Steve Malkin
Civil Engineering, 1988
CEO, THE PLANET MARK
“My tutors were incredibly supportive, and my degree gave me knowledge that I use today. For that I am very grateful to Greenwich”
Steve Malkin is the CEO of The Planet Mark, a community of people and organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and creating a thriving planet. As Steve explains, The Planet Mark are “actively trying to reframe how we work to contribute more to society and improve the environment”. The Planet Mark certification has, since its creation in 2012, developed into an internationally-recognised and trusted sustainability certification that has helped over 700 organisations reduce their carbon footprint year-on-year.
Some 25 years before The Planet Mark was born, Steve graduated in 1988 with a degree in Civil Engineering from Thames Polytechnic, as the university was then known. “What I love about engineering, and civil engineering especially, is that it is so focused on creating solutions. Engineers don’t just have an idea, they follow it through, test it, refine it, make it work, make it better and deliver it. That’s a great skill to have in sustainability where we are innovating and honing new systems, products and services for zero carbon living. This is especially the case in buildings and new developments where reducing whole-life carbon is so essential and my engineering background has really helped me.”
His journey to sustainability champion has taken a varied route. Steve has gone from working at Brands Hatch motor racing track to organising charity Guinness World Record Events to running his own PR and marketing companies, with some TV presenting along the way. Reflecting on his career choices, Steve candidly admits that “it didn’t make much sense at the time. I just did what I found fun and fulfilling and was happy to be led by my heart and head. I was fortunate to find my passion and purpose.”
A proud father, it was his family who helped inspire Steve to find his passion. “Sustainability is something that I had wanted to do but not realised it. It came together for me when I’d had a family and I felt compelled to do something to tackle climate change. It was for my boys and an overall empathy for life on this amazing planet we call home.”
With the next decade labelled the ‘Decade of Action’, Steve recognises the important role our current students have in our planet’s future and compels them to learn as much as possible about the challenge ahead. “We see students and young people demanding change, from social justice to the climate crisis. In my work I see how their passion, action and activism is needed and is making a difference. On top of this, every student has the ability to influence change, through their personal choices, the things that we buy, the brands that we support and align with our values. My advice is to learn and understand the climate and biodiversity crises and apply your learning in whatever role you choose. Sustainability will become part of everyone’s job role, so understanding how it impacts your chosen career is essential and makes you much more valuable for any organisation. Armed with knowledge and passion you can change our world.”
Steve Malkin
Civil Engineering, 1988
CEO, THE PLANET MARK
“My tutors were incredibly supportive, and my degree gave me knowledge that I use today. For that I am very grateful to Greenwich”
Steve Malkin is the CEO of The Planet Mark, a community of people and organisations committed to reducing their carbon footprint, and creating a thriving planet. As Steve explains, The Planet Mark are “actively trying to reframe how we work to contribute more to society and improve the environment”. The Planet Mark certification has, since its creation in 2012, developed into an internationally-recognised and trusted sustainability certification that has helped over 700 organisations reduce their carbon footprint year-on-year.
Some 25 years before The Planet Mark was born, Steve graduated in 1988 with a degree in Civil Engineering from Thames Polytechnic, as the university was then known. “What I love about engineering, and civil engineering especially, is that it is so focused on creating solutions. Engineers don’t just have an idea, they follow it through, test it, refine it, make it work, make it better and deliver it. That’s a great skill to have in sustainability where we are innovating and honing new systems, products and services for zero carbon living. This is especially the case in buildings and new developments where reducing whole-life carbon is so essential and my engineering background has really helped me.”
His journey to sustainability champion has taken a varied route. Steve has gone from working at Brands Hatch motor racing track to organising charity Guinness World Record Events to running his own PR and marketing companies, with some TV presenting along the way. Reflecting on his career choices, Steve candidly admits that “it didn’t make much sense at the time. I just did what I found fun and fulfilling and was happy to be led by my heart and head. I was fortunate to find my passion and purpose.”
A proud father, it was his family who helped inspire Steve to find his passion. “Sustainability is something that I had wanted to do but not realised it. It came together for me when I’d had a family and I felt compelled to do something to tackle climate change. It was for my boys and an overall empathy for life on this amazing planet we call home.”
With the next decade labelled the ‘Decade of Action’, Steve recognises the important role our current students have in our planet’s future and compels them to learn as much as possible about the challenge ahead. “We see students and young people demanding change, from social justice to the climate crisis. In my work I see how their passion, action and activism is needed and is making a difference. On top of this, every student has the ability to influence change, through their personal choices, the things that we buy, the brands that we support and align with our values. My advice is to learn and understand the climate and biodiversity crises and apply your learning in whatever role you choose. Sustainability will become part of everyone’s job role, so understanding how it impacts your chosen career is essential and makes you much more valuable for any organisation. Armed with knowledge and passion you can change our world.”
