Meet Dr Cathy Olphin, Rising Star Finalist at Switch2 Energy

This month we're very proud that one of team is shining very brightly, as she is recognised as a finalist Rising Star at the ADE Awards, and most importantly awarded a doctorate in sustainability.

 

Since starting at Switch2 in April 2024, Cathy has been working on her PhD which looks into university-business collaboration for low carbon innovation. We are delighted to announce that Cathy officially passed her PhD in November – and we could not be prouder to have her on the Switch2 team!

We asked Cathy about the work she has been doing at Switch2 over the last 18 months, the work she completed for her PhD and what plans she has for the future.

Can you tell us about your role at Switch2?

I’m the Sustainability Manager, and it’s a really exciting and varied role. I mainly focus on two areas: our Optimise service and our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) work.

Optimise is all about data-driven, targeted maintenance. We use data from heat meters and building management systems to identify inefficiencies in heat networks. For example, we might find that 12% of properties are using 70–80% of the network’s heat volume. So instead of visiting every property, we focus on the ones that will have the biggest impact.

When I started, Optimise had a lot of unrealised potential. I’ve been working to make it scalable and automated, involving teams across data, IT, engineering, scheduling, and customer service.

On the ESG side, I manage our social value work; things like apprenticeships, community engagement, and charity partnerships. I also lead our carbon reduction planning and help ensure we’re governing our heat networks effectively, especially as regulations evolve.

What excites you most about your role?

The industry itself. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and would never take a job that didn’t have a sustainable impact. Switch2 is the biggest player in residential heat networks, and this sector is crucial to the UK’s net zero transition. Being part of that is incredibly exciting. I feel like I’m contributing to something that really matters.

You recently completed your PhD - congratulations! What was your research about, and how does it relate to your work now?

Thank you! My PhD focused on university-business collaboration in low carbon innovation. I studied a large-scale collaboration in the North-West and looked at how these partnerships work, what makes them successful, and how to evaluate them effectively.

Even though it wasn’t directly about heat networks, the skills I developed, like critical thinking, evaluation, and working across different sectors, are things I use every day. My role involves bringing together clients, engineers, digital teams and more, so that collaborative mindset is valuable.

We’re also involved in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and student projects with universities like Bradford and Leeds, so it’s great to apply my research in a practical way.

What was your journey like balancing your PhD with your career?

It was definitely a challenge! I started my PhD in October 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. It was a professional doctorate, so I was working alongside my studies.

Switch2 were amazing. When I joined, I explained my situation, and they were incredibly flexible and supportive. They gave me the time I needed to focus on my research when necessary, and I’m really grateful for that. It took longer than I originally expected, but I got there in the end!

Now that you’ve finished your PhD, what’s next for you?

Honestly, I’m just happy to be able to give my full attention to Switch2 now. With new regulations coming in, there’s a lot of scope for sustainability to play a bigger role in heat networks. I think Optimise is going to become even more important, and I’m excited to focus on that and help it grow.

Congratulations on being shortlisted for the ADE Rising Star Award! What does that recognition mean to you?

Thank you! I’m really honoured and flattered. I didn’t expect to be nominated, let alone shortlisted. There are so many talented people in this industry, so it means a lot to be recognised, especially by Switch2, who put me forward for the award. It’s a lovely moment in what’s been a very busy year!

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in sustainability, what would it be?

Pick an industry that’s fast-moving and where you can make a real impact. Sustainability is such an exciting field right now, especially with the net zero agenda gaining momentum. But also, don’t be disheartened - everyone’s at a different stage. A big part of the job is bringing others along on the journey, showing them the benefits of sustainable practices. Stick with it, and find a space that excites you.