Leon Youngs

Leon Youngs

Head of Sustainability Services

Tell us about yourself

I was part of the second cohort to graduate with a BSc in Environmental Biology from the University of Liverpool back in the mid-90s. This was very much a fringe subject back then and the main topics of concern for the general public were CFCs and acid rain. I wanted to specialise in environmental pollution monitoring and went on to complete a post-graduate degree in pollution control technology.

My environmental career began with Tarmac where I travelled the length and breadth of the UK carrying out air monitoring services mainly for regulatory purposes. I moved to Scotland in 2002 to establish a new office for Casella to support the expansion of their UK emissions monitoring business. In 2004, I joined TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory as a Sales & Business Development person for the emissions monitoring business.

During my 19 years at TÜV SÜD I’ve been seconded to the Environment Agency to support the launch of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in the UK, been an Operations Manager for the UK emissions monitoring business, an Operations Manager for the small wind turbine test and certification business and, latterly, a Commercial Services Lead for the Green Energy & Sustainability business at TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory before taking on my current role as Head of Sustainability Services.

Why did you choose to apply to TÜV SÜD?

I was keen to work for a global business where there was potential to branch out into new areas.

Where do you work?

Most days I can be found in the Scottish office of TÜV SÜD. I need the office environment to function most effectively…plus my house is an ongoing renovation project inhabited by my partner and my two teenagers.

What are your main areas of expertise?

First and foremost, I am an Environmental Biologist with a passion for environmental protection and sustainability. I would describe myself as a generalist rather than a specialist.

What does your role involve?

As Head of Sustainability Services, I am focused on developing and leading a team of engaged individuals to deliver a broad portfolio of services to a diverse customer base. A key role of mine is to collaborate with our other global entities to ensure that our customers can get the support they need for whatever their sustainability requirements are.

What most interests you about your role?

Everyone I know who works in sustainability does it because they are passionate about the subject. There is the sense that every project we deliver is doing some wider good. Sustainability is such a broad subject that there is always something new to learn.

What exciting developments have you seen at TÜV SÜD since you started?

When I first joined TÜV SÜD National Engineering Laboratory, we were heavily focused on serving the traditional Oil and Gas sector. We now have a Green Energy & Sustainability department delivering a rich variety of projects in this space. For me, this is definitely a positive direction for the business.

What future trends do you see developing in your area of work?

The need for organisations to be able demonstrate their sustainability credentials is growing year-on-year and there are a multitude of different schemes and approaches that can be taken. As the focus on credibility and traceability also grows, I can picture a trend towards increasing regulation and governance in this area.

What is your biggest challenge?

Sustainability is a huge subject area, and I am conscious that our customers can feel overwhelmed by the issues that they are currently facing. My biggest challenge is to ensure that we align our services so that we can help take some of that burden away.

What do you see as the top perk of working for TÜV SÜD?

We are working for a truly global organisation and half the fun is finding out what other parts of the business do, but being part of such a huge company and interacting with a diverse group of colleagues provides learning opportunities every day.

How have TÜV SÜD supported you?

I have always had the opportunity to grow and develop my career at TÜV SÜD.

Describe your fellow workers in five words

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, dedicated, supportive, unique. 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for a role similar to yours?

Be passionate about the subject area you will be working in and always be ready to embrace new thoughts and ideas.

Find out more about our green energy and sustainability services

Interested in making your organisation more sustainable? See our green energy and sustainability services including carbon management.


Related Training:

Find Out More About Our Sustainability & CSR Training Courses