5 minutes with...

Charles Lam Tsz Kai CEng CEnv MSc MCABE C.Build E C.WEM MCIWEM was nominated for the prestigious SocEnv Rising Star Award.

Q What was your route into the profession?

My journey started with academic qualifications – two bachelor’s degrees in Building Services Engineering and Social Science (with Environmental and Sustainability majors) and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and Management (completed in 2021).

My route into the profession was directly related to this, combined with more than six years of experience in environmental engineering and corporate sustainability roles. This shaped my commitment to decarbonisation, carbon management and building sustainability, which underpins my interest in engineering-related fields.

Professionally, I worked at Brilliant Man Sau Engineering Limited as an Engineer and Internal Auditor for ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, conducting audits at construction sites and headquarters. I then advanced into sustainability officer roles at conglomerates including Shun Tak Holdings Limited, undertaking leadership in sustainability reporting, carbon auditing and environmental data assurance.

Q Did you change direction at any point and, if so, why?

My career shows a natural evolution from technical engineering roles (such as internal auditor for ISO 14001 EMS at engineering firms) towards corporate sustainability leadership roles where you lead environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, carbon management and sustainable business frameworks in conglomerates. 

This represents not a change of direction, but a broadening from technically-focused environmental engineering to holistic corporate sustainability and governance, driven by growing industry needs for integrated ESG practices and a commitment to advancing environmental stewardship.

Q What are the current challenges of your role?

Ensuring compliance with high standards, such as upcoming ISO 14001:2026 updates and integrating new climate change, nature and biodiversity considerations in business decisions.

Managing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in upstream supply chains is also a key challenge, requiring innovation in tracking and supplier engagement. Balancing stakeholder interests in sustainability reporting, advancing decarbonisation roadmaps and avoiding greenwashing are additional complexities.

Q What question do you get asked most often?

I’m often asked to advise environmental science and engineering students on entering the industry and the practical implementation of sustainability initiatives.

Q What inspires your work?

I am inspired by a commitment to professional standards, societal and environmental obligations, and combating climate change. My work is motivated by achieving real environmental impact through transparency, data-driven decarbonisation strategies and contributing to public social services via committee volunteerism. That is, turning knowledge into measurable, sustainable outcomes and fostering systemic change in corporate and governmental practices.

Q What is the biggest challenge facing the profession, in your opinion?

Managing the complexity of sustainability reporting and environmental impacts, especially around Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions upstream in supply chains. Overcoming these challenges requires innovative technology-driven approaches, integrated data systems and effective supplier collaboration to track and reduce emissions meaningfully.

For more, visit b.link/CABE_risingstar