“Anything is achievable, you just need persistence.” This is the perfect philosophy for Marc Gillespie, Cbus Property’s sustainability manager. Learn more about our latest Secret Star of Property.
Marc Gillespie, Sustainability Manager, Cbus Property
Three words to describe my job… Lean, green and team.
When I explain my role to people outside the property industry, I say… This is a question I get asked at every family Christmas, to which I respond, “Uncle Rob, didn’t I explain this last year?”
The role of a sustainability manager is somewhat difficult to explain in simple terms, as it is such a broad role and can vary significantly day to day. But this is one of things that makes me excited to come to work.
The way I describe it these days is that I am responsible for ensuring our new development projects and commercial office portfolio is as environmentally and socially sustainable as possible.
My three daily work essentials are… Reusable coffee cup, face mask and iPad for staying mobile.
The biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my role… Anything is achievable, you just need persistence.
My career motivation is… To show the world that a sustainable future is possible. Using the leadership of the property industry as the example to other industries, we are now designing buildings that have a positive impact on the community and environment.
My advice to others considering a career in my field… Get in now! The sustainability industry continues to grow and evolve, and we need people from different expertise and backgrounds. Compared to where it was 10 years ago, it is not just about calculating carbon emissions, with the industry now including diverse roles such as supply chain, human rights, community programs and more. The opportunities are endless.
The building or project that embodies what I do… Cbus Property’s partnership with the second Melbourne Renewable Energy Project (MREP2). For me, it embodies the true value sustainability can deliver for a company. The project will deliver 100 per cent renewable electricity across the next 10 years to our Melbourne-based portfolio, whilst saving electricity costs – a win for the environment and a win for the business. A win-win is something I always have in mind when delivering a project.
The inspirational quote I live by… Someone mentioned this to me the other day which seemed to resonate: “Success is going from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm”. This is apparently (falsely) attributed to Winston Churchill.
This year I’ll be… Getting out of the house!
Who nominated Marc? Cbus Property nominated Marc as a Secret Star of the company.
What makes Marc a Secret Star of Property? Marc is a quiet achiever with an endless source of enthusiasm for developing, managing and communicating the company’s sustainability initiatives. Marc started with Cbus Property just 12 months ago and has already contributed so much towards the short- and long-term sustainability strategy goals and milestones of the business.
Property Council members, do you work with someone who is deserving of recognition? We’re looking for the property industry’ ‘secret stars’. They might have an unusual job, be running an innovative project, have been a team linchpin for decades or a new addition that is shaking things up. Drop us a line to [email protected]