5 minutes with Martina

Meet our Sustainability Practitioner Martina Steiner . She works in our Life Cycle Assessment team on projects that measure and reduce carbon emissions from products, buildings and businesses. With a background in engineering, Martina brings experience using software to model and understand the built environment

Martina is based in Christchurch, New Zealand, and has worked in several engineering roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Physical Geography.

What do you like most about your work?

I love seeing the impact we’re making—whether it's educating our clients through our work, watching them implement changes based on our advice, or witnessing entire industries evolve as a result.

What do you see as the biggest challenge in sustainability?

While it may not be the biggest challenge, one major challenge is shifting the cultural mindset—both individually and societally—around consumption, convenience and comfort. Encouraging people to consume less and adopt more sustainable lifestyles will be crucial for meaningful change.

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Be open to any opportunity that’s offered to you, even if it’s not what you are expecting. When I finished my studies, I initially began working in administration for an engineering consultancy company although that wasn’t really what I had in mind. After showing that I had more potential than the role I was working in, I was offered a position as a graduate building services engineer. I ended up working in building services engineering for the next four years, developing a depth of knowledge of buildings and the wider construction industry that I would never have had otherwise.

When I was a child, I wanted to grow up and…

…be an astronaut. Then I became more realistic and decided I wanted to be a pilot. Now I understand the huge footprint of aviation and just want to work in sustainability.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I really love to sew and make my own clothing. I have almost made everything in my wardrobe! I am really passionate about avoiding fast fashion and waste within the fashion industry, so I love to sew with deadstock fabrics in beautiful natural fibres and make the clothing I would otherwise buy.

Get in touch with Martina to talk sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).