Last time we looked at one of the newest members of the SAS team. Today, we are going to get to know better one of the founders of SAS Environmental Services. If you have heard of SAS, and probably you have, because you are reading our blog, then you have heard of Mark, our fearless leader and CEO. In this interview we get to know a little bit more about his background and motivation. Without further ado:

Hi Mark.

Hi Laura.

Let’s start with the basics. What is your background?

Well, it seems long time ago when I lived in Holland and studied environmental engineering in Groningen. The European Erasmus program brought me to Edinburgh for a year of study. I ended up working on the production of biogas from whisky industry waste. Fun work and our labs were based in the gardens of a beautiful old villa. Wonderful team of people to work with as well.

How did you come up with the idea of SAS Environment?

Together with John we worked on the unique microemulsion technology and we discovered that there was a lot of oil waste being produced in the North Sea and elsewhere. Especially the liquid slops waste and oil sludge was often not treated or simply by heating it all up. Our microemulsions were perfect to separate this waste. Both John and I have an environmental sciences background and so we wanted to do something every day that makes the environment better, removes hazardous waste and helps people everywhere live in a healthier circumstance. It has been and remains fun, stressful, challenging, frustrating and hugely rewarding. I feel very lucky I travelled the world and made friends everywhere and worked with so many different, supremely qualified people.

How do you think the Oil & Gas Industry will look in the next 10 years?

I see the easy questions are coming out! The Million-dollar question. There is no doubt the energy industry is going through major changes and the growth in renewable energy supply will increasingly have an impact on fossil fuel demand. However, the world still needs enormous amounts of oil and gas to function. Virtually everything is still touched in some way by oil and gas. Materials are made of it, transported using it, etc. Having said that I think the oil industry will increasingly need to show responsibility for the environment. There are many good companies and people in the industry, and I hope they will get the opportunities to show the world that this key industry is going to do the right things.

One key element I strongly believe is that international funding organizations, commercial banks and governments are going to increasingly push for and fund the cleanup of historical waste from exploration and production activities. Much of this waste is in open to the air ponds, pits, lakes and lagoons. We need to go and sort this stuff out. It would also employ tens of thousands of skilled employees around the world.

What is your commitment to the environment?

Personally, I like living in a healthy environment. Being in a forest is a wonderful experience and taking my kids for a wander around Scotland or elsewhere is always brilliant. I want to leave the world in a better state than it was when I first entered the world! Things are improving everywhere, and the human race is incredibly resourceful. We will sort the problems we have to sort. I am an optimist but firmly realistic about the work that has to be done.

Thank you, Mark.

If you wish to know more, connect with Mark via LinkedIn.

Until next time!