How my net zero training changed the way I work in nuclear

Hello, my name is Amandeep, and I work at AtkinsRéalis's Global Technology Centre over here in India. I've now been working in the industry for two decades. Most of my experience has been in designing hydrogen generation units using the conventional Steam Methane Reforming process, which is CO2-intensive.

At AtkinsRéalis, our Engineering Net Zero and Sustainability training programme empowers colleagues around the world to progress our carbon capabilities. In this series, we share how the experience has shaped our approach to sustainability, collaboration, and delivering positivebetter impact for clients and the environment.

How employees at AtkinsRéalis help drive net zero impact?

With my background and the push for greener forms of hydrogen, my business head and line manager saw an opportunity for me to participate in our signature carbon reduction training. It was a privilege being the only representative of the Nuclear business from the Global Technology Centre. Learn about our approach to sustainability

How hands-on carbon reduction training helped me grow?

The programme was designed to facilitate learning by applying it to a live project and then presenting the output. All this was accomplished within six months, and we used what we learned along the way. At the start, putting things together all felt very overwhelming and challenging. However, if you just stick with it, the course starts to make sense as you enter the practical "live project" part of the course.

One of the highlights of my time on the programme was learning alongside colleagues from around the world, from Hong Kong to the US and Canada. It helped us understand the carbon perspective from a global point of view. How organizations and countries are working towards achieving Net zero targets. Discover how we're engineering net zero

I enjoyed the connection we made during this six-month programme, which extends across borders and businesses. The most memorable moment from the training was the three-day face-to-face sessions, where we interacted with each other and had a lot of fun through group activities.

A new perspective: What net zero really means in nuclear

I went into the course thinking, "We are already Net Zero." My aha moment during the training was when I realized the nuclear industry is not as green as we would like to believe. It is not just an operational consideration, where the nuclear industry is certainly net zero.

After the programme, I realized that there are numerous other considerations, from line construction and decommissioning to waste disposal and site rehabilitation, which need to be accounted for. I immediately shared that with my team – the idea that carbon emissions are not just what we see during operation.

Bringing carbon awareness into client work and daily design

Being on the programme has given me the confidence and tools to put myself forward for the bidding process of my next project. The training has brought more value to what I do. I can now propose a detailed analysis of carbon management – and start making a real difference for the client. It has taught me a lot and helped me gain a broader perspective on the carbon economy. It has personally changed how I view even everyday things and compare them with their carbon footprint. It also keeps me conscious while executing any design work to step back and look at it from a carbon emission perspective. More ways we reward and support our people

Becoming a sustainability leader – at every level

An unexpected skill I gained on the programme was leadership and owning the change. As an integral part of AtkinsRéalis and an advocate of sustainability, regardless of my position, I must own and champion the sustainability agenda in everything I do, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

Want to lead on sustainability and make a global impact with your skills? Explore environmental and energy careers at AtkinsRéalis.