Q&A with Tamma Carel
Tamma at TEDx Teesside Women
Tamma, please can you tell us about Imvelo and the work that you do?
My name is Tamma Carel, and I am the founder of Imvelo Limited, an environmental consultancy and training company based in the UK. At Imvelo, we specialise in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into corporate strategies, helping organisations navigate their sustainability journeys.
Our services include designing and implementing environmental management systems certified to international standards, conducting audits, and delivering training programmes. Education for sustainability is a personal passion of mine.
I’m also the co-founder of iCOR Systems, a cloud-based solution enabling organisations to audit themselves against environmental legislation. This business grew out of my consultancy work, where I recognised the need for organisations to understand the regulatory landscape they operate in.
Compliance is foundational, ensuring businesses avoid pollution, mitigate risk, and operate within legal boundaries. Once this framework is in place, companies can identify opportunities to enhance sustainability and environmental performance.
How did you first get into Environmental Consultancy as a career?
I’ve always been drawn to a career that centres on supporting and advocating for nature. Growing up in South Africa, my connection with the environment played a significant role in shaping this passion.
My early work spanned diverse roles, from marine life sanctuaries and bird conservation to agriculture and game reserves.
Eventually, I found my way into what I call strategic conservation—working with larger organisations to improve their environmental performance. These entities have the resources and authority to drive meaningful change at scale, making this area of work incredibly impactful and fulfilling.
What do you find most rewarding about your day-to-day work?
One of the highlights of my role is collaborating with a variety of organisations, ranging from manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and marine to education, construction, and renewable energy.
I enjoy seeing the transformative impact businesses can achieve when they embrace environmental management wholeheartedly. Being part of their journey, from initial interventions to significant environmental improvements is immensely rewarding.
What frustrates you the most with regards to how the human population is impacting the planet?
Our relentless consumption culture is a significant source of frustration. We are conditioned to constantly acquire more, often without questioning the need or the environmental cost. This "convenience-first" mindset, while understandable, is inherently unsustainable.
The irony is striking: we balk at small inconveniences now, yet the consequences of inaction—climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion—will be far more disruptive and far-reaching.
So with 2025 fast approaching, do you think it is too late to save the planet?
I don’t believe it’s too late, but the urgency couldn’t be greater. Nature has an incredible capacity to recover and regenerate if given space and time. However, we need real action now. As environmental professionals, we are eternal optimists, but optimism must be matched by effort and commitment on all fronts.
Here in the UK, do you think Government should be doing more to support our sustainability goals?
The Government has made strides, but there is considerable room for improvement. Policies need to be more ambitious, and there should be greater investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and waste reduction.
Businesses and consumers also play a critical role. My belief is that businesses, in particular, can drive change faster than governments and have the power to influence policy while shaping consumer behaviour.
What is your message to North East businesses looking to become more sustainable?
Begin with compliance. Understanding the regulatory framework affecting your business is the cornerstone of effective environmental management. From there, explore opportunities to innovate, optimise processes, and reduce waste.
Consider implementing an environmental management system or working towards certifications like ISO14001 or B-Corp. Embracing principles of the circular economy can also help businesses achieve sustainability goals while reducing costs and inefficiencies.
For anyone looking to reduce their personal impact on the planet, what could they look to do in 2025?
The key is to consume less. Start with the classic mantra: reduce, reuse, recycle. Build on that by considering actions like repurposing, remanufacturing, and redistributing. Ask yourself, "Do I really need this, and what is its environmental cost?"
Thoughtful consumption, paired with mindful habits, can have a profound impact.
With the festive season around the corner, how can we make Christmas more sustainable?
We can make Christmas more sustainable by rethinking gifting. Instead of buying for the sake of it, choose presents that add genuine value to people’s lives. Consider second-hand options, experiences, or even re-gifting. In my family, we focus on spending time together rather than exchanging material gifts, creating memories instead of clutter.
Additionally, reuse decorations, avoid single-use items, and embrace simplicity in your celebrations.
Looking back at 2024, what achievements are you most proud of?
2024 has been a transformative year. Running two businesses, Imvelo and iCOR Systems, has been both challenging and rewarding. I’m also thrilled to be graduating from Newcastle University with a part-time MBA, which has been two years of hard work culminating in a Merit.
A personal highlight was delivering a TEDx talk at TEDx Teesside Women, where I had the honour of sharing my passion for sustainability on the iconic red dot. It was an unforgettable experience and a testament to the power of individual and collective action for the environment.
Tamma is the co-founder of iCOR Systems, a cloud-based solution enabling organisations to audit themselves against environmental legislation
