"It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to an organisation that prioritises sustainability and drives meaningful change for both the environment and patients.”

Sarah had a varied career in the environmental sector before making the switch to the NHS. She loves that her work is making a difference to the NHS and patients. 

Sarah-Marie Taylor

Energy and Carbon Manager

Salary range
£40k-£50k
  • I have always been passionate about the environment leading me to studying Environmental Design and Management at university. I have since had a varied career across the public sector including posts in a council owned business and DEFRA. I also had my own Community Interest Company for nine years working in primary and secondary schools across Nottinghamshire delivering horticultural and environmental education

    Due the pandemic, and school closures, I had to rethink my career and went on to work at the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s ecological consultancy where I worked on large regional environmental projects. This was a real springboard for me where I learnt a lot and led me on to the role of Environment and Quality Manager at Via East Midlands, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Highways Company.

    I loved the role but when I saw the Energy and Carbon Manager NHS vacancy, I felt compelled to apply. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to an organisation that prioritises sustainability and drives meaningful change for both the environment and patients.

  • In my role as an energy and carbon manager, my aim is to make sure we are using energy efficiently across the Trust. I am responsible for all things Energy, Travel and Transport and Water. Some of my current projects involve delivering a Winter Energy Campaign, Energy Dashboard Launch and applying for a sustainable travel grant.

    The grant application is for up to £25,000 and provided by Nottingham City Council to improve sustainable travel options. If we are successful, we will be introducing six e-bikes to community nursing teams, improving cycling facilities at one of our hospitals along with the installation of two new twin EV chargers.

    For the Trust’s energy management, we use specialised software which imports data from the property portfolio including energy usage and cost. We can ‘deep dive’ into the data so we fully understand our usage, where to improve efficiencies and to find anomalies that could be caused by issues such as leaks. Fixing these issues in a timely manner can save money and resources, and help the Trust become more sustainable”

    I am still relatively new to the team but am working with colleagues on the design of new environmental campaigns and projects will help to support the delivery of the Trust’s green plan and continue its work in environmental improvements.

  • The best thing about my job is knowing that I make a valuable contribution to an NHS Trust providing a valuable service to its patients. I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing, so this is really rewarding

    The role is also varied. I love getting to visit so many different sites - no two days are the same! It’s really satisfying being able to see the impact our team makes, whether that is through our work in waste auditing, energy management or promoting sustainability

    I do find interpreting data from energy meters across 70 different sites challenging. I am still getting my head around the sheer volume of data! But I have a really supportive and knowledgeable manager, and the challenges provide new opportunities to learn, which I find really rewarding.

  • I love being part of my samba band and choir. I attend weekly practices and have been in many performances!

    I am active person so go to the gym, swim and love walking with my Sprocker Maisie. I am not the best at relaxing (I am trying to get better!). When I do, the time is spent with my partner at home in the garden, drawing or learning piano!

  • I am still settling into my post so keen to learn as much as I can about the NHS to help me develop my energy management skills further. In the future, my plan is to become a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) member.

    I have found there are a lot of opportunities in the environmental sector so if you are passionate about the green agenda, you should go for it. The work is varied and there are many areas you can specialise in. I have always loved each role I’ve been in and have learnt so much in every job. Environmental management looks very different in highways than it does in the NHS! My advice is to follow your heart, work hard and it will pay off!

    I have also had many challenges throughout my career. I have felt out of my depth or overwhelmed, but I have always tried to remain positive and ask for help. My advice is to be honest and when you don’t know the answer and go off and find out!

Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.