Lynne Burden

As an Associate Director for Mace’s Major Projects and Interiors business, Lynne Burden works on iconic and complex schemes, supporting clients to achieve their ambitious sustainability goals and create a positive legacy for the future. With her passion for the environment and unwavering can-do attitude, Lynne continues to build strong relationships with colleagues and client teams alike.

How did you get into what you do?

I discovered my passion for the environment while studying Physical and Human Geography at Aberystwyth University. I landed my first sustainability job with the Ministry of Defence in London and quickly realised that I wanted to pursue a career in the field.

I joined Mace in 2016 as a sustainability manager for our aviation business, before I moved to our international technology division in Ireland.

I am now the Sustainability Lead for Major Projects and Interiors, where I work on some of our most complex and challenging projects including Battersea Power Station Phase 2, 40 Leadenhall and Peterborough Court. It has been a huge learning curve but extremely rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace?

I love how versatile my role is. From working across multiple live construction projects to planning impactful sustainability strategies. I also support the wider Mace Group responsible business strategy through working groups on clean tech and circular economy. Carbon reduction has become a key priority for our clients. Sustainability is constantly evolving and so are our clients’ ambitions.

What’s great about Mace is that we spearhead the sustainability agenda together - not just the responsible business team but the wider group as well. I work with different disciplines across Mace from design, to commercial and construction and everybody is really supportive and passionate. I’m proud that I’m in a role where I can make a positive change and actively contribute to a more sustainable society.

What has been your proudest achievement at Mace so far?

I worked on a project audit for the British Safety Council (BSC) for which we achieved the highest rating and were awarded the Globe of Honour – a leading industry award that recognises organisations that made outstanding contributions in health, safety and environmental management.

We also won the award again the following year for the same project!

Why Mace?

The opportunity to work on exciting projects was a huge draw for me. Mace is delivering some of the most iconic projects and continues to push the boundaries. Sustainability is front and centre of everything we do, backed up by real life project examples. And it’s a very supportive environment, there is always someone in the team I can turn to for advice. 

What advice would you give someone looking to get into what you do?

For me, a passion for sustainability is a must. Getting work experience or a summer placement (Mace offers both) is a brilliant opportunity to get hands on experience. It’s important to understand both the challenges and opportunities if you want to make a change. Shadow as many people as you can and never be afraid to ask for help – no-one knows everything!

Also a key part of my role involves working across multiple projects, so time management and being self-sufficient is key to success.

If you hadn’t got into this line of work, what do you think you might be doing?

Probably a professional photographer. I love photography and always liked the idea of being able to travel the world capturing all the buildings, people and places. I love taking photos of all the amazing buildings in London. I still feel like a tourist.