People News

From the ground to the air.

As head our Air Quality group, Chris and his team bring better air to hundreds of projects each year. He shares how his career started and why this specialism is so vital.

My degree was in…

…Geology with Biology! I studied at the University of Birmingham before completing my Master’s in Environmental Consultancy at Newcastle University.

From a young age I was interested in the environment and during my degree I became focused and passionate about sustainability issues.

I became interested in air quality…

…during a Master’s project. I worked with a developer looking at their environmental management plans. I found this fascinating and saw the vital and important impact that air quality assessments can have. I later completed a Master’s in Air Pollution, Management and Control.

Being an air quality consultant…

…is a varied and exciting career. We use our knowledge and experience to help clients solve certain issues, not just delivering legally compliant projects but increasingly moving to offer benefits beyond compliance.

It’s great to see the ever-increasing media coverage and interest in the air quality crisis. It means the benefits are being realised across the whole of society!

Many people don’t fully understand…

…what an air quality consultant does. In simple terms, my team and I protect a building’s users from outdoor air pollutants and we limit the impact that a building can have on the surrounding environment. Inside, we optimise the indoor space in order to support people’s health and wellbeing.

Our assessments are becoming…

…. increasingly important. The health impacts that poor air quality can have are frequently making the headlines and the benefits associated with improvements are undeniable. There is also a growing demand from individuals for better air quality in their home and work environments.

Our industry is rapidly evolving…

…meaning each day is different. It is refreshing to see project teams ask us what can be done to improve air quality. This industry shift excites me. Air quality is no longer seen as a maybe, it’s seen as a must!

I have found that people now are keen to move beyond just achieving set limits; they’re beginning to understand the benefits that investing in improved air quality can bring.

In my spare time…

…unsurprisingly, I’m always on the hunt for fresh air! I am new to the North West so I’m still exploring the area and I’m loving it. My family, my dog, and I love heading to the beach for walks (weather permitting of course!).