About Martin Ballard
An environmental and performance leader in the built environment, with delivery of legal assurance and risk-based performance improvement.

Martin Ballard
Group Environment Manager, Willmott Dixon Holdings
Martin is an environmental sustainability professional and performance improvement leader in built environment construction, maintenance and asset management. He has experience of delivering on waste, water, and carbon reduction, as well as strategic stakeholder and supply chain engagement, for example on biodiversity, surface water and sustainable urban drainage controls. Martin has worked with the Biodiversity Industry Group (BIG) since 2012 and has actively collaborated for an integrated approach for biodiversity in the built environment, as well as recognition of the positive part that developers and constructors play for biodiversity mitigation and enhancement.
Martin leads Willmott Dixon’s environmental sustainability team on legal assurance, environmental protection and promotion of environmental improvements for risk mitigation, assisting the business with best practice to perform to company targets. He is responsible for the Group’s ISO14001:2015 environmental management system. Martin has chaired the industry’s Water Task Group and the BIG Biodiversity Challenge awards selection panel.
Martin began his career in pollution prevention and inspectorate roles with the National Rivers Authority and Environment Agency, before joining Anglian Water where he held operational, asset investment and supply chain performance roles. Environmental improvement and sustainability enhancement has been core to his career across the utility and built environment. He is a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), IEMA member (MIEMA) and Chartered Manager (CMgr), with degree in Biology at Southampton University, where he studied ecological sciences and oceanographic systems.
Martin can be contacted at [email protected] or on 07772137594.
Featured articles and news
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.