Five questions with...Chéri Davidson
Chéri is a project manager in the publishing department of our office in Cape Town, South Africa. In this interview, Chéri talks about her enthusiasm for the environment and an exciting project she has recently been involved in.
As a project manager, Chéri’s day-to-day role at Cambridge University Press & Assessment's regional office in Cape Town involves managing various titles in the publishing team as well as the media production studio where the team creates digital resources to accompany our books.
Chéri also champions environmental, social and governance awareness and initiatives across Africa, with a particular focus on driving engagement within our office in South Africa. She collaborates with the global sustainability team to embed sustainability into all aspects of our value chain and to provide comprehensive environmental reporting in an effort to reduce our carbon emissions.
Recently, Chéri has been involved in working on a Carbon Literacy course for colleagues, in partnership with the Carbon Literacy Project. She supported the submission for an environmental award for her office and they recently received a Platinum Green Impact award in recognition of extensive efforts to promote sustainability practices at work.
I’ve always been passionate about finding purpose in what I do and being able to contribute to meaningful change and diving into sustainability has been an incredible way to make that change tangible.
What does sustainability mean to you?
It means taking a hard look at my actions to understand their impact, and then doing everything in my power to minimise that impact, and to help others understand the need do the same. It means living responsibly and accountably so that future generations aren’t compromised by my actions.
What’s the most exciting project you’re currently working on?
At the end of last month, the Cape Town Green Impact Team submitted their workbook for the award. Green Impact is a United Nations award-winning program that supports organisations in their implementation of sustainable practices. Since joining Green Impact, our team has started some exciting initiatives including monthly Biodiversity Hikes, Wellness Wednesdays and other sustainable food campaigns, cold swims in the ocean and hot yoga sessions to encourage staff to get involved and think a bit differently. We’ve also been looking at improving our policies and processes around sustainable procurement and travel, as well as energy efficiency in the office.
What’s one thing about the environment that you wish people knew?
We have all the solutions and tools we need to save it. We just need people to shift their mindsets and act! We rely completely on the earth, but it will survive without us.
What tip would you give to help people reduce their carbon footprints?
Make small changes that you can commit to. Sustainability is a lifelong journey – be as kind as you can to the environment, and those around you, every single day. Think about the impact your actions have and hold yourself accountable.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned since joining Cambridge?
Every one of our actions has an impact on the environment. Making changes as an individual is essential and meaningful, but the world will only change through collaboration.
