ILC ARTICLE

Smithers Purslow set to become carbon neutral

19th January 2022

Smithers Purslow, one of the UK’s leading engineering, surveying and architectural practices, says it will become carbon neutral in 2022. 

Having undertaken carbon footprint analysis, the senior management team has agreed to move all company cars to alternative fuel sources and is encouraging staff to use public transport for site visits, when feasible to do so. The firm is also modernising its 10 offices to ensure its compact buildings are energy-efficient and reliant upon sustainable power sources. 

In order to achieve net carbon neutral status during this changeover period, Smithers Purslow is exploring carbon offset schemes such as tree and hedgerow planting and peat restoration.  

Chartered environmentalist, Barry Ford, and executive assistant, Wendy Quilter, lead the project to minimise the company’s carbon footprint.   

Barry said, “As a practice we’ve always been passionate about sustainable design and construction and I’ve advised clients on this for 20 years. I’m proud to work for a company that matches its words with deeds and recommend everyone takes action to improve their carbon footprint: tomorrow’s too late.”  

Wendy completed Smithers Purslow’s carbon footprint assessment while studying for a BA in Environmental Studies. She said, “The firm, with its ISO 14001 Environmental Management accreditation, was already environmentally aware so I knew the directors would be keen to become carbon neutral as soon as possible.” 

Director Andrew Bussey commented, “We always wanted to be a carbon neutral business, but COP26 has raised awareness and prompted us to move faster and help drive change across our industry now. We encourage other consultancies to complete an evaluation and begin making changes.” 

Smithers Purslow supports the public/private sectors and the insurance claims market and employs 125 chartered engineers, surveyors, architects and support staff from its Glaston head office and branches in: Chester, Exeter, Leeds, Llandudno, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Reading.