Ghinwa Chammas

When did you join Atkins?

I joined in January 2008.

Why did you join Atkins?

Joining Atkins was my ultimate aim as an environmental specialist because there is nowhere better I can be. I had heard and read a lot about Atkins’ leadership in this field and I wanted to be part of it.

What did you do before you joined Atkins?

The county council where I worked previously was one of Atkins’ clients. Via my contact at Atkins, I sent in my CV and secured my position in Atkins. Prior to my work in the UK, I worked in Lebanon as head of environmental services in a large hospital.

Do you have any professional accreditations?

Associate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

How would you describe your role and responsibilities?

I'm a sustainability specialist with additional health and safety qualifications and language skills. My work ranges from environmental management, audits, and reviews to environmental assessments of infrastructure.

How do you describe what you do to friends and family?

I deliver a range of environmental services to clients including sustainability audits, environmental management system implementation and assessment of the sustainability of infrastructure projects.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My proudest achievement was playing a major part in getting Capgemini, a large IT company, through ISO 14001 third party certification well before deadline and below budget. I also contributed to the research that went into developing Atkins’ chief executive Keith Clarke’s prestigious Brunel International Lecture Series.

What key projects have you worked on?

UK projects including Crossrail, the London 2012 Olympic Park, M25 motorway widening and Capgemini.

What are you currently working on?

I was environment manager for Crossrail’s Custom House station in London which has successfully passed through client check and approval.

How has your career developed at Atkins?

I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in practice. I have also been exposed to several types of environmental and sustainability projects that have helped me gain a better understanding of the discipline.

What training have you had?

Training and development opportunities have helped me become an associate IEMA member, a CEEQUAL assessor, a BREEAM commercial assessor, a NEBOSH general H&S certificate holder and a trained ISO14001 internal auditor – all in the space of three years.

How do environmental specialists and Atkins make a difference?

Atkins professionals make a difference by looking towards the future and identifying challenges that are likely to face the industry.

How would you describe the culture at Atkins?

Atkins has an open, friendly and professional culture. Colleagues produce quality work and receive recognition for a job well done.