Top graduate scoops IEMA award

An environmentalist working to engage young people with sustainability was named the winner of the 2011 IEMA graduate award

Heather Poore, youth volunteering project manager at behaviour change charity Global Action Plan (GAP), was presented with the 2011 graduate award at the IEMA sustainable business practice conference for her exceptional work in helping to turn environmental messages into action.

Dave Farebrother, chair of the judging panel and director of environment at Land Securities, which sponsored the award, said: “Heather is an outstanding example of how environment graduates are bringing the skills that will embed environmental thinking into business practice. Her work at GAP, where she has shown outstanding commitment to inspiring young people, is an excellent example of this.”

Poore, who won £2,000 and a year’s free IEMA membership, reacted to the announcement by praising the work of her fellow finalists.

“I am delighted to be recognised by IEMA and for the kind comments of the judges,” she said. “When I heard about the work of the other finalists, I couldn’t believe that I had been chosen as the winner. The award has been a great experience, especially because it has enabled me to meet other graduates and learn about what they are doing.”

Charlie Symonds, sustainable development engineer at Stannah Stairlifts, and Laura Duggan, environment executive at George Best Belfast City Airport, were this year’s runners-up, each receiving a £1,000 cheque and a year’s free IEMA membership.