in this together.
After more than three decades in the construction industry, planning and managing projects from power plants to museums to airports, I was offered the opportunity to become a Sustainability Manager for a major construction company. That role opened my eyes to how we humans are impacting the natural world. Once you know, you can’t forget, and you can’t walk away.
During my five years in that role, I learned about the giant umbrella of “environmental sustainability,” including waste and resource management, habitat protection, air and water pollution reduction, emissions reduction, and mitigation of all the other impacts we have on the natural world every day. My days were filled with the satisfaction of making a difference and the frustration of trying to change a culture. This is what I learned:
We have forgotten that we are part of an interdependent web of living things
We are destroying that web that sustains us
We can choose to continue damaging the web or to repair it
We have the knowledge and tools to change the outcome
Learning about sustainability can be overwhelming
We’re all in this together
Scroll down to learn what makes me your best collaborator, then let’s talk about how you and your organization can make a difference.
Kate Beysselance
PE, LEED Green Associate, ISSP Sustainability Excellence Associate
Founder and Principal, Green Futures, LLC
Why Collaborate with Kate?
There are a lot of us working hard out here in the environmental protection space (yay!). And considering how big the sustainability umbrella is, it’s hard to know who can help you meet your goals.
That’s where I come in - because I’m a unicorn!
A degree in Construction followed by decades of experience in construction management taught me the value of teamwork, the art of collaboration, the skills and tools needed for problem solving, and how to achieve continuous improvement. And I know what it means to have a tight budget and an even tighter schedule.
Years of sustainability research and implementation gave me insight into what’s happening and how we can to better.
Early in my career, to make sure I understood the underpinnings of design and the painstaking work done by engineers, I put in the hours of study and practice to become a Professional Engineer. The continuing education required to maintain the PE keeps me informed about new methods and technologies.
But one thing that sets me apart is an ability to communicate complex ideas to people from all backgrounds. You see, my parents were both teachers - Dad in Biology and Mom in English. The skill and deep desire to communicate effectively to help people build their knowledge and abilities runs in my blood.
But all work and no play makes Jane (or Kate) a dull girl, right? So, when I’m not working, I love playing outdoors. Hiking the Blue Ridge, camping on the AT, kayaking in lakes and rivers, or working in my native plant garden, I’m up for whatever gets me out of the house!
Connection with nature brings great joy and restores my soul.
I want to make sure these pleasures remain for others to enjoy for generations to come.
