Environmental Consultant, a Role with Impact
Environmental consultants play an important role in protecting our living environment and promoting sustainable development. They advise companies, governments, and organizations on how to make their activities more environmentally friendly while complying with laws and regulations. Ruud and Christian, two experienced consultants at Lexerta, share their insights and experiences about what makes their work so fascinating.
A world full of solutions: the transition to environmental consultant
Christian shares his motivation for making the transition to environmental consultant: “I had been working for years as a coordinator for environment & energy in industry, but I wanted a broader role in which I could make a difference for several companies at once. In my current position, I can apply my expertise at different clients, which provides a lot of variety. In addition, I now have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes at other companies. As a result, I have seen multiple solutions for the same issue and can contribute even better to finding a suitable solution for an individual company.”
Ruud recognizes this: “My transition from quality management to environmental consultant is similar to Christian’s. Instead of working within one company on troubleshooting and bringing together the rules and practice, I now do this for several companies in various industries. And that gives much more depth, because every situation is different and therefore requires a different solution.” Christian adds: “What is very obvious for one company can be very specialized for another.”
What does an environmental advisor at Lexerta do?
“The work is dynamic and challenging,” begins Christian. “As an advisor, you have a broad responsibility. You not only provide advice on environmental legislation, but also support companies with their permit applications and help them comply with the regulations that apply to them. We ensure that companies are not only demonstrably in compliance, but also safeguard that they remain so.”
“Our work is very diverse,” says Ruud as well. “What makes it interesting is that no project is the same—one time you work on a building permit, another time on the storage of hazardous substances. It gives you insight into the working methods of various companies.” As an example, Ruud talks about a client he helped with a complex audit: “An audit was coming up and the client didn’t have everything in order yet. Together, we immediately set up a plan to ensure they were fully compliant. These kinds of unexpected issues give your work an extra drive—you have to be able to switch quickly, be creative, and come up with solutions together with the client.”
Culture and working atmosphere
“Don’t let the limits of your current knowledge hold you back. Stay open to learning more. A good environmental consultant is eager to learn and open-minded. You can build much of your expertise along the way, so above all, stay curious and adaptable.”
Culture and Work Atmosphere
The culture at Lexerta is open, informal, and focused on collaboration, with attention to both professional and personal growth. “It doesn’t matter who you are or how much experience you have,” says Ruud. “We are all equally involved and open with each other. If you get stuck, there is always someone with the right expertise who will think along with you.”
Christian confirms this feeling: “We work as a close-knit team. Everyone can turn to each other for questions or feedback, whether you are a junior, medior, or senior. There is no hierarchy here; we share knowledge and help each other grow. Because we are a relatively small team, we know each other well and can truly work as partners with our clients. There are no silos here – everyone works together to find the best solution.”
Within the team, there is also plenty of room for personal development. “You are constantly challenged to expand your knowledge,” says Ruud. “The work requires a learning attitude, because environmental legislation is constantly changing. If you are open to continuous learning, you can really make a difference in this role.”
Christian emphasizes: “We regularly have training sessions and can always turn to each other for consultations about legislation or advisory methods. You learn a lot by working together, which is essential in a role that is constantly evolving due to the introduction of new and changes to existing laws and regulations.”
Application tips for future environmental consultants
For those considering becoming an environmental consultant, Ruud and Christian have a few tips: “Don’t let your knowledge limit you, be open to learning more,” says Christian. “A good environmental consultant is eager to learn and has an open attitude. You can acquire a lot of knowledge along the way, so above all, be curious and flexible.” Ruud adds: “Empathy is important. You need to think from the client’s perspective and be able to switch between details and the bigger picture.”
