Portsmouth company is world’s first carbon certified firm.
Hughes and Salvidge have created history by becoming the first demolition company globally to be certified to the Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon.
The Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon is an independent certification which recognises organisations that successfully measure, manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating leadership in their industry by making real progress year-on-year.
The Portsmouth-based firm, who last year celebrated their 50th year in business, sought and achieved certification in the area of energy usage and greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions through demonstrating an absolute reduction in carbon emissions across all their operations over the last 3 years.
Tony Jack, SHEQ Manager at Hughes and Salvidge, said: “Over recent years at Hughes and Salvidge we have been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint. Our activities span from significant investments into the latest eco plant and equipment, right through to the small steps like raising employees’ awareness of the importance of fuel efficiency and promoting car and van share schemes. In light of this, we applied to the Carbon Trust to become certified with them in the area of carbon reduction.”
Due to the nature of the demolition industry, accurately measuring the organisation’s carbon footprint, and then being able to demonstrate an absolute reduction, was no easy task.
The assessments carried out by the Carbon Trust consisted of both qualitative and quantitative appraisals.
Putting their carbon accounting and carbon management procedures through this formal assessment process has proved invaluable in their carbon journey, guiding Hughes and Salvidge to develop their systems further and supporting them in identifying a structured path for future improvement.
Darran Messem, Managing Director of Certification at the Carbon Trust, added: “We are delighted to award Hughes and Salvidge the Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon, making them the first demolition company to achieve the certification. Demolition and decommissioning is an industry where environmental responsibility is incredibly important, so Hughes and Salvidge should be applauded for obtaining independent recognition that proves the company is making real reductions in its carbon emissions year-on year.”
