For this edition of Fast Five, ELSA committee member Hannah Monaghan sat down with Boeing colleague Dr. Kimberly Camrass (K), Head of Sustainability APAC, to ask the key questions emerging leaders want to know.
H: What guiding principles or mindset have helped you remain effective and resilient while working on long-term sustainability challenges?
K: Sustainability challenges are not just “long term”, they in some instances will outlast our life spans. The ability to tackle them effectively can be subject to changes in market and political forces and as with all emerging fields, can be a challenge to effectively resource and understand. Being able to understand the strategic opportunities associated with sustainability activities is critical and can often help engage the wide variety of actors needed to solve these complex challenges. The importance of sustainability over time is critical. Grounding your work in the intersection of social and environmental outcomes in your given communities will inevitably support you through these challenges.
H: If you were starting your career today, which technical or soft skills would you focus on mastering for the sustainability field?
K: While it is important to have solid technical skills in your chosen area, your impact will be much greater if you can communicate your work to various audiences effectively. Making sure your community understands the criticality of your work and being able to keep them informed participants in your work will ensure its longevity, especially if you lead with empathy and imagination. Being able to communicate the strategic importance of your work will always help decision makers support you along the way.
H: Which emerging innovations or research areas do you think young professionals should be watching to understand the future of sustainable aviation?
K: Sustainable and alternative fuels demonstrate how vital cross-industry collaboration and innovation is to decarbonising aerospace. Reducing emissions throughout the value chain in aviation will only happen when non-traditional fuels and electron carriers are used by the aircraft themselves, manufacturers, airports and suppliers and operators at all levels. The development of this technology and infrastructure to deploy it requires a concerted effort from energy providers, users, policy makers and financiers and much like all things aviation, will only be achieved with collaboration.
H: What factors do you consider when evaluating whether to adopt or invest in new sustainability technologies that are still emerging or uncertain?
K: Emerging sustainability technologies are worthy of pursuit when they offer more than just a decarbonisation outcome. It is increasingly important to consider the biodiversity, social and supply chain outcomes as well as the life cycle analysis of carbon intensity. Of course, considering economic co-benefits is also really important and can often be the catalyst for driving emerging technologies forward. It is encouraging to see this reflected in sustainability regulatory frameworks, including sustainable finance taxonomies.
H: What cultural changes within the aviation sector are necessary to accelerate sustainability, and how can younger professionals contribute to that shift?
K: Aviation is an inherently collaborative sector by its nature, but it would benefit from growing that community of practice into other participating sectors. As an example, aircraft manufacturers working on energy solutions with energy producers and private financing groups is accelerating the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Young professionals can amplify this work by staying connected, working together for consensus driven outcomes and being open to engaging with policy makers. Build a network that covers the full value chain!
Dr. Kimberly Camrass is a sustainability professional and social scientist. She holds a PhD in Regenerative Urban Futures. In her current role as Head of Asia Pacific Sustainability at Boeing, Kimberly drives efforts to decarbonise aviation across the region. She has a strong focus on policy development for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), emerging flight technologies and robust market-based measures. Kimberly is Boeing’s representative on the Australian Government’s Jet Zero Council and is also driving aviation sustainability through partnerships with airlines, industry, State Governments and the research sector. Prior to joining Boeing, she was the Director – Climate Positive Brisbane 2032 within the Queensland Government, shaping initial sustainability planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Kimberly is an Adjunct Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast and is a published author, with works covering a range of themes, including futures studies, nature-informed design, regeneration, sustainability and leadership.