Galilee Semblante

Galilee Semblante

Carbon Manager for Sydney Water

What attracted you to the Carbon Manager position?

I thought this position would give me opportunity to learn more about how the water/wastewater industry is adapting to challenges brought about by climate change. For instance, wastewater treatment facilities consume considerable energy, but they also have immense potential to convert waste to renewable materials and energy that may offset consumption. What sort of technologies successfully convert waste to energy? How much renewable energy can be realistically generated? Are these sustainable dreams just that – dreams – or can we make them a reality? These are questions that keep me awake at night. I feel that climate change is such a pressing issue requiring immediate action, so I grabbed the chance to be part of Sydney Water’s journey to carbon zero.

Another appeal is that the role is part of a wider program involving other carbon managers. I was intrigued by the possibility of meeting carbon managers from other organisations, who, like me, might be grappling with new carbon- and climate change-related questions in their respective industries. I thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to collaborate and engage with like-minded folks.

Another appeal is that the role is part of a wider program involving other carbon managers. I was intrigued by the possibility of meeting carbon managers from other organisations, who, like me, might be grappling with new carbon- and climate change-related questions in their respective industries. I thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to collaborate and engage with like-minded folks.

What experience and interest do you bring to the role?

My background in wastewater treatment has helped me connect the dots between process operation and carbon emissions. Granted, I had to shift my perspective on the wastewater treatment processes from “achieving water quality targets” to “improving energy efficiency.” It’s not always easy to marry these two aspirations, but as I learn more about carbon I realise that these must go hand-in-hand to make processes more resilient and adaptable to change.

I am also interested in data visualisation. We have a wealth of data on water flow, water quality and energy – but they are not always utilised for decision making perhaps due to a lack of understanding or accessible tools. My experience in data tidying and analysis has been useful in my current efforts to create a carbon tracking dashboard that will be used by the organisation to monitor our progress towards zero carbon.

What do you hope to achieve?

Aside from my two main goals (ie reducing emissions through blower renewal projects and building a carbon-tracking tool), I hope to engage with different people about carbon and keep climate change part of the conversation.

What impact do you think your role will have on the larger energy workforce?

I reckon that having a dedicated Carbon Manager could help accelerate carbon emissions projects and help with the promotion of net zero carbon initiatives.

What are you most looking forward to? What innovation/change would you like to see in 5-10 years’ time?

What innovation/change would you like to see in 5-10 years’ time? Everything about carbon is important, but the thing that I enjoy the most is working on site and seeing equipment (eg blowers and digesters) in action. In 5-10 years’ time I hope that sustainable materials and renewable energy options are the norm and not the exception.