Article 3 November 2026

Insights Interview: Sustainable Futures

Interview with Camila Carnevale on Sustainable Futures: Turning ambition into action

1. Tell us about your role and the areas you specialise in.

I am the ESG & Sustainability Partner for Mitie Ireland, responsible for helping embed sustainability into our operations, governance, client delivery and business strategy. My role focuses on turning ESG ambitions into practical actions that create value for clients, employees, and the business.

I specialise in ESG strategy and governance, environmental and energy management, ISO management systems (ISO 50001, 45001, 14001 and 9001), sustainable supply chains and cross‑functional programme delivery across complex, multi‑site environments. A key part of my role is creating the governance, tools and engagement needed to turn high-level commitments into practical, measurable action.

2. Why is Turning sustainable ambitions into action so important for our clients right now?

Most organisations no longer need help understanding why sustainability matters. The challenge now is implementation. Clients are facing increasing expectations from customers, employees, investors and regulators. At the same time, they are trying to reduce costs, improve resilience and demonstrate genuine progress.

Ambitions and commitments are important, but they only create value when they translate into real changes on the ground. Turning ambition into action helps organisations reduce risk, improve operational performance, enhance reputation and deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes. It is ultimately about making sustainability part of everyday decision-making rather than treating it as a standalone initiative.

3. What are the biggest challenges you see in this area day-to-day?

One of the biggest challenges is governance and ownership. Many organisations have ambitious sustainability goals, but accountability is not always clearly defined across departments and operational teams.

Another challenge is balancing long-term sustainability objectives with day-to-day operational pressures. People are often managing multiple priorities, so sustainability initiatives need to be practical, relevant and aligned with business objectives to gain traction and maintain momentum.  

4. How do you and your team approach these challenges?

We focus on making sustainability practical and achievable. Rather than starting with reporting requirements or targets, we work with clients to understand their business priorities and identify opportunities where sustainability can support operational performance, efficiency and resilience.

5. Can you share a recent real-world example where this made a difference?

A recent example is the launch of Mitie Ireland’s People & Planet network, which brings together Sustainability Champions from across the business. Through regular workshops and collaboration, colleagues share ideas, develop local initiatives, support community projects, and help embed sustainable practices into day-to-day operations. For me, this is a great example of turning sustainability into something practical and achievable. People are much more likely to embrace change when they feel involved in the process, and the diversity of perspectives across the network often leads to innovative ideas and solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.

6. What’s one thing you wish more clients understood about this topic?

I wish more organisations and leadership recognised that sustainability is not a separate business activity. When approached correctly, it becomes a tool for improving efficiency, reducing risk, reducing cost, strengthening relationships with employees, clients, and community.

The organisations making the most progress are those that embed sustainability into existing business processes rather than treating it as an additional workstream.

7. What do you enjoy most about your work or what motivates you in this area?

What motivates me most is helping people. Ultimately, if I can help an Operations Manager improve their contract, support a client in achieving their sustainability goals, ensure our employees work in fair conditions without causing harm to themselves or the environment, and add value to the communities that surround us, then I know I have done my job well.

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