Hughes and Salvidge achieve Carbon Trust Standard

Portsmouth-based contractor becomes first demolition firm to secure Carbon Trust certification

HUGHES and Salvidge have become the first demolition company globally to be certified to the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of their efforts to measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions in the last three years.

The Carbon Trust Standard for Carbon is an independent certification, which recognizes organizations that successfully measure, manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating leadership in their industry by making real progress year-on-year.

Tony Jack, SHEQ manager for Hughes and Salvidge, said: ‘In recent years 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 such as raising employees’ awareness of the importance of fuel efficiency and promoting car/van share schemes.’

Due to the nature of the demolition industry, accurately measuring the company’s carbon footprint and being able to demonstrate a substantial reduction were no easy tasks.  

The assessment 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.

Mr Jack commented: ‘Achieving this independent accreditation is a way of publicly recognizing our organization's achievements and providing tangible proof to employees, shareholders, as well as customers and suppliers, that we are committed to making future reductions.’

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.’