Q&A Archives - Agilité

At Agilité, we’re hyper aware of the knock-on impact construction can have on the oceans and our planet’s water, which isn’t something that can be left unchecked. That’s why we’re proactively working towards reducing those negative impacts in our own operations and services.

What’s more, we’ve also committed to donating 2% of our profits each year to help projects which we believe can help the building industry be more sustainable.

So, to celebrate all things socially conscious, help share tips for smarter environmental thinking, and remind each other just how much our impact matters, we’re inviting friends of the business to take part in our quickfire Q&A.

Next up, it’s Hannah Bellamy, UK managing director of Agilité beneficiary, charity: water…

Where do you fit into the environmental sector? Tell us a little bit about your role at charity: water…

My role is to bring the biggest clean water charity in the US over to the United Kingdom. Our mission is to ensure every person on the planet has access to clean, sanitary water. We support rural communities in countries that are low on the UN’s Human Development Index. In many locations, people already face a changing climate, so providing sustainable access to safe drinking water is one small change we can make to help remote communities adapt and be more resilient in the future.

What made you decide to join charity: water?

The level of transparency. Everyone who donates knows what their money is being used for — whether it’s into sustainable clean water projects or an investment into our team and operations.

What song perfectly sums up your working day?

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk. Not because I succeed in doing things better each day, but because, as a whole organisation, we really try. The global water crisis isn’t something we can tackle with complacency. We want to help more people, faster, and with better technology, for long-term change. It also makes for a great work soundtrack.

Tell us a fact about water that you think people need to know:

Globally, a lack of clean water and sanitation is the leading killer of children under five. It’s also a problem we know how to fix. We just need more people to care, to believe, and to invest.

Which sector do you think could achieve significant social progress this year?

The renewable energy sector has the potential to achieve significant social progress. With an increasing global awareness of climate change and the need to transition to sustainable energy sources, advancements in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a more environmentally-friendly future.

What do you wish you’d known about the environment, as a child?

How lucky I was to have parents who shared their love for — and peace in — nature with me and my sisters.

What’s the single biggest threat to mankind, in your opinion?

Thinking that any one person - especially one who isn’t a scientist or peer-reviewed - can answer this question.

If you were prime minister for the day, what’s the one thing you’d implement?

I wish the political narrative wasn’t about short-term change and promoting individual heroes. True change takes hard work and collective action. I would launch a hearts and minds campaign, highlighting that 1 in 11 people around the world don’t have access to clean water, and that it’s an issue we know how to fix if we work together.