Energy Compliance & Strategic Programme Lead
Scott Hepburn
Joined
Aug 2021
- I’ve been at Croppers for 3 years now and have had similar roles in the Energy / Environmental sector since I left University 8 years ago, previously working in Food Production.
- I’m currently serving as the Energy Compliance & Strategic Programme Lead for James Cropper, overseeing the Decarbonisation Programme that is taking place over on PM4 in Papermaking.
- I have two jobs really. I have my day-to-day job to ensure that all divisions of James Cropper remain compliant with all legal and other regulatory requirements, as well as continually improving and optimising our energy consumption across all Divisions.
- I would say my expertise lies in developing and implementing energy compliance framework, as I’ve now got a proven track record of doing this at multiple sites here, and at my previous place of work.
- I also have another job now though, and that’s to oversee the Decarbonisation Project as Strategic Programme Lead.
- There’s so much more to this programme of works than just decarbonising PM4, so I’m excited to get stuck in and develop new skills with my new role.
" I’d say the key points here are to develop and help implement project plans, coordinate multiple projects within a larger programme of works, monitor and track project performance, and most importantly, to maintain clear and effective communication with our key stakeholders. "
JS
Tell us about a typical day in your role at James Cropper:
SH
Typically, I’ll start the day by getting a brew and having a look at the next week or two on my calendar. I’ll check to see if there’s any pressing matters, and then if not, I can start to work through my prioritised list of jobs.
The compliance part of my role is very structured, with the same hard-deadlines year-on-year, so it’s relatively easy to plan my days around those submissions.
I assume it’s the same for everyone, but once I’ve completed that, I then have a never-ending list of jobs I need to do, and then another never-ending list of ‘jobs I’d like to do’. Working in Energy is great though, there’s always something else you can tinker with, or something else I want to go away and analyse, investigate or research.
The compliance part of my role is very structured, with the same hard-deadlines year-on-year, so it’s relatively easy to plan my days around those submissions.
I assume it’s the same for everyone, but once I’ve completed that, I then have a never-ending list of jobs I need to do, and then another never-ending list of ‘jobs I’d like to do’. Working in Energy is great though, there’s always something else you can tinker with, or something else I want to go away and analyse, investigate or research.
JS
During your career at James Cropper, what has been your most memorable highlight?
SH
Applying for and receiving board approval for the Decarbonisation Project was a significant highlight for me personally, as I joined the Decarbonisation Project a bit later, after the Government Funding had already been applied for. I chose this because I then felt like I’d contributed and done my bit for the team. It required teamwork, extensive research, and a bit of persuasive communication.
JS
What work are you particularly proud of at James Cropper?
SH
I completed a three-day energy audit with an external auditing body in June-23, across all Divisions (except for Papermaking who are set to be audited Sep-24).
I achieved a clean sweep, which I’ve got to admit was a first for me! 0 non-conformances, across Converting, Colourform, Mainline, TFP, TFP Crewe and TFP Hydrogen (Launceston).
I achieved a clean sweep, which I’ve got to admit was a first for me! 0 non-conformances, across Converting, Colourform, Mainline, TFP, TFP Crewe and TFP Hydrogen (Launceston).
JS
Which three things would you take to a desert island?
SH
1. Can I say my partner? It might sound a bit sinister, but if I’m suffering, she can suffer with me. She talks a lot too, so she’d keep me good company.
2. My phone. Even if there was no signal, they still have so many other uses/apps that I could use. Phone games, my Spotify playlists (which I’d have to remember to download!), Netflix or other streaming platforms (again, downloaded), old photos and videos to look back at, plus some useful accessories like the compass and torch! Would need a solar-powered battery charger though… can I count that as one answer?
3. The boring answer now… A solar-powered desalination unit. That way we’d be able to survive on seawater until we’re saved.
2. My phone. Even if there was no signal, they still have so many other uses/apps that I could use. Phone games, my Spotify playlists (which I’d have to remember to download!), Netflix or other streaming platforms (again, downloaded), old photos and videos to look back at, plus some useful accessories like the compass and torch! Would need a solar-powered battery charger though… can I count that as one answer?
3. The boring answer now… A solar-powered desalination unit. That way we’d be able to survive on seawater until we’re saved.
JS
What’s your guilty pleasure?
SH
Milk Chocolate Hobnobs. They’re my kryptonite. When I have them, I’ll have the whole pack. I’ve been known to have a pack a night for multiple days in a row before too, although I’ve been trying to behave recently. A colleague shamed me and pointed out that at 93 calories per biscuit, that’s over 1,000 calories per night! Can’t beat a brew and biscuits though, it takes some serious willpower to put them down.
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