Paul Toyne

Dr Paul Toyne has been a leading environmentalist and sustainability expert for more than three decades. He trained as an ecologist and whilst studying for a PhD on goshawk ecology at Imperial College London, Paul directed a series of biodiversity expeditions to Ecuador. This work involved studying rare parrots and conducting biodiversity assessments that discovered new species to science, including a butterfly named after him. Other outcomes included an environmental impact assessment that led to the successful removal of a multi-national mining company working illegally in Podocarpus National Park, published scientific papers, and a broadcast film. Paul brought his conservation and campaigning skills to WWF-UK and worked on international species policy, climate change studies, sustainable forest management- helping to establish the Forest Stewardship Council - and conservation projects around the world, including the Siberian Tiger.  

Paul entered the construction sector in 2007 in the belief that managing urbanisation was key to a safe healthy planet, and has had senior sustainability roles in Lend Lease, WSP, Balfour Beatty and Grimshaw covering both corporate strategy and service delivery around the world working on some significant projects around the world including London 2012 Athletes Village, Queen Elizabeth line and Queen Elizabeth terminal at Heathrow. In his last role Paul led the global architecture and urban design practice Grimshaw on sustainability, overseeing their approach on net zero carbon and regenerative designs and master planning. He led the development of the awarding winning platform for the decarbonisation of new and existing buildings and infrastructure, minoro.org, which now has over eight thousand users in over a hundred countries since its launch in July 2024. 

Throughout his career Paul has shared his expertise for wider benefit. Examples include British Council climate change ambassador to promote awareness of climate change overseas; London Sustainable Development Commissioner for the Greater London Authority (2010-2024); chair of the Strategic Forum for Construction carbon working group; UK’s Green Construction Board’s infrastructure working group (2013 ongoing); chair of Constructing Excellence sustainability group; British Aviation Group board member. He has held non-executive director and advisory positions across all parts of the construction value chain.