Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure, who answer questions about how they are creating a more sustainable world through their work and personal lives. Meet more Change Makers here.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images | Courtesy of Marcus Morrell
Meet Change Maker Marcus Morrell of Arup and Big Picture TV
Everyone has the power to make positive change; Marcus Morrell proves it. Based in London, Morrell is a double-threat when it comes to change-making actions. In 2003, he created Big Picture TV as a platform to air sustainability issues. Today, the site streams nearly 400 video interviews with green experts, thinkers, and activists. More recently, Morrell signed on as a foresight analyst at Arup, where he lends his own expertise to one of the largest structural engineering firms in the world.
How did you get into this line of work?
Having spent 3 years running Big Picture TV from home, I wanted to work in a structured, professional environment as part of a bigger team of people. I can find these qualities at Arup whilst working on Big Picture TV in my spare time.
What is your ultimate green goal?
To help businesses think more strategically about their future.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
I design and facilitate workshops designed to help clients better understand the drivers shaping change, many of which are environmental.
What most excites you about your new role?
I get to work with some fantastic people and organizations.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Describing to people exactly what the Foresight, Innovation + Incubation group does!
What is most rewarding?
Seeing big companies commit to real sustainability-oriented actions.
What results would you like to see?
Much more innovation in business around sustainability.
What businesses have you worked with?
InterContinental Hotels, Deutsche Bank, the Cooperative Group, and the World Economic Forum, among others.
What first made you aware of environmental issues?
When I was living in New York, I started reading more independent news after 9/11.
What green thing do you everyday?
Sort my rubbish. Arup recently took bins away from all employees and now we all have to go to a local recycling area where we sort our trash into five different waste streams. I also bike home often.
What do you wish you could do?
Work with more client companies, from a greater range of industry sectors.
What is your best green advice?
Get on a bike!
