Environmental Policy

A structural engineering consultancy has a small direct environmental footprint and a large indirect one. The material specified in a design outweighs anything we do in an office by a wide margin, so that is where this policy puts its weight.

We do not hold ISO 14001. This policy sets out what we do rather than what we are certified to do.

We size members to what the structure needs rather than to a comfortable margin. Over-specification is embodied carbon that is never recovered, and it is the easiest environmental saving available to a structural engineer.

Where an existing structure can be assessed as adequate, we say so. Retaining a frame is almost always a better environmental outcome than replacing it, and establishing whether that is possible is a significant part of our work. A roof cleared to carry an array as it stands is a roof that does not get replaced.

We assess existing roofs for solar photovoltaic installation, and design the structures that carry wind, hydropower, battery storage and EV charging infrastructure.

Deliverables are issued electronically. We do not print and post drawing sets.

Drone survey removes the need for scaffolding, mobile elevating platforms and repeat visits on a large proportion of our roof work, which reduces both vehicle movements and the plant brought to site.

Meetings are held remotely where a site visit is not required, and visits are combined where more than one site is in the same area.

We do not currently measure our operational carbon. We would rather say that than publish a figure we cannot evidence. Business mileage is the first thing we intend to measure.

We comply with the environmental legislation applicable to our activities.

This policy is reviewed at least annually.