Marie-Helene Westholm-Knebel
Marie-Helene Westholm-Knebel worked for many years in international sustainability before becoming the Global Head of Sustainability for ABB Energy Industries. Throughout her career, she has been driven by the belief that we can all play a role in driving positive impact, individually and at work.
She graduated from LUMES in 2008, as part of batch 10.
What are you working on right now?
I am currently Global Head of Sustainability for ABB Energy Industries, with a base in Switzerland. This role allows me to implement the company’s sustainability agenda within our operations and across our sites all over the world, while addressing how sustainability can create value for the stakeholders (customers, suppliers, investors) that work with us. In this role I am addressing a broad range of topics, for example scope 1-2-3 emissions, ESG reporting, waste management, circularity, biodiversity, management systems, internal and external communications, data management, human rights, stakeholders / customers engagement, energy transition and technology. Quite a large amount of things to control!
This role follows years of international experience related to sustainability in one way or another. I started working for the United Nations in Copenhagen, strategically learning from different functions (Communications, administration, procurement, reporting). Then I spent a few years in the UAE working for a business council driving the green building agenda in the region. There I touched into a new range of stakeholders (regulators, innovators, facilities management) and managed an eco-certification for the hospitality sector.
How have you benefited from the education at LUMES?
I genuinely believe that the education at LUMES gave me the understanding that all aspects in sustainability are systemically connected: you cannot address a specific topic without impacting another. It means applying continuous critical thinking to identify maybe not the most perfect solution, but rather initiatives that can drive progress towards a goal reasonably. The social touch of the programme was also amazing: never ever before was I exposed to so much diversity in origins and life experiences. This has taught me humility, respect, curiosity and eternal love for my batch’s peers.
What motivates you in your daily work?
Working in sustainability provides never-ending learning opportunities: there will always be a new technology, a new regulation, a new employee initiative… that requires attention and leveraging. Being a “people’s person”, I am a strong advocate that we can all play a role in driving positive impact, individually and at work. Seeing the motivation from colleagues to improve processes, reduce footprint, increase circularity etc… All of this is tremendously exciting and stimulating. When I speak to customers, or during events, I am extremely proud to represent my organisation and these collective efforts.
What do you see as the most important sustainability challenge currently?
Sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) roles are in great demand across markets. I am not sure however that the nature of the role, and the skills it requires, are fully understood when I see for instance vacancies and expectations. Being a sustainability practitioner requires education and hands-on experience, as well as exposure to various functions and levels in an organization. We are still expected to know and solve all problems (as if it was simple!), while the challenge is rather to ensure that sustainability principles are embedded into all aspects of a company (processes, reporting, education, communications, incentives etc.). For this one needs to find the right persons with the right social and professional competences.
What advice would you give to students in sustainability?
Remain curious at all times, and never lose your sense of hope and optimism. When times are challenging you will have in your hands the inspiration that others might need to drink from to pursue the journey.