After two decades working across continents and disciplines, Mania Alabadla reflects on how sustainability has evolved – and why trust, technical credibility and long-term thinking are essential to delivering real impact.
Sustainability is now firmly embedded in the language of construction, but for many professionals, the journey into the field began long before it became a regulatory requirement or a boardroom priority.
For Mania Alabadla, associate sustainability consultant at AtkinsRéalis, that focus started with a deceptively simple question about the role of architects and engineers in shaping the built environment.
“I’m from an architecture background and worked as an architect for a few years. I was always asking: how could architects, designers and engineers deliver projects with a greater focus on excellence and environment?”
That question prompted a deeper reflection on professional responsibility. “As built environment professionals – regardless of discipline – we should all be focused on addressing environmental priorities as early as possible across projects.”
Her move into sustainability came through opportunity rather than a prescribed path. “I didn’t know how to start, to be honest. Then my team was prompted by our company to apply for LEED accreditation – and from there, I started my career in sustainability and pursued a master’s degree in sustainable design of the built environment.”
Since then, Alabadla has led sustainability and environmental compliance across high-profile projects in the Middle East and the UK, spanning design, construction and operation.
That breadth of experience has shaped a delivery-focused approach grounded in anticipating challenges rather than reacting to them.
“My role is focused on embedding sustainability principles across every stage of the built environment delivery; urban, buildings and infrastructure and streamlining the transition between design and construction,” she explains.
Her international experience also offers a perspective on how the industry’s approach has matured. When she began her career 20 years ago in the Middle East, sustainability was rarely a priority. “If you achieved a green certification, that was it – you’d achieved sustainability.”
Today, that mindset has fundamentally shifted, particularly in the UK and Europe.
“We are not only considering rating systems only – we are embedding carbon, energy, water and the circular economy principles at every design and stage. Sustainability is not a choice. It is a requirement and a fundamental part of the planning process, with different objectives/targets at national and council level.”
After more than 20 years in the field, Alabadla formalised her expertise through chartered environmentalist status.
“This accreditation is like a mark of quality. I don’t need to explain what I am or what I can achieve. I am a CEnv, and that’s it.”
In practice, that recognition is particularly valuable when sustainability ambitions must be translated into deliverable outcomes. “Sometimes you meet a client who has doubts, but the CEnv accreditation adds strength to your proposals and you gain their trust. Without the client’s trust, you can’t achieve anything.”
Misconceptions about sustainability
Despite the growing importance of sustainability, misconceptions about the discipline persist. “Many stakeholders look at sustainability experts as non-technical. But our solutions are always linked to technical outcomes.”
Chartership helps bridge that gap – reinforcing the rigour behind environmental advice and strengthening its influence within project teams.
The accreditation process itself was unexpectedly rewarding – particularly the interview. “It didn’t feel like an interview. It was just a lovely conversation with like-minded people.”
That sense of shared purpose continues beyond accreditation, connecting her with a wider professional community. “It allows you to communicate with other professionals and keep up to date with trends and developments in sustainability.”
Looking back, the shift in how sustainability is understood across the industry is striking. “Previously, stakeholders were keen on compliance just to avoid penalties or to use sustainability as a marketing tool. Now, companies are actively reporting ESG, disclosing carbon footprint and showing genuine commitment.”
For Alabadla, that shift reinforces the importance of maintaining momentum – and keeping focus on what matters most. “The most important thing is to prioritise sustainability targets and look at the long-term picture rather than the short term.”
For clients and developers, that means moving the conversation beyond upfront costs and towards long-term value. “If sustainability strategies focus on long-term benefits, it can lead to a better future for us all.”
What is a chartered environmentalist?
Chartership is a globally recognised mark of achievement that enhances career prospects through establishing proven expertise and experience.
For environmental professionals, chartership reflects a high level of skill and experience, setting chartered environmentalists apart from others working in their field.
Across the world, CEnv registrants utilise their environmental expertise to instil client trust, transition to sustainable practices, lead departments, make strategic decisions, advise governments and work as highly skilled practitioners.
More than 7,500 professionals from a spectrum of fields – including engineering, forestry, ecology, resource management, agriculture, consulting, planning, environmental assessment and air quality – have achieved CEnv registration to date.
Find more information about becoming a CEnv member at the IEMA website.
