Meet Will Ray, Head of Sustainability at CLS Holdings – Employee Interview

Full video interview can be found on CLS LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cls-holdings-plc_meetingemployees-cls-sustainabilitytalk-activity-7292481490548867072-X5mc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAC4TjksBUiy-rmXQz3QvETWjfrNsTaE_leY

What led you into a career in sustainability? 

“I studied energy and engineering at university and that led me into the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and I’ve worked in that for 25 years now. I’m passionate about delivering results, it’s something that is really important to me and to my kids.” 

What is an impactful sustainable practice CLS have implemented in their property portfolio? 

“Decarbonisation of heating systems, so that’s electrifying our buildings, introducing heat pumps. It’s challenging technology to work with, but it’s one that delivers really good results in making buildings future ready.” 

What emerging trends in sustainability are you most excited about?  

“I’m most excited about the rise of AI in building technologies. So that’s where they can optimise some of the control systems and minimise energy consumption without a need for human intervention. I also think there’s a lot of innovation ready for materials, looking at more eco-friendly versions of concrete which have a major impact on the environment, some of the eco-friendly alternatives to interior materials. Using better materials that can be recycled and brought back in a circular economy, fashion and used time and time again.” 

What are the key sustainability goals for CLS Holdings now and in the future?  

“CLS Holdings is really focusing on delivering on our sustainability strategy and delivering on our net 0 carbon pathway, making sure more and more of our buildings are net 0 carbon ready and making the most of the biodiversity and the open areas that we have so we aim to deliver on those commitments as well.”

How do you engage with tenants to ensure sustainability goals are met across CLS buildings?  

“We spend a lot of time working with tenants to provide them with the day-to-day need for reporting. We also provide information and advice on how to best fit out the premises that we offer them. We are working continuously to improve things like waste, biodiversity, open spaces so that they get the best results from our buildings. “

What are your favourite buildings in the CLS portfolio?  

“Park Avenue in Lyon and the Artesian in London. The Artesian we’ve just finished refurbishing. It’s a 1930s building that we pulled up to net 0 carbon ready standards. It’s got fully electrified heating solutions, it’s got a fantastic outdoor terrace, and it makes great use of an old building, bringing it into the 21st century. Park Avenue is another refurbishment that we finished last year. Again, a great example of bringing an older, out of date building into the 21^st century, ready for occupation and in a much more sustainable state than it was before.  

What do you find most rewarding/ motivating about working in sustainability at CLS Holdings?  

“Making the environmental impact on our buildings longer and being able to deliver on that. That’s been the biggest change in my career. It has moved from simply writing reports and making recommendations where things don’t get done to actually implementing these recommendations and delivering results. Introducing PV systems on buildings, low energy buildings in practice, buildings like we’re sitting in today. ” https://thecoade.london/