From high fashion to hi-vis: Group Sustainability Manager at Glenveagh, Ruth Saurin

“There is a great collaborative spirit at Glenveagh, which is supported by a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

So says Ruth Saurin, a working mum who first began working for Glenveagh remotely from Canada, where she had been working in the realm of luxury retail for many years. Holding roles that varied from project manager to operational sustainability manager, Ruth was implementing sustainability strategies across all stores nationwide, from Toronto to Vancouver, for Holt Renfrew.

“I managed the carbon accounting, carbon budgeting and associated carbon reduction initiatives to achieve the science-based targets set out for the company,” Ruth tells us. “I worked and negotiated with brands like Chanel, Gucci (Kering), and Dior and got a great insight into how the fashion industry works. I got to experience what it was like to renovate heritage buildings to create an elevated shopping experience for customers as well as drive positive change across the company.”

Before moving to Canada, Ruth’s passion for sustainability was sparked during her MSc in Sustainable Development, after which she went on to complete a PhD in corporate real estate, futures studies and sustainability at TU Dublin Bolton Street (DIT at the time) in the Faculty of Built Environment as a member of The Futures Academy. Ruth worked with a company to develop a futures strategy, and one of her key projects was titled ‘Workplace of the Future’.

When Ruth got the opportunity to join the Glenveagh force as Group Sustainability Manager, they endeavoured to make the transition as smooth as possible, something which Ruth cannot praise highly enough. “I had to get my affairs in order and close out my life in Canada,” she explains. “My children were still in school, and my husband had to give notice on his job. Being allowed to work remotely for the first few weeks in Canada made my life so much easier. I was able to ease into my role as Group Sustainability Manager, while packing my life into boxes before returning to Ireland.”

“There are a lot of differences between Ireland and Canada when practising sustainability so working remotely allowed me to read a lot. Glenveagh was very supportive during this time. When I did return to Ireland, I was given time off to make sure my kids settled into their new school and daycare and that meant a lot to me.”

So, what exactly does a Group Sustainability Manager do?

The role straddles many different responsibilities, including the development and implementation of a sustainability strategy across the group, monitoring trends and attending industry events, sitting in on panel discussions, and being a member of communities of practice to help roll out major sustainability actions, like biodiversity.

Speaking on her experience working as a woman in a typically male-dominated space, Ruth says: “To date, it has been nothing but professional and warm. The teams at Glenveagh are great — everyone is nice, friendly, and supportive. I have had such a positive experience joining Glenveagh. There is a great collaborative spirit at Glenveagh which is supported by a ‘can-do’ attitude.”

“There is a big focus on inclusion at Glenveagh to increase the visibility of women in construction and that can be seen and felt through the establishment of network groups like the Women’s Employee Network Group and progressive policies on equity, diversity and inclusion and wellbeing, which ultimately leads to empowering all employees to achieve their potential, regardless of gender,” Ruth continues. “Glenveagh fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for everyone, especially women at Glenveagh. This support comes from the top down from the board and the executive team and resonates loudly throughout the group.”

With a six-year-old daughter and two-year-old son, finding time to switch off can be difficult, Ruth concedes, but with a top-tier support system around her, she manages to utilise her downtime. “I am part of a team with my husband and we have a really supportive extended family – I don’t know what I would do without them,” Ruth says. “My children are in school and daycare, and when they’re not, I want to be present for them. They like what I like which is great – they love the beach and water so we are happy to go there rain or shine!”

“To switch off, I make sure that I can get time with my friends and family to have a laugh and go to gigs where possible. I am heading to The Mousetrap in the Gaiety soon and I cannot wait! And I walk at the beach, by the sea and Howth head often.”

That support system extends beyond family and friends, to the wider team at Glenveagh, where care for their employees comes from the top down. “The construction industry is not just for men; it offers plenty of opportunities for women to be a part of it and Glenveagh enables and promotes this,” Ruth explains. “Glenveagh is doing the right thing and embracing sustainability, not because it has to, but because it is the right thing to do!”

Finally, we ask Ruth for some advice for those who may be hoping to work in a similar field, which she describes as dynamic and rewarding. Her practical tips and gems of wisdom are as follows:

“I would advise gaining an understanding of sustainability principles including environmental management, social equity, and economic viability – consider pursuing a degree in sustainability, there are now lots of courses available.

“Network: connect with professionals already working in sustainability to gain advice, support and potential opportunities.

“Be adaptable: the field of sustainability is dynamic and constantly evolving so be open to learning new skills and adapting to new challenges. The skills you need to be a sustainability practitioner include critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, strong communication and stakeholder engagement so consider cultivating these.

“And finally, consider specialising in a specific area of sustainability that aligns with your strengths and interests such as corporate sustainability, sustainable procurement, circular design and waste management, renewable energy or ESG reporting – sustainability is very broad!”

As one of Ireland’s leading homebuilders, Glenveagh’s vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to access affordable, high-quality homes in flourishing communities across Ireland. They prioritise diversity and inclusivity across the company and are on a mission to break the male-dominated stereotype of the construction industry, encouraging women from all different backgrounds to join their team.