Sustainability & Climate Resilience
Sustainable development requires an integrated, plan-led approach which evaluates and weighs the environmental and social effects of development alongside the benefits of economic growth and prosperity. Some of the key challenges facing us today are global warming, climatic extremes, water and air pollution, escalating biodiversity loss and depletion of natural resources. As the world progressively urbanises, it is vital that this growth can be managed in a sustainable way, minimising the environmental and carbon footprint of its inhabitants, buildings, and infrastructure, whilst adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
At Pell Frischmann we understand that in order to make lasting impacts and leave a positive legacy we need to take real, tangible actions – both internally within our own corporate governance (in accordance with our Noble Purpose) and externally with the clients, projects and stakeholders that we work with.
We have a dedicated team of sustainability specialists with a breadth of skills and knowledge of different facets of sustainable development, climate adaptation and carbon management. This team works alongside our multi-disciplinary environmental and engineering teams to offer pragmatic and cost-effective design and advisory services to both the public and private sectors. We work closely with clients, designers, statutory authorities and other stakeholders to tackle these challenges and ensure successful planning and project outcomes.
Our services include:
Sustainability Strategy
We help projects across sectors develop clear, practical sustainability strategies that strengthen ESG performance and deliver measurable impact. By aligning each project with relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry best practice, we create focused roadmaps that guide responsible decision‑making, reduce risks and support long‑term sustainability outcomes.
Sustainability Framework
Our bespoke Sustainability Identification Framework Tracker (SIFT) can be applied to all types of schemes and developments. Working closely with our clients and other stakeholders, this tool helps guide key decisions on projects and embed sustainability within every stage of the project lifecycle. It can be used to monitor performance throughout the design, construction, and implementation stages, helping to discharge planning conditions and other requirements, and deriving long-lasting operational benefits and economic value.
BREEAM
A BREEAM certified rating reflects the environmental, energy and sustainability performance of a development and provides assurance on the operational costs, quality, and value of the asset. Our expert BREEAM Assessors can help you with full assessments for commercial and industrial buildings, and infrastructure across various sectors to help achieve the desired BREEAM certification.
Our sustainability and carbon specialists can help with developing end-to-end solutions to achieve low embodied carbon and climate-resilient schemes, whilst also driving social and economic benefits.
Life Cycle Assessment
Using our industry approved carbon accounting tools, we can quantify embodied and operational carbon at all stages of development, and advise on carbon reduction objectives, strategies, and management plans.
Net Zero Strategies & Tool Development:
We work with project teams to design tailored Net Zero strategies aligned with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) pathways and relevant national and international standards. Where needed, we also develop bespoke tools and dashboards that enable ongoing carbon tracking, scenario testing and performance monitoring throughout the project lifecycle.
Net Zero Buildings
Working closely with our Buildings and Structures team, we help deliver buildings that meet the highest standards of sustainability and carbon performance. By optimising materials, systems and design choices, and integrating renewable energy solutions, we support the creation of buildings that achieve Net Zero operational and embodied carbon. Our approach enhances long‑term efficiency, reduces operating costs and future‑proofs assets in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Carbon Heatmapping
We analyse project‑level carbon hotspots to identify where emissions are concentrated and where the greatest reduction opportunities lie. Our carbon heatmaps provide a clear, visual foundation for decision‑making, helping teams prioritise interventions, optimise design choices and target resources where they will have the most impact.
Carbon Management Plans
We develop practical, project‑specific Carbon Management Plans that translate strategy into action. These plans outline reduction measures, governance structures, monitoring frameworks and reporting requirements, ensuring carbon performance is embedded throughout design, delivery and operation.
We help our clients in their circular transition by incorporating the principles of optimisation, innovation and integration in the use of materials and resources with the aim of achieving ‘zero waste to landfill’ and a dramatically reduced impact on the environment. We can help you with developing:
- Circular Economy Statements
- Waste Strategies
- Site Waste Management Plans
- Material Management Plans
- Operational Waste Management Plans
- Pre-demolition audits
We help projects build resilience to a changing climate by delivering practical, data‑driven solutions that address flooding, heat stress, drought and extreme weather. Our team blends environmental expertise with engineering capability to create adaptation strategies that protect assets, reduce long‑term costs and support sustainable growth.
Climate Change Action Plans
We develop targeted action plans that set out clear priorities, adaptation measures and governance frameworks to help projects respond confidently to future climate risks.
Climate Change Risk Assessments
Using the latest climate projections and modelling tools, we assess exposure and vulnerability across project components and recommend robust, cost‑effective adaptation interventions.
Climate Change EIA Chapters
We prepare climate‑focused EIA chapters that integrate both climate risk and climate impact, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and embedding resilience into project design.
GHG Assessments
We quantify greenhouse gas emissions across project lifecycles, providing a strong evidence base for mitigation planning and climate‑aligned decision‑making.
Nature‑Based Solutions
We design and integrate nature‑based solutions and blue-sky thinking, such as green infrastructure, adaptive habitats and sustainable drainage, to manage climate risks while enhancing biodiversity and community value.
Engineering for Resilience
Our in‑house engineers design climate‑resilient structures and systems that withstand future conditions, reduce maintenance needs and extend asset life.
Environmental Management Systems
We help businesses adopt Environmental Management Systems (EMS) to support their shift toward sustainable models. Implementing an EMS according to ISO14001:2015 allows organisations to systematically identify and manage relevant environmental issues using the ‘Analyse – Plan – Do – Check’ approach at both project and company levels. We also provide support in developing integrated management systems that combine ISO14001 with other standards, such as ISO 5000 for energy management.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Our expert Ecology team can provide a full range of ecological surveys and undertake habitat mapping, conservation, and enhancement. We advise developers and local authorities on how they can best achieve BNG, evaluate Natural Capital, and other ecosystem-based metrics.
Social Value
We have a dedicated Social Value team that can help uncover, measure, and develop social value in line with government guidance for both public and private sector organisations. From the formulation of strategy, project planning, implementation and compliance, our suite of services is designed to support you on your sustainability journey.
From the formulation of strategy, project planning, implementation and compliance, our suite of services is designed to support you on your sustainability journey.
