Gary Foster

Overall, I have technical knowledge in industrial ecology, carbon management, waste management, supply chain sustainability and creation of the circular economy in multiple sectors. I have also been a director and manager for programs involving all of the above. Initially, I was trained as an engineer in the aircraft operation and manufacture sector.

I prefer any activity that is innovative and brings a sense of abundance and vitality to sustainability, e.g. along the lines of the ‘circular economy’. My favourite projects have involved helping pioneer the delivery of the world’s first national industrial symbiosis program, and supporting a similar initiative in New South Wales.

As a mission, I would love to help create the next (more sustainable) industrial revolution and enable greater collaboration between businesses and agents of positive change to make this happen. I have very much enjoyed market development work for selected sustainable building products here in Australia, as well as sustainable procurement, materials, waste and supply chain mapping projects.

I have a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of London, a diploma in management from Chartered Management Institute and a Professional Certificate in Marketing from Chartered Institute of Marketing. I was trained in programme and project management while in a large, global infrastructure and environmental consultancy, and studied logistics support analysis and environmental science earlier in my career.

I work in sustainability because there is a natural alignment with my values and I feel that I am making a constructive contribution to the future of mankind. The roles and projects are varied and highly interesting, and invariably I work with a great crowd of people both in my host company and the clients that I work with. There is rarely a dull moment and I genuinely look forward to the opportunities and challenges that every day brings.

In my spare time, I row at one of the largest rowing clubs in Australia in Sydney; it’s a great way to meet people and spend time on Sydney Harbour. In addition, I am very much enjoying the culture that Sydney has to offer in terms of live music, comedy or the theatre and relaxing on the beaches with my partner and family.