5 minutes with … Ness Scott at Greencore Homes

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I only really got into the construction sector a couple of years ago. I have spent the majority of my career working on environmental sustainability and design standards from a planning policy and authority perspective. Moving to work at Greencore Homes presented an ideal opportunity to help deliver the standards that I have been designing over the years, really putting policy into practice.  

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

One aspect of my work that I am particularly proud of is directly contributing to the development of policy and best practice guidance for sustainability, ultimately making a positive impact to address climate change.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I would like to see more women involved in the industry, across all fields from engineering and design through to on-site construction. Something I really appreciate at Greencore Homes is the fact that our executive team is a 50/50 split.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

As above, trying to challenge and change the status quo is not always easy.

Name your favourite building in the world?

I would have to say Battersea Power Station. It’s such a brilliant example of a retrofit, demonstrating the best way to reduce embodied carbon in construction and giving historic buildings a new life. 

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

It is possible to deliver truly sustainable homes to exemplary net zero standards and, as an industry, we need to work together to deliver this. So, my advice would be: don’t think it can’t be done.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

Lots of fun, most of the time. My work is varied covering both planning and sustainability which presents a fantastic opportunity in so far as the best time to embed sustainability outcomes is in the early stages of design pre-planning.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Keep looking forwards and upwards – the day is what you make it. 

What do you think your best quality is?

My patience. This has helped me to manage and engage with a range of stakeholders throughout my career.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

Impatience – on the occasions where I do feel it. In others, I dislike an overbearing ego.

Name three things that you like: 

Kind people, plants and chocolate. But mostly people who give me plants and chocolate. 

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have

Sketching – creativity is important to me.

What is your most prized possession?

My home

Early bird or night owl?

Definitely a night owl!

What is your favourite food?

Japanese. I love sushi and noodle soup

What would your superpower be?

Dog whispering – trying to get my two retrievers to stop brawling can be hard work!