Environmental Researcher - Brightsource

Description: 

 

Background information 
Brightsource is developing a software tool that will calculate and report on the environmental impact of marketing campaigns. At the heart of the software is a Data Library which contain carbon footprint data (and subsequently energy and water footprint data) for each different stage and process in a marketing campaign. For example, for a direct mail campaign, this would involve understanding the carbon footprint of the manufacture of different grades of paper, the transport of the paper, the operations of printers and mailing houses in transforming the raw material into a mailpack, the distribution of the mailpack by post, and the disposal of the mailpack at the end of its lifecycle. Much of this information is publicly available, but requires tracking down, interpretation, and conversion to common standards. Support, direction and advice will be available from your manager, but the ability to learn quickly is vital. 
 
We anticipate that the role will initially be offered as a 6 month contract, with a focus on carbon footprinting of print-based marketing campaigns. Subject to satisfactory performance in the first 6 months, and a successful launch of the software tool, it is likely that the position will be made permanent. 
 
At this point the role would extend to carbon footprinting of other forms of marketing campaigns. A separate company might be launched at this point, with the potential opportunity for the successful candidate to play a wider role in an exciting start-up. 
 
Summary of role 
• Desk research into the environmental impact of marketing campaigns 
 
Specific responsibilities 
• Defining (with assistance from other Brightsource staff) a common methodology for carbon footprinting reporting for marketing services, based on existing international and national protocols and standards 
• Obtaining sustainability reports and other data sources from manufacturers, businesses and other organisations (e.g. government departments) involved in the lifecycle of a marketing campaign 
• Initiating personal contact with people who can provide and help interpret unpublished information 
• Interpreting footprinting data consistently in relation to the agreed methodology 
• Co-ordinating Brightsource’s suppliers to report on the carbon footprint from their operations 
• Entering footprinting data into a database 
• Updating footprinting data within the database on a regular basis 
 
Skills/experience required 
• Initiative and the ability to learn quickly 
• Good written communication skills 
• Numeracy and attention to detail 
• Evidence of at least a basic scientific understanding of the issues surrounding CO2 emissions and footprinting 
• Ability to analyse and interpret raw data (including academic papers) in a consistent and accurate way 
• A creative and tenacious approach to research and the identification of relevant sources

Closing Date: 

Dec 12, 2008

Area: 

Cheltenham

Website URL: 

http://www.brightsource.co.uk

Contact Name: 

Jo Clarke

Company Email: 

jclarke@brightsource.co.uk