Simon Dawes, Head of Sustainable Business Strategy at UK Environment Agency

In this episode, we welcome Simon Dawes, a driving force behind the Environment Agency's push towards sustainability, with over two decades of experience in the environmental sector. 

Currently, Simon is the Head of Sustainable Business Strategy, where he led the development and integration of a Net Zero delivery plan for a complex £1.3bn organisation. 

He also spearheaded the creation of an expansive Carbon Literacy training program for 11,000 staff, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability at every level.

Simon is a key player in the UK's journey to Net Zero, representing the Environment Agency on task forces and acting as a Sustainability Ambassador.

Beyond his sustainability role, Simon is driven by a zest for adventure and challenge. A keen snowboarder and supporter of protecting our winters. His passion has led him to conquer the towering summits of Europe's Mt. Blanc and Africa's Kilimanjaro, alongside testing his endurance in triathlons at the Olympic distance. 

Simon's story is one of passion, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of a better future for all. 

We explore

- Simon’s vision for the future of the UK

- The role of a regulator and how to be inclusive and progressive 

- How to accelerate change through collaboration in the construction sector

- The business reasons to embracing the circular economy

- That the circular economy and net zero are intrinsically interlinked

- Water, rivers, pollution and Climate adaptation 

- And the projects Simon is working on as part of the UK environment agency

Listen to the end to hear about Simon's campaigning passion with Protect Our Winters and the role sports can play in creating a better world for all. 

Let's get into it. Start listening to the episode below.

Who is Simon Dawes

Simon Dawes has led the design and delivery of a Net Zero plan for a complex organisation with a £1.3bn budget and more than 11,000 people.

A senior sustainability leader with over 20 years’ experience, Simon has worked across strategy, delivery, and transformation in both the public sector and FTSE 250 organisations. He is a trusted advisor at Board and CEO level, known for bridging long-term vision with practical approach.

Simon is currently Head of Sustainable Business Strategy at the Environment Agency, where he has led the development of an ambitious 10-year sustainability strategy. The Net Zero Strategy he created and embedded across the organisation was shortlisted for Strategy of the Year 2022, with Simon also recognised as Net Zero Leader of the Year by Edie.

A strong believer in people-led change, Simon has driven culture transformation through deep employee engagement. This includes overseeing Carbon Literacy training for all 11,000 staff, enabling sustainability leadership at every level of the organisation.

He also brings sharp commercial insight as Chair of the supplier community of practice, and represents the Environment Agency on the UK Task Force on Net Zero and as Sustainability Ambassador to the Major Projects Association.

Outside of work, Simon thrives on adventure, from climbing Mont Blanc and Kilimanjaro to competing in Olympic-distance triathlons.

Connect with Simon and other changemakers

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