About Us

My journey into economics started in school when I chose an introductory course purely out of curiosity and was absolutely blown away by all the interesting aspects of the subject. I have always loved problem solving and finding efficient solutions, so with an enthusiastic economics teacher inspiring me, I decided to do a degree in Economics and Finance at university. My desire for adventure led me to leave my home in Finland in order to pursue studies in Scotland. Here I have found a second home.

The fundamental problem in economics is answering the question ‘how can we best allocate the scarce resources we have’. Thinking about this question in the context of the modern world got me interested in environmental and sustainability economics. Understanding resource allocation and how economies develop to answer new societal concerns is what makes the subject so interesting.

After I graduated I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to use my skills to take part in solving issues related to the sustainability of the planet. I was thrilled to discover Goal7 and its amazing team of talented individuals. Being part of Goal7 is a perfect place to use my skills and to expand my knowledge beyond my own subject area in order to understand how we can best achieve net zero emissions. Seeing through the energy transition and evolution of new sources of sustainable energy is exciting, and I hope to be part of developing the economy to catch up with and integrate innovative technological changes to our everyday lives.

Born and raised around the beautiful natural landscapes of Finland I am determined to ensure the preservation of natural habitats for all living creatures. My parents instilled in me a respect for my surroundings, where careful recycling and enjoying the produce from our own garden was a natural thing when I was growing up. When the want for change and a better environment extends to all parts of our lives, we can witness the compounding effect of small everyday actions. With everyone doing their bit, anything is achievable!

Meave will post her bio here very soon.

When I was thinking about what I wanted to do when I left school I had no clear idea, but I liked chemistry and maths and knew I wanted to move to Edinburgh. This led me to studying Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University where I developed an interest in integrating sustainable design, minimising or repurposing waste streams, and, of course, the nights out every Wednesday with the netball club!!

When my 5 years were up I was faced with another big decision and, as you might have expected, I was faced with more uncertainty about where I wanted to start my career and which industry I wanted to develop my skills in. This resulted in a gap year where I travelled around South and Central America before I spent 4 years working in the drinks industry in Glasgow.

Now you might have noticed that I’m prone to bouts of uncertainty when it comes to making life decisions, however there is one thing I know for sure, the climate emergency is very real and tangible, and I want to be a part of doing the right thing when it comes to moving towards a net zero economy.

I’m extremely grateful for my parents’ ability to keep my brother and I occupied when we were young. So many days spent camping, touring around Scotland, looking for shells on the beach and coming home with the car windshield having all sorts of bugs squished over it – a thing of the past when I look at my own car when I return from similar trips, a constant reminder of the detrimental impact humans are having on the world around us.

It saddens me to think that a lot of the things I love – travelling to see the beautiful places around me, hiking, eating good food – are all things I won’t be able to enjoy if we continue with business as usual, which is why I’m excited to be a part of Goal7. Trying to navigate around the world of ESG can be a minefield at times – so many acronyms to learn and problems to solve – but here at Goal7 I get to witness the innovations and developments taking place to allow for sustainable growth in industry, as part of a collaborative and supportive team who have a passion for implementing positive change.

My curiosity and my love for problem solving started at a young age and perhaps led to my love of science. Science has almost always provided answers to my never-ending stream of questions, and it continues to do so. Finding answers to my questions just encouraged me to seek further and learn more! In other words, science stoked and still stokes my curiosity. It is one subject that holds the key to unlocking the human brain. It explains itself to anyone who is interested and responds to those who inquire.

My teacher used to say, "Science is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from," at the end of virtually every lesson. Kenya, where I was raised, is among the most stunning places on earth, in my opinion. However, not many girls are interested in or encouraged to pursue the sciences, but very gradually, this is changing. My parents championed my interests and always encouraged me to strive and work hard for what it was that I most desired.

In 2012, a massive oil field was discovered in Kenya. Hearing about this and with my intense curiosity for learning more after high school, I chose to study Petroleum Geoscience, a new course in Kenya specifically rolled-out in response to the need for developing knowledgeable and qualified personnel locally. I wanted to be a part of an industry that impacted the environment and people in the way that this newly discovered resource seemed to have the potential to do.

After completing my bachelor's degree, I had the opportunity to pursue my master's degree in integrated geosciences at the University of Aberdeen. It was here that I became aware of the environmental crisis and realised that we needed to change to adequately preserve the earth. The phrase "energy transition" has stuck with me ever since. I believe that as scientists, it is our duty to use our knowledge and research to positively impact our society, and we need to look ahead and drive towards finding the long-term solutions to having a sustainable world.

I graduated with enhanced skills in problem solving, deductive thinking, data integration, and holistic approaches to risk and uncertainty. With skills well suited to assisting in the resolution of energy and resource challenges, my job search began, and I came across Goal7. Throughout my interviews, I was impressed with the creative & innovative thinking and the passion for sustainability from everyone in the team. Having now started at Goal7, I am enjoying the nurturing atmosphere, constantly being inspired to learn and never stop learning and to be creative. It so rewarding to be around people who aspire for change. Nimefurahi (happy) to be part of the Goal7 team!

Work hard, is an ethos my dad instilled in me from a young age. That resulted in a few jobs that don’t make it to my CV these days: paper boy, shelf stacker, removal man, tele sales, fish factory worker, taxi driver, barman. Then came university, followed by something a little less hard work (a gap year, or two travelling the world).

I started my professional career in a traditional Accounting role. I quickly realised this didn’t really fit well with me. The confines of a prescribed financial statement format didn’t leave much leeway for excitement, and we all know that adding creativity to accounting doesn’t end particularly well.

Fast forward 15 years, I’d experienced a vast array of different roles in the oil and gas industry, with E&P companies, a small consultancy and the worlds largest oilfield service provider. I was afforded opportunities that allowed me to spread my wings; work with some outstandingly talented people, learn, make mistakes, manage teams, as well as learn new skills along the way. My experience in accounting was supplemented with data analytics, economics, commercial and project management

During an enforced sabbatical, waiting for a work visa, I was seriously considering both an industry and career change. Being outdoors has always been a happy place form me, from mountain biking in the highlands of Scotland, to hiking in the Appalachian trails in the US. I decided that an RV road trip with my dog Lucy and my trusty mtb, would be an ideal way to clear the cobwebs and formulate a plan. To paraphrase Rabbie Burns, the best laid schemes gang aft agley. Before the planning phase had even begun, James Paton threw a spanner in the works.

When both James's outlined their vision for Goal7, and offered me a role, I was incredibly excited, but also acutely aware that I had no direct experience in the world of energy transition and reducing emissions. "To have an influence we need to be successful" were some words from James, that echoed in my mind for quite some time. I strongly felt they wanted to help make positive change in the oil and gas industry, and with luck beyond.

Alas, I couldn’t accept the offer at that point. With no visa yet approved, the road trip was back on, but with a different purpose. Research research research…Energy transition, the science of global warming, policies, and an ever growing number of new acronyms. I loved it, happily going down rabbit holes, resurfacing hours later. The more I read the more fascinated I became. The realisation that there is so much more to the climate challenge than I anticipated is a little overwhelming at times, but I feel with the application of sound business principles in conjunction with science, technology and hard work we can make a difference.

I’ve always enjoyed problem solving, perhaps because as a kid I was often creating problems. Not in a mischievous or malicious sort of way, but more from my curiosity and sense of adventure. Maybe it came about from fiddling with something I probably shouldn’t have or an injury which resulted in a trip to A&E.

So, when I excelled at physics, maths and geography in school I naturally focused on STEM. Pushed on by enthusiastic teachers, this progressed towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I wanted to study and work in a field which makes tangible impacts to the world we live in. So, after leaving school I moved to the big smoke and studied for five years at the University of Strathclyde in central Glasgow, where I became heavily involved in the mountaineering and kayaking clubs.

Between climbing, kayaking, and skiing, I seem to have a knack for picking “dangerous”, expensive hobbies. But I wouldn’t have it any other way! I love the sense of adventure, pushing myself to develop new skills and master them when there’s very little room for error. However, I think the most fulfilling element of these outdoor pursuits comes from the communities that surround them. Whether it’s the trust you develop with your belay partner before racking up for your next challenge or the person you’ve just met on the pub night, everyone is a friendly face who shares the same passion for the outdoors.

Scotland is the perfect playground for these activities and shows us why we need to work so hard to preserve it. Returning back to Grampian each summer I would watch as the fields and forests I grew up in were swallowed by the inexorable march of progress. And living in the shadow of Aberdeen everyone has been affected by the North Sea oil and gas industry. Combined with my passion for the Scottish outdoors this has fuelled my ideas for a more sustainable future. It is clear we need to accelerate the energy transition and reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

As a graduate engineer I wanted to work in an industry which could shape this development, overcoming challenges in society, economy, and the environment. So, after graduating mid-pandemic without ceremony and a couple months into the job hunt, I was delighted to be contacted by Goal7. Through my research and interviews with both the James’ it was clear Goal7 aligned with my ideals, with a collaborate team highly passionate about building a more sustainable future. Becoming immediately involved in projects with clients has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. I look forward to continue learning and growing with a focus on future energy solutions to provide clean and affordable energy for all.

Whilst growing up in Glasgow, I developed a love of all things sports and outdoors. The sport of shinty, which I started playing at the age of three, is still how I enjoy spending most of my evenings and weekends. This involves travelling the length and breadth of Scotland on a regular basis for matches, often pinching myself to appreciate the unique natural beauty this country has to offer – on the occasions it is visible through the seemingly constant rain.

With a keen interest in maths and science throughout school, I decided to study Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. I took the opportunity of the long summer breaks to feed my passion for discovery, working at a camp for disadvantaged and disabled children and adults near Chicago, followed by exploring the country for a month. In my final years at university, I completed a summer internship and my Masters project within the manufacturing industry, where I subsequently spent a few years post-graduation. The need to experience more of the world then took hold and I began what became a 2 year career break.

Cycling 4,500km from the Atlantic coast of France to the Black Sea coast of Romania over 4 months, exploring South America and living in New Zealand, I witnessed both the greatest things people were doing for the planet, and the worst. It spurred me on to be more like the people doing the great things. The levels of pollution, waste and unsustainable living that was evident across the world really struck home about the need for immediate change. I decided, on returning to Scotland, to utilise my skills in engineering to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition and help accelerate the shift to a more sustainable world. Now here I am, doing just that, working as a Sustainability Analyst at Goal7.

Who would’ve thought a suggestion from my physics teacher when I was 16 would define so much for me? “Since you like physics & maths Debbie, have you considered engineering?” Intrigued to find out more, I went on a short course organised by Smallpeice Trust and was subsequently hooked. I absolutely loved the problem solving! I had just enough qualifications to get into uni so ditched the last year at school and went to study engineering. Engineering society site visits to nuclear submarines at Rosyth and St Fergus Power Stations only served to fuel my interest! Looking back, I feel very lucky that I had such a clear idea of my career path.

30 years on, I’m still certain I chose well and cannot understand why more people don’t choose to study engineering. My interest in how & why things work the way they do continues and the reward I get when I see what I’ve been designing for months being built is so very special.

I hate pollution, I hate chemicals. I’m scared of the unseen, unknown damage they are causing. I used to feel embarrassed about holding my breath as I pass behind a vehicle to avoid the exhaust fumes. Took me many years to admit this to anyone! I now see the kids animatedly doing the same thing because they know from the media that these emissions are not good for us or our environment. Just as well they've learned it that way - we all know that they would only breath in deeper – if their parent suggested they should hold their breath!! Now that I have a fully electric car my breath holding can finally stop! Although - don't ask me about the stress of charging it away from home!! Infrastructure just isn't there yet!

My life for the past 20 years has revolved around children, but as they are beginning to plough their own furrows, I have started working part of the week. What is the world going to look like for them, their children and grand-children? I don’t have these answers but I do know the world takes a long time to change and we can start now because every difference adds up. We can all make efficiencies in our everyday lives but I'm proud to be working with Goal7 and being part of a team effecting even greater changes in our world.

As a kid I loved the outdoors. I worked on local farms, went hillwalking and, by what ever means I could, traveled up to the Scottish ski resorts to go skiing. Life out doors seemed a life well spent and life indoors revising did not. My shrewd father decided that a summer working for a construction company would be a good idea. This was a unique experience. Someone cutting the tree branch I was sitting on during site preparation and the back breaking process of installing a sewage outfall on my own for two weeks was character building but did make me realise that life without qualifications may be a hard life.

A bit more time spent at my desk resulted in going to University to study mechanical engineering. At university I got really interested in a emerging industry, subsea. It seemed very cool installing things in hundreds of metres of water, and controlling them miles and miles away. With good luck I managed to get a job with an oil company who had a very active subsea programme. The work was really interesting and led to a very enjoyable career building complex facilities, both underwater and on the surface.

Following this, founding a new business was a ‘scratch I had to itch’. With some colleagues we built a consulting business-up that we sold to one of the big oilfield services companies. This was a big challenge but very rewarding. The most rewarding aspect was working with a group of people and collectively setting a culture that was different, enjoyable and allowed people to flourish.

Sale of the business allowed me few months out to spend time with my family and to reflect on life. It gave me time to research the world around me and I became both alarmed and excited about the changes taking place. Alarmed because humans impact on our environment was not only something I could research, my life had provided the evidence too. Travelling around the world the appalling pollution in many major cities, the fact that my children can’t enjoy (or more accurately endure) the same Scottish skiing I did, our cars no longer have the thick layer of squashed insects on them that used to take hours to remove and that my mother lives in fear she will be flooded the next time there is coincident heavy rain and a high tide. Excited because I believe there is growing momentum to change how we interact with our environment, we have the capability to address it and the solution will be complex and one, being selfish, I can have a role in.

Part of the complexity is there is no one thing that we can do to solve the challenge. Energy provision on our planet should be considered multidimensional and a continuum. Where I grew was rural but we had the good fortune of having access to mains natural gas – many of the major trunk and feeders lines were installed within a few hundred metres of our house. It was a great privilege to have access to what was considered at the time clean and affordable energy. I am sure that in 40 years time the energy that we class as green energy today will have some undesirable impacts that have not yet been identified and the challenge will continue.

Whilst I now live on a working sheep farm, I grew up surrounded by heavy industry. I was born on Teesside, I can still taste the smell of ammonia and chlorine from the ICI Billingham factory - but at least we had plenty of fertiliser bags for sledging. Then we moved to Brunei – living on an oilfield: nodding donkeys on street corners; pipelines running along the sides of the roads; I used to pester my dad to detour and drive by the new LNG train getting built nearby; and I could see an old offshore platform from my bedroom window. I wasn’t surprised when my career path headed towards the oil and gas industry.

Growing up in the 1970’s, I saw the shipbuilding industry in North East England rapidly decline. My parents’ friends were either made redundant or went off to work in the Middle East, mainly in the oil and gas industry. When I started working in the early 1990’s in Leeds, the Yorkshire textile industry quickly moved offshore and I saw another UK industry collapse. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the common link!

So when people start talking about the death knell of the oil and gas industry, that moved me to action. I believe passionately that the oil and gas industry has a key role to play in Energy Transition - highly skilled people managing and executing technically demanding, complex projects often incorporating new technologies – that’s what we do.

At Goal7, I want to bring together the range of skills and technical backgrounds to help transform the industry - developing, scaling up and combining technologies to make a significant impact on reducing emissions.

Growing up in the middle east was an exciting experience for me, watching the transformation of a metropolitan city where oil and gas spurred the creation of a city of towers reaching for the skies. My childhood summer holidays were mostly spent playing cricket and football with the neighbourhood kids and we were never bothered by the scorching heat. A couple of the nostalgic memories that I recall.

Science and maths fascinated me at school and that led me to explore Electrical and Electronics engineering for my bachelor’s degree, in India. The complexity of power system engineering drew me into lots of research and reading with many hours spent in the college library. This is when I was influenced by the growing advocacies around Climate Change and the transition to Clean Energy. My perspective on the co-relation between technology and development challenged me to explore my surroundings. I decided to explore my small hometown village back in Kerala - through the streams, climbing up the lush green mountains, and dipping in the free-flowing blue waters all reminded me of the necessity to preserve nature at its finest for every visitor.

Following my first degree, I achieved an opportunity to study a masters in Energy Systems Engineering, a course that combined technology and the environment, at the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun. The exposure of living in this part of northern India – a beautiful hill city with fascinating history located in the foothills of the Himalayas – was indeed an inspiring way to connect with nature and learn.

Having completed my course, I spent the next 4 years working as an Electrical Commissioning Engineer for a company in Dubai. This allowed me to be a part of sustainable adaptations of iconic infrastructures. Dubai was undergoing an exciting change in prioritizing sustainability as a key element in its move towards Net Zero, just like the United Kingdom. It was then time for a move to Scotland.

Never could there be a better time, while exploring picturesque Scotland, to receive a call from Goal7. My conversations with my now colleagues convinced me that Goal7’s objectives were aligned with my passion and mindset. I am looking forward to contributing to the team achievement of Goal7 sustainability values.

Growing up in the Highlands of Scotland I was surrounded daily by some of the very best nature had to offer. This resulted in a privileged expectation of a clean environment but over the years it became apparent this is a select privilege and one that I wasn’t comfortable hoarding. Couple this with a sprinkling of prominent engineers in my life and I soon found myself at Heriot Watt, Edinburgh to begin my training as a Chemical Engineer. Throughout my degree the more I learned about the implementation of sustainability the more driven I became in understanding the challenges associated with it and the development in altering new and existing practices.

After graduating I found myself as an environmental engineering consultant working within the depths of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Before I knew it was able to talk in a whole new language of acronyms and understand the merits and failings of the system. However, ultimately when it came down to it I didn't feel like I was doing enough. To this many will laugh and say don't take things so seriously. Now they probably have a point but when it boils down to it, I want to be part of the difference that I want to see in the world.

Now as an engineer I have to admit I love a graph and yes I do have a favorite. It’s a relatively simple one that illustrates energy consumption per person and the quality of life index per country. The reason I love this graph is because it perfectly illustrates how access to energy can drastically improve someones life, whilst also highlighting that quality of life stagnates after a certain level of consumption. Both highlighting the need for affordable energy in the countries with low energy consumption per person and energy efficiency within the countries with excessive energy consumption per person. Essentially it perfectly illustrates the need for UN SDG 7.

So when I was contacted by Goal7 mid pandemic their goal quite literally struck home with me and I decided to take a chance. It's amazing to get to go to work and feel like a kid in a sweetie shop albeit less tooth decay inducing and more a kin to an engineers paradise. Where research, industry knowledge and economics merge to propose real strategic change. Now I know that this may all sound quite dreamlike and ambitious, perhaps you are already chuckling at my young naivety and I wouldn't blame you, a degree of scepticism in the world is not a bad thing. But I would like to invite you to stop and let yourself dream even for a second. Now take that idea and apply sound advice and just maybe, that can be a step towards creating the energy system of tomorrow.