Property surveyor launches decarbonisation business

Gemma Cornwall, formerly head of sustainability at AG Built Environment Consultancy, has launched a new business to help property owners meet their decarbonisation goals.

Viridium is an ethical building surveying firm which will work primarily with asset managers and commercial landlords on retrofit and net zero projects, as well as with commercial developers, schools and local authorities to help them make better choices around energy performance, use of materials, biodiversity net gain and water use.

Gemma is an RICS chartered surveyor who has advised some of the UK’s biggest companies and property landlords during her roles at AG and global consultancy WSP.

She said: “My goal with Viridium is to offer a planet-conscious building surveying service to clients who are serious about having a positive impact on society.

“While I’m keen to work with developers to make new buildings as planet friendly as possible, I primarily want to help them take a retrofit first approach.

“When you see the embodied carbon impact of new development, you realise how important it is first and foremost to ensure the buildings we already have are performing the best they possibly can from an energy and emissions perspective."

Gemma, who is also part of the Women in Property group in Lancashire and Cumbria, hopes to grow Viridium sustainably and attract employees who want to work for a progressive and sustainable business. The name of the company comes from the Latin adjective for vibrant and green.

Gemma, who is shortlisted for Building Surveyor of the Year at the RICS Matrics Awards 2023, is also securing Pending B-Corp status for the company.