HVS' Head of Corporate Relations, Vanesa Kelly, shares a few words this Zero Emissions Day
At HVS, sustainability isn't just a corporate goal—it's embedded in the very fabric of the company’s ethos. This Zero Emissions Day, we’re excited to spotlight one of our key team members who not only helps to drive HVS’ mission of decarbonisation in transport, but also brings sustainability into her personal life.
Vanesa, our Head of Corporate Relations, joined HVS as Events Manager as we launched our cutting-edge Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demo vehicle. Since then, she has been instrumental in communicating our vision for zero-emission heavy-duty transport to the wider world. A committed advocate for change, Vanesa takes pride in promoting the sustainable future that HVS is building—both in the transport industry and beyond.
Based in Edinburgh, Vanesa shares her home with her affectionate yet cranky 13-year-old rescue cat, Holly. Beyond her professional role, Vanesa strives to embrace sustainability in various aspects of her daily life. She is an avid thrift-shopper, giving new life to vintage clothing and reducing waste in the fashion industry, which is one of the most resource-heavy sectors in the world. By exploring pastimes that engage with community outreach and taking every opportunity to maximise the use of public transport, as well as embracing a plant-based lifestyle, she ensures her own carbon footprint remains on-check.
One of Vanesa’s favourite hobbies is foraging. For her, it’s more than just a simple pastime; it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature and re-live nostalgic childhood memories of autumn bramble-picking. For many of us, autumn is a time of changing colours, cooler temperatures, and a chance to rediscover hedgerows filled with delicious blackberries. As summer draws to a close, Vanesa invites you to join her in this traditional activity, making it not only a fun outdoor pursuit but a way to live more sustainably. This weekend, as you head outdoors, take a stroll through your local walkways and find a hedgerow brimming with juicy brambles. Pick a basket full, take them home, and whip up an easy crumble—a perfect way to savour the flavours of the season while reducing your reliance on packaged goods that come with heavy carbon footprints.
Vanesa believes that embracing small habits like foraging, visiting your local farmer's market, and paying attention to where your food comes from can significantly reduce your personal emissions. Supporting local producers not only strengthens the local economy but also reduces the environmental impact of food transportation.
On this Zero Emissions Day, Vanesa’s message is clear: sustainability starts with the choices we make every day. Whether it's encouraging corporations to decarbonise their fleets by driving zero-emission vehicles, or personal choices about what we wear, eat, or how we travel, every effort counts towards creating a greener, cleaner future.