Construction firm Beard buys woodland to offset carbon emissions

Swindon-based construction firm Beard has purchased 180 acres of woodland near Bristol in a ground-breaking move to offset its environmental impact with carbon sequestration.

Biological carbon sequestration takes place when carbon is stored in natural environments. The process sees carbon dioxide binding to plants during photosynthesis, where it is purified and converted to oxygen.

Woodland is considered one of the best forms of sequestration as it stores twice as much carbon as it emits.

Early calculations suggest that the vast area – the size of more than 317 football pitches - could offset the firm's entire annual carbon footprint.

Known as Wrington Warren, the woodland is a rolling expanse of trees, bowers and pastures which nestles under the Mendip hills.

"We're investigating the possibility of using it as a peaceful environment for staff and company activities, as well as a space for “wilding” activities for school children as part of the company’s on-going commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement," explained Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman of Beard.

"The purchase of Wrington Warren is the latest move in our long-term strategy to minimise our environmental impact, not just in terms of our processes but also for the life of the buildings we creates.

"Our commitment to sustainable, low-carbon construction is mandated by the board. With investments in UK forestry, we've pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2050."