Emma Pye

Choosing sustainability

Emma has a deep passion for the environment, which has shaped both her academic and professional journey. ‘I chose my course originally as I love the environment and being outside. At the time, environmental careers were few and far between, but I did something I loved.’ That early interest in nature and conservation became the foundation for a meaningful and impactful career.

Studying locally at the University of Hertfordshire wasn’t just a practical decision; it was also a valuable one. ‘I lived in Hatfield and was not from a family that could afford to send me to university. So, if I wanted to attend, I had to go locally.’ Later, her MSc was sponsored by her employer. ‘I did this to enable me to really support businesses with their environmental management and their environmental decisions. It was learning how to talk to businesses about the environment that really interested me.’

Learning beyond the classroom

Emma’s time at Herts provided not just technical knowledge, but a lasting connection to the subject and the people she studied with. ‘My best memories are the simple ones, spending time with friends after lectures, visiting Bayfordbury, and working with friends on projects.’

The course content continues to be highly relevant to her work: ‘The material from both courses is still regularly used in my work and enables me to ensure that my clients get the best environmental advice. They have been used throughout my career from being an Ecological Clerk of Works, an Environmental Manager, an IMS Manager, and now the Founder and Director of a sustainability consultancy.’

Emma’s MSc equipped her with practical tools that led to long-term impact: ‘It specifically enabled me to understand, implement, and train on ISO 14001’. ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organisations to design and implement an EMS and continually improve their environmental performance. ‘I have built numerous EMS, with many recognised as best practice by third-party auditors.’

Now, as Chair of the BSI (British Standards Institution) SES/1/1 Environmental Management (ISO 14001) committee, Emma is contributing to setting standards on a national level. BSI is the national standards body of the United Kingdom, responsible for developing and maintaining British Standards. The SES/1/1 committee focuses on environmental management, specifically ISO 14001. While SES does not stand for a specific acronym, it reflects the committee’s role in providing services related to the environment and sustainability.

‘Herts was my foundation; without it I would not be able to do what I do today.’

Career, community, and climate impact

Five years ago, she founded PYE Management Ltd, a sustainability consultancy that supports the highways and construction industries. The company provides carbon footprint analysis, PAS 2080 (a standard for managing carbon in buildings and infrastructure),ISO 14001 implementation, climate adaptation projections, and more. ‘My ambition has always been to educate as many people as possible to think about the environment, to protect it, and leave it for the next generation better than we received it. I work within a high-impact industry for that reason, to make a difference.’

Advice for future students

‘Do something you love! Study something that interests you and enriches you, and it will take you far. My job isn't work to me, it's a joy and I never dread Mondays.’

Balancing life as a business owner, sustainability expert, marathon runner, hockey player, and parent, Emma is a powerful example of turning bold aspirations into meaningful impact.