Career history: Jan specialises in energy efficiency policy. Previously he worked at the Environmental Change Institute, Oxford University and as an independent consultant.
What was your first job?
Delivering pizza was my first job when at school. My first proper job was being the environment officer for the student union.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The best part is working in a team of enthusiastic people to answer a challenging question for a client while contributing to more effective energy and climate policy. The worst part is that I spend too much time in front of the computer – but I am working on it.
What’s your dream job and why?
A professional wine taster because I would get paid to drink excellent wine.
What’s your most treasured possession?
Not sure I have one. Most treasured is probably my son.
Where did you last go on holiday?
Dorset.
In the Hollywood film of your life, who would play you?
Christian Slater.
Reveal something about yourself not many people know.
I once lived on an island counting birds.
What album is in your car CD player?
I don’t have a car but if I had it would be the album Black Noise by Pantha du Prince.
What’s your favourite film and TV programme?
There are many excellent films. If I had to choose it would be Cache by Michael Haneke. Favourite TV show at the moment is The Thick of It but I recently became addicted to Scandinavian detective series.
What quote or saying do you most overuse?
“It’s complicated.”
If you ruled the world, what would you do first?
Sort out poverty.
What’s your favourite joke?
I am German and we’re not very good at jokes. I am always impressed by the great British humour.
This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 26th April March 2013.
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