Meet the team

The Sustainability Team

The core Sustainability Team (shown below) also work closely with other colleagues across a range of areas of the University such as Procurement, Estates and Facilities (including Catering, Accommodation, Engineering, Facilities Services and Capital Projects), the Students' Union and academics.

To contact the Environmental Team, please email environment@bcu.ac.uk.

PVC Sustainability and Executive Dean HELS - Professor Ian Blair

Ian provides strategic direction for sustainability at an executive level, ensuring it underlines everything we do at Birmingham CityUniversity, including achieving our net zero targets which are an institutional priority. He is also responsible for delivering strong academic and strategic leadership in education, research, enterprise, and professional practice, alongside effective management of people, operations, and finances.

Head of Sustainability - Deborah Phelpstead

Deborah heads up the Sustainability Team at the University. She leads on the overall sustainability and net zero carbon strategy for the University and manages the Environmental Management System (EMS). She also focuses on other areas such as sustainable procurement, environmental input for capital projects and major refurbishments, and embedding sustainability across Birmingham City University’s strategy, policy and processes.

Energy Manager - Melanee Livesey

Melanee leads on energy management for the University, including delivery of the net zero agenda. She has responsibility for net zero strategy development and delivery, advises on energy, carbon and water for capital projects, develops energy efficiency projects, and manages utilities and carbon emissions for the estate.

Environmental Officer - Mark Hopkins

Mark leads on environmental communications work for Birmingham City University, including the development of events, engagement schemes and training. He focuses on the delivery of the University’s Sustainable Travel Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan and supporting the management of Birmingham City University’s EMS. Mark also supports on areas such as sustainable catering, embedding sustainability in the curriculum and waste management.

Further Supporting Colleagues

Facilities Manager (Contracts) – Julie Stanyer

Julie leads on the management of our waste contracts, including monitoring waste figures and developing strategy and actions to reduce the amount of waste we generate and increase the proportion of recycling.

Quality Control Officer - Tracy Beech

As part of Tracy’s role, she supports The Facilities Manager with waste management by conducting waste audits across our sites to identify improvements, reduce contamination, check waste documentation and encourage waste reduction and recycling. 

Head Gardener – Eamon Madden

Eamon is our Head Gardener and leads on encouraging biodiversity across our estate by planting native species and encouraging wildlife through installing bird boxes, feeders, and log piles to encourage insects. Eamon also supports staff and students to use our green spaces for projects and initiatives and is actively involved with Hedgehog Friendly Campus. 

StaffEngagement

To achieve the university’s ambitious sustainability targets, we require support from colleagues across all faculties and departments. To facilitate engagement with staff, we run a number of different initiatives to inspire action towards our sustainable goals, including Hedgehog Friendly Campus and the Environmental Champions scheme.

You can find out more about these initiatives on our Biodiversity and Get Involved page.