Building a Better Future

Dr Cassandre Le Galliard on the search for a more sustainable construction solution

For Dr Cassandre Le Galliard, research and sustainability have always been passions. So when she found the opportunity to blend the two in a career with Holcim, you could say it was meant to be.

The 28-year-old’s journey to Holcim started during her time at university. After completing a master’s degree in engineering, during which she enjoyed two research internships in her home country of France – one of which with Holcim – Cassandre studied for her PhD at The University of Sheffield, which was funded by the European Union and of which Holcim was a partner. Her PhD specialised in carbonation and looked at the durability of environmentally friendly concrete.

Fast-forward nine years of intense study and Dr Le Galliard began working as product manager for sustainable concrete.

A journey of learning

Whether she’s working from home or on site, Cassandre leans on many of the learnings she picked up from her time in academia.

“I acquired a lot of the technical skills that I use in my current role during my time spent studying,” Cassandre said.

“Skills such as working on lifecycle assessments, concrete chemistry, cementitious chemistry and new materials are already ingrained in me. This allows me more time to focus on my job because I don’t need to spend too long trying to understand what I need to do. The bank of knowledge I already have allows me to just get on with it.”

The decision to move away from academia and into a career with Holcim was spurred on by the support the company showed her throughout her studies.

“I wanted to make a change in the industry, which is one of the reasons I didn’t stay in academia,” Cassandre said. “I wanted to make more of an impact and help the industry move more quickly towards a greener, more sustainable future.

“Holcim aligned with these values and when I came for my interview, I realised the people who work here are also inspirational and share the same vision for a sustainable industry.

“I think it’s really important to work with people you are inspired by. I already knew from my time in the innovation centre with Holcim during my studies that the company prioritised diversity in the workforce, which is key to achieving tangible change in any industry - but especially in construction.”

Steps towards sustainability

Day to day, sustainability is at the forefront of Cassandre's role. Working with a small team, she is now focused on making Holcim a world leader when it comes to sourcing eco-friendly construction materials.

“A big part of my role is working with the wider industry to push organisations and key stakeholders to do more when it comes to sustainability,” Cassandre said.

“Holcim by itself cannot solve these big industry issues and, while we are doing what we can, we need wider support from government, engineers, architects and contractors to bring new, more sustainable materials to market.”

The data Cassandre and her team collect is shared with various organisations and industry professionals to determine the CO₂ and wider environmental impact of their current and future projects. It’s also shared with trade unions so they can create a benchmark for other projects.

Cassandre said: “I am also passionate about sharing data with PhD students and supporting academic project grant applications. Whether successful or not, Holcim supports applicants, sharing data with them and giving them insights into what we’re currently working on in the industry.”

Championing women

Cassandre is clear about the positive impact a diverse team can have on the construction industry and is proud to be surrounded by inspirational colleagues. But when it comes to being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Cassandre believes there is still more to be done.

“It’s quite hard to sit in a room that is only composed of older men,” she said.

“Sometimes they don’t take me seriously and when they realise I’m the one with the knowledge they need, they’ll start talking to me. In the past, people I’ve spoken to have tended to look at my male colleagues instead of me unless I show them straight away that I know what I’m talking about.

“However, I’m quite lucky to be supported by some very strong women within Holcim. We call on each other if we need anything and it’s nice to be able to share experiences with one another. Holcim also has a lot of supportive male colleagues, which is really important. But when it comes to the industry as a whole, we still have plenty to do. For example, it would be nice to have more facilities for women on sites across the country so we feel more comfortable and welcome.”

In her current role, Cassandre also visits schools across the country to share her story and inspire the next generation.

“I love working with children,” she said. “They are amazing and I think we need to start encouraging people into this industry from a young age.

“I went into this industry because my family works in construction. My grandpa was a builder and he used to take me on his construction site, and my brother and uncles have all worked in the construction industry so they’re really supportive of me. When I go back home to France, we all have something in common to talk about and, to be honest, I still feel like I’m working with them now when I’m on site!”

With role models like Dr Le Galliard, it is hoped that more women will be inspired to take up a career in the construction industry and be exposed to the plethora of possibilities available within the sector.