Nella: I work with organisations to identify how BRE’s research, standards and certifications can support their ambitions. That means understanding their challenges, spotting opportunities for innovation, and helping them make informed decisions that improve building performance and long-term outcomes.

My role sits at the intersection of insight and action, ensuring that BRE’s expertise delivers real value in practice.

Nella: Before joining BRE, I worked in business development and client-facing roles where building relationships was just as important as delivering results. I learned very quickly that people don’t just want solutions; they want to understand them and feel confident using them.

Nella: What motivates me is knowing that sustainability has a real impact on everyday life. Buildings affect how we feel, how we live and how resilient our communities are, so improving them really matters.

Nella: One of the biggest challenges is knowing where to start without feeling overwhelmed. Sustainability can seem complicated, especially when there are so many targets and expectations.

We focus on what matters most, take realistic steps, and build momentum over time. When sustainability feels manageable, people are far more likely to get involved and stay engaged.

Nella: One small but meaningful change I’ve made is becoming much more intentional about where I spend my money. I now actively pay attention to companies that make a genuine effort to embed sustainable practices into how they operate — whether that’s hotels, brands or service providers. As my consumer habits have evolved, I’ve grown to value transparency and effort over perfection, and I try to support organisations that are clearly trying to do better.

Nella: Don’t wait for the perfect plan. Start, learn and bring people with you. Sustainability works best when it’s collaborative, practical and part of everyday decision-making.