10 questions with Carina Hassall, Sustainability Consultant -

4, December, 2017 By yoke_admin Posted in Part L

10 questions with Carina Hassall, Sustainability Consultant

What was your first job?

When I was 15, I worked in St John’s Precinct’s Food Court, in Liverpool City Centre. I served so many jacket potatoes- it’s put me off them for life!

How did you get into the building industry?

I did a Geography BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Liverpool and following my graduation, I was offered a position within a Flood Risk and Hydrology company.

I was mainly working on Flood Risk and Surface Water Drainage Assessments to support planning applications. From there, I moved to a sustainability team within a structural warranty company, where I started working on a wider range of sustainability assessments associated with the built environment. I then joined Base in April 2013.

What project are you currently working on?

I always have a wide range of residential and non-residential projects on the go at the same time. The work I am currently carrying out includes; Flood Risk Assessments, Surface Water and SuDS Reports, Flood Management Plans, BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment, BREEAM New Construction, and BREEAM Non-Domestic Refurbishment and Fit-Out!

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

For as long as I can remember, my Nan quoted Shakespeare to me- and I love this from King John: ‘Be great in act, as you have been in thought’

Coffee or tea?

I don’t do tea, coffee, milk and peas. However, I’ll drink and eat anything else on offer. ????

Proudest achievement to date?

Work related – when I was 24, I gave up my job in the civil service to do an Access to Higher Education course in Hugh Baird College, which enabled me to go to university – without taking that risk I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today.

Non-work related – having my son, Alex, in January.

How do you like to unwind?

I don’t really get to unwind with a ten-month-old on the loose!

What would you say to young people entering the industry?

Take a deep breath and then smile politely when you get asked, ‘but I’ve lived in this area for 45 years and it’s never flooded so why do I need a Flood Risk Assessment…?’