Wendy Merz
Nominated for: 30 Over 30 Award
Title: Director of Sustainability Services
Company: Trinity Consultants
Years in Profession: 24
Nominator: Marc Tatarsky, Marketing Director, Trinity Consultants, co-worker of Wendy.
Tell us why this person deserves recognition for making a difference in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. (500 words max.)*
Wendy has been supporting client across a variety of industry for over twenty-four years delivering environmental consulting projects and specializing in sustainability/ESG and environmental permitting and compliance.
Over the last 12 months she has helped to champion an industry transforming initiative with the Global Steel Climate Council to establish a global "Green Steel" protocol. The technology-agnostic global standard establishes a science-based framework that focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global steel industry with a glidepath to reduce emissions in line with the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement to achieve a 1.5º C scenario.
Her Sustainability/ESG experience includes corporate sustainability/climate strategic advisement, GHG reduction target setting, entity-wide carbon footprints, and voluntary reporting, GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule compliance, and life cycle analysis (LCA) and environmental product declaration (EPD) development.
She has been a champion for Sustainability and ESG for over 2 decades and is helping to shape the future of the industry.
Describe a situation or initiative where the nominee was directly responsible for a significant achievement and/or advancement in the practice of EHS & Sustainability management. Include metrics and KPIs if available. (500 words max.)*
In addition to various client engagements that have led to significant advances in sustainability (e.g. Nucor, Penske, etc.), Wendy has helped facilitate the creation of a true global "green steel" standard through the collaboration of a diverse group of steel manufacturers and other members in the steel industry. She has provided strategic guidance and counsel in creating a science-based emissions standard centered on actual emissions. The new framework and protocol will provide transparency, incentivize actions to decrease carbon emissions for one of the hardest-to-abate global industries, and aligns with the Paris Accord.
Wendy worked with the cross-industry members and GSCC leadership to set product intensity goals for the steel industry that are based on the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) carbon budget for the iron and steel sector, which is aligned with the 1.5°C scenario for net zero emissions by 2050.
This is a significant accomplishment and showcases Wendy's commitment to Sustainability and leading/changing the industry for a better future. More information about the new standard and the GSCC can be found here - https://globalsteelclimatecouncil.org/.
In your opinion, what are the predominant skills and attributes that directly contribute to the nominee’s effectiveness and success? (500 words max.)*
Dedication and perseverance
Technical knowledge and expertise - across Sustainability, Regulatory & Compliance, as well as consulting/project management skills
Depth of industry and client experience
Collaboration and networking skills to bring ideas and best practices together
Ability to blend strategy with practical, realistic execution
Share the ways this nominee has positively influenced you, both personally and professionally. You may also include reflections and quotes from others including executives, direct reports, colleagues, suppliers, and clients. (500 words max.)*
Wendy has been a leader in the Environmental and ESG/Sustainability industry for several decades. She has been a mentor to many consultants across Trinity Consultants and has shaped the careers of many future leaders in the industry. In addition, to her work and leadership at Trinity Consultants, she has been a source of inspiration and guidance for many clients across a wide variety of industries and sizes. Her leadership and engagement with topics that will have a lasting impact on the industry and the global economy have inspired me and other co-workers to take a more active role in our work endeavors as well as in our personal lives.
Provide one or more examples of nominee’s commitment to environmental stewardship within their organization and/or the community. (500 words max.)*
In addition to the previously mentioned industry-leading work with the GSCC, Wendy has been a past member of PA Chamber Environmental Committee and is currently a member of Aluminum Association Climate Advisory Group and American Iron and Steel Institute Sustainability Committee. She has provided expert testimonials in various cases and works with many clients to ensure compliance and adherence to local, national and global standards.