Caroline started her career in geochemistry but decided to pursue her interest in sustainability – first at an NGO involved in advocacy and events like the annual COP conference, then training in carbon accounting with GCX. For the past 10 years, greenhouse gas accounting and carbon management have been her focus. She first joined GCX in 2011 and then moved on to the UK to gain international experience engaging with global companies focusing on carbon projects and offsetting. She returned to Cape Town and GCX for another stint before taking a break to focus on the birth of her son. She recently rejoined the GCX team as a Senior Carbon Advisor. Connect with Caroline on Linkedin.
What has been your favourite project at GCX so far?
There isn’t one project I would single out but in terms of carbon advisory, GCX’s expertise is extensive, which opens the door for me to get involved in a lot of different technical fields and projects.
If you could switch your job with anyone else at GCX, whose job would you want and why?
Carbon is my speciality so I would happily stay here. I like that everyone at GCX is a specialist in their field, and the group also works really well together as a team.
What do you like the most about GCX and what is your favourite part of working there?
GCX operates with integrity and has a great work environment.
What are your hopes for the sustainability industry, and in particular GCX’s clients?
Sustainability is shifting from being an isolated compliance matter to being fully integrated into all business practices, but there is still a way to go. It’s great to see GCX clients benefiting from this, particularly through our Data Analytics and Sustainability Hub (DASH-).
Before working at GCX, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
While I was studying I was part of a string quartet that played at weddings and corporate functions.
What would you say is the biggest career lesson you’ve learnt thus far?
Keep asking questions.
What is your favourite quote?
“You miss every shot you don’t take.”
What are some of the books you’ve read recently that you would recommend?
Recently: Dr Seuss.
Pre-baby: Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
Where is your favourite holiday destination in South Africa?
I prefer ‘staycations’ – Cape Town is the place to be.
Finally, if you could meet anyone in the world (dead or alive), who would it be?
My paternal grandpa. He was born in England and moved to Johannesburg to be an engineer at Eskom, which was called Escom at the time. He passed away before I was born but the family compiled his biography, which is very interesting and I bet he would have some ideas about renewable energy and the solutions we’re looking for in South Africa.