About Us

Experienced

Independent

Empathetic

At SHIFT, we firmly believe that applying sustainability standards to the UK’s existing building stock doesn’t mean having to choose between the bottom line, the quality of build or the planet. In our view, all three can be achieved so everyone benefits. Plus, there’s the opportunity to tackle some important societal issues at the same time, such as fuel poverty.

We combine a pragmatic understanding of our clients’ needs with a passion to protect the planet. We take delight in making our clients’ lives easier whilst also enabling them to create sustainable buildings.

We’ve been calculating and reporting on energy use and carbon emissions for over 15 years. SHIFT’s qualified and experienced staff all have Chartered Environmentalist status from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, or are studying for this accreditation.

We’re also very proud of our independence: as a company, we’re not aligned to any other corporate operation so our clients can be confident that our advice is unbiased and in their best interests.

Meet The Team

Richard Lupo

Richard Lupo

Richard Lupo, Managing Director, FIEMA, CEnv

Richard is a Chartered Environmentalist and Fellow Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).  As well as heading SHIFT services since 2009, he has also carried out countless environmental assessments for a wide range of clients.  Assessments include:

  • SHIFT assessments bespoke for UK social landlords
  • ESOS compliance – care homes, nurseries, supermarkets
  • SECR – social landlords, law firms, building firms
  • Code for Sustainable Homes assessments – home builders
  • Bespoke assessments for multiple variations of the above – all of the above!

Richard is also the author of “Happiness by numbers” which explains the science of measuring wellbeing and how to include environmental protection.  As well as giving households useful advice on making environmental improvements to homes, it is also aimed at the emerging mega-trend of measured social value / wellbeing, most immediately how to address the “S” part of ESG.  A blog on the book is here: “Happiness by numbers”

Richard trained and qualified over 300 CfSH assessors as well as training building professionals on Housing Quality Indicators and sustainable refurbishment. At Imperial College London Richard developed a waste silt recycling process, gained an MSc in Environmental Engineering and studied the impact of new regulations on hazardous waste disposal.

Isabel Mills

Annie Murray

SHIFT Environmental Assessor, MSc, BSc

Annie has an MSc in Oceanography, and also achieved a first class BSc Geography degree. She is interested in sustainability, and uses her knowledge of environmental issues to apply this to real world projects. Studying both Geography and Oceanography has equipped her with strong skills to work with a company actively fighting to protect the environment.

Annie’s passion for the environment primarily comes from learning about climate change and completing research projects and assessments on paleo-environments, which help to inform our response to present day environmental change. Annie’s key skills are:

  • Effectively communicating with different stakeholders to establish the exact requirements of an assessment
  • Planning and organising projects, with the completion of a succinct report including all relevant information
  • Use of GIS software to present population and geographical data

In a previous role, Annie worked with the Cheshire Wildlife Trust where she lent a helping hand to nature in order to preserve it for others to enjoy. Examples of tasks she completed include:

  • Helping to build new walkways in local woodland.
  • Undertook water vole survey with other volunteers.
  • Cleared invasive plant species.

Annie is actively working towards her IEMA accreditation.

Isabel Mills

Rachael Angel

SHIFT Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)

Rachael is an Elmhurst accredited Domestic Energy Assessor driven by a deep passion for the environment, the well-being of people and helping to create sustainable and energy-efficient homes. With several years of experience across various roles, Rachael brings a rich tapestry of skills and qualities to her work. Her diverse career path has endowed her with expertise in conducting thorough domestic energy assessments, crafting detailed energy reports, and effectively liaising with clients to ensure their needs are met.

Rachael’s extensive experience includes working in Cable TV and telephony planning, customer service, contract management, NHS, Counselling and environmental consulting. Each of these roles has honed her ability to communicate complex information clearly, manage projects efficiently, and foster strong client relationships. Her attention to detail and commitment to sustainability shine through in every project she undertakes.

Outside of work, Rachael is a lover of the outdoors. She finds joy in gardening, exploring wildlife and nature, and taking long walks. She also treasures time spent with her family and friends and has a passion for music, playing the Caixa in her samba band.

Isabel Mills

Asher Holby

SHIFT Environmental Assessor, BSc

Asher has a BSc Hons in Integrated Wildlife Conservation from the University of the West of England, where he developed his interest in the environment, sustainability, and biodiversity. He is passionate about conservation and sustainability and uses the skills gained from his degree and work experience to work as a SHIFT Assessor and actively make a difference in protecting the environment.

Asher has produced reports on the use of Unmanned Ariel Vehicles (UAVs) and Geographical Information systems (GIS) technology to accurately survey vegetation, as well as the use of Landsat data and GIS to assess impacts of flooding scenarios on wildlife and people.

Alongside his studies, Asher worked for three years at Westbury Wildlife Park Foundation as a volunteer. This charity provides a community green space which also helps to preserve and protect local flora and fauna and promotes physical and mental wellbeing. Having been derelict for the previous 30 years, this project mainly involved leading groups of volunteers in restorative work such as habitat creation, species surveys and community outreach. His contribution to the park is ongoing and he continues to carry out survey work to contribute to the long-term species data within the park.

Asher loves the outdoors and is a keen surfer, windsurfer, and scuba diver. He loves to be in, on or near to the ocean and long walks with his partner Matilda and their rescue greyhound, Dorothy.

Isabel Mills

Tom Simpson

SHIFT Environmental Assessor, AIEMA

At SHIFT Tom delivers SECR and other carbon and environmental reports and he has over ten years’ experience in the social housing sector.  Previously Tom was a service development manager responsible for strategic commissioning within a local authority housing department. He has also had roles with responsibility for business improvement, value for money, stakeholder engagement and consultation within supported and sheltered housing, asset and tenancy management, and private sector housing services.

Passionate about sustainability, he has combined his housing career with environmental studies, qualifying so far with a BTEC in ‘Environmental Protection’ and completing units in ‘Technology for a Sustainable Future’ and ‘Environment: Change, Contest and Response’ as part of his Open University diploma. Tom is an Associate Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Tom is particularly interested in biodiversity and has completed many practical and research volunteer projects for The Wildlife Trust and been involved in a number of community participation activities promoting engagement with the local environment. He is a SCUBA diver and has studied and worked on marine conservation projects in his spare time.

Isabel Mills

Steve Bullock

SHIFT Environmental Assessor, GradIEMA 

Steve has a BSc Hons in Environmental Science from The Open University, an achievement which was driven by his passion for sustainability and biodiversity.

Steve has produced research reports covering the causes, effects and potential solutions associated with climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable food production. Using climate models has made him fully aware of the need to reduce carbon emissions. Steve has 20 years of experience working in the construction sector, project managing and client liaison.

In his spare time, Steve has a passion for the outdoors, walking the countryside by volunteering as a walk leader for the local walking festival or with his family and dogs. He also loves off road cycling and surfing.

Steve is working towards his professional qualifications with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Isabel Mills

Rob Sumner

SHIFT Environmental Assessor, BA, GradIEMA 

Rob has a BA Hons in Environmental Studies, a subject he developed an interest in after years spent working outdoors.

Rob has produced research reports on wood-pasture management and legislation, as well as consumer attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable diets and food shopping in Romania, where he lived for two and a half years with his partner Roxy. Through these reports, Rob has developed his data collection, analysis and report writing skills.

Whilst living there, Rob spent time volunteering on a couple of family-run, organic farms through WWOOF. These farms are committed to lessening their impact on the local and wider environment, as well as promoting the wide-ranging social and environmental benefits associated with supporting local farmers and consuming their produce. He spent his time there helping with the daily running of the farm, whilst also deepening his understanding of organic food production.

In his spare time Rob loves to spend time going camping and taking long walks with his partner and their dog, Sasha. He also enjoys playing sports, particularly football, badminton and squash.

Eoin McQuone

IEMA

Corporate Partnership Programme

At SHIFT we are proud to be an IEMA corporate member. This means we have joined IEMA’s mission to transform the world to sustainability. Leading organisations such as the Environment Agency, Siemens, Skanska, Network Rail, and Rolls Royce have partnered with IEMA and developed their workforces’ productivity, resilience and growth against a backdrop of numerous sustainability and climate threats, which underpins the success of their organisation.

Within the partnership, we are able to gain support, skills and resources that help us become a forward-thinking, sustainable and competitive business. We share knowledge, learn and lead on all things environment and sustainability related, driving policy change, guidance, frameworks, and professional standards.

See our listing here.

Eoin McQuone

National Housing Federation

Sector Supplier

We are a National Housing Federation sector supplier. A reputable commercial partner who has expertise within the social housing space.

Our vision

Our vision is to use environmental reporting to pave the way to a sustainable future. Imagine warm buildings that are inexpensive to run, surrounded by luscious biodiverse greenery and resilient to the adverse effects of climate change. The buildings are made from responsibly sourced materials and any waste is reduced and dealt with sustainably. Everyone in these buildings will enjoy being inside and outside and be safe in the knowledge that they are making their contribution to a sustainable world.

Environmental Policy

SHIFT is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations and products through the adoption of sustainable practices and continuous improvements in environmental performance.

Environmental Principles:

• To implement effective environmental management systems and to ensure the environmental awareness of our workforce. We encourage every employee to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

• To meet the requirements of relevant legislation in the regions we operate.

• To improve the environmental performance of our processes by preventing and reducing emissions, minimising waste and using responsibly sourced supplies.

• Contribute to sustainable development by using energy, water and raw materials more efficiently.

• To monitor/audit environmental performance and to report progress on policy objectives and improvement targets on a regular basis.

• To encourage suppliers and contractors to act in a responsible manner and maintain sound environmental practices.

Audits across 21 criteria
Boost sustainability credentials

Environmental Targets:

• To implement effective environmental management systems and to ensure the environmental awareness of our workforce. We encourage every employee to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

• To meet the requirements of relevant legislation in the regions we operate.

• To improve the environmental performance of our processes by preventing and reducing emissions, minimising waste and using responsibly sourced supplies.

• Contribute to sustainable development by using energy, water and raw materials more efficiently.

• To monitor/audit environmental performance and to report progress on policy objectives and improvement targets on a regular basis.

• To encourage suppliers and contractors to act in a responsible manner and maintain sound environmental practices.

If you would like to be part of this future, please be in touch with your query. The SHIFT team are professional environmentalists and have a vast range of experience. We look forward to hearing from you.

“The SHIFT assessment is helping us further our sustainability credentials and is supporting the development of our strategy. Our assessor Steve was very knowledgeable and supportive throughout the process. We look forward to working with SHIFT again in the future.”

Sustainability Manager, A2Dominion - February 2024

“A huge thank you, and to Asher for an excellent report and presentation at our Board Strategy event. We found your analysis and insights hugely informative. Following on from your presentation our Board will be taking this forward in reviewing our new build development standards.”

Orla Gallagher - Chief Executive, Housing Solutions - February 2024

“Thank you to our Environmental Assessor Tom for his support throughout the process of producing our report. The site visit and close engagement helped identify relevant data and was a good opportunity to discuss strategic planning with Tom and Richard. We look forward to working through SHIFT’s recommendations and to future years’ sustainability audits.”

Richard Lloyd - Director of Operations, FCHA - February 2024

“This is our 4th SHIFT assessment, the assessments are a valuable tool for understanding our environmental performance, the data we record, and most importantly the areas in which we can improve our sustainability as an organisation. Our thanks to Asher for his guidance, expertise and support through the process, and for getting the report issued so quickly to meet our internal deadlines. We look forward to working with SHIFT again in 2024.”

Gavin Roberts - Head of Environmental, Sustainability and Decarbonisation, Halton Housing - February 2024

“We are pleased to have maintained SHIFT Silver for two years running. Moving forward the SHIFT assessment will help us improve the way we record and collect data in readiness for emerging environmental initiatives at Coastline.”

Mark England - Head of Innovation, Sustainability, and Procurement, Coastline Housing - January 2024

‘’SHIFT are ready and able to add value and to collaborate according to your preferred way of working, which is invaluable to us. They apply innovative approaches to grey areas and back these up with clear assumptions. Their specialist consultants can think outside the box when problem solving and go out of their way to hit tight deadlines.’’

Willem Postema - Project Manager (New Homes), Bromford - June 2024

‘‘SHIFT have worked with us to increase engagement and awareness of sustainability data collection within our teams. This, combined with the science-based targets provided in the SHIFT report, means we will be able to monitor our sustainability performance effectively moving forward.’’

Chris Roberts - Sustainability Manager, Plus Dane Housing - June 2024

“Thank you so much for your ESOS work. You have ensured that this process has been very simple and easy for us and the reports are really interesting; we will be following the plan!”

Penny Harris - Director, On Track Education Services Ltd - June 2024

“Our Scope 1, 2, and 3 report was great and a big hit with our executive team who are really impressed with all of the information and recommendations included, so we’d like to thank Asher so much for all his hard work. The information also allows us to build on our environmental reporting and provides us with a valuable quantitative benchmark for our carbon reduction roadmap.”

Amy Jones - Governance Manager, Curo Group - June 2024

‘‘SHIFT carried out ESOS site visits and reports that ensured compliance but also included clear guidance on how to achieve energy savings. We have all been very impressed with Annie’s professionalism and attention to detail throughout the project.’’

Russell Deane - Director, SRD Technical - May 2024

“SHIFT helped us to establish the embodied carbon of our new tasting barn. Annie guided us through the process ensuring we collected all the necessary information. This project allows us to offset the carbon impact in line with our goal to produce wine as sustainably as possible.”

Sir Graham Wrigley - Chilworth Manor Vineyard - March 2024

“This was our first SHIFT assessment as Southern Housing. Steve really helped us gather the relevant data and made the SHIFT process straight forward. Our SHIFT report has informed us of where we are as a new organisation and forms an important part of our sustainability strategy.”

Bethany Austin - Sustainability Reporting Manager, Southern Housing - February 2024

“Just wanted to say what a brilliant presentation you did on Monday evening. It was very inspiring and practical. I am halfway through your book! and discussing with my family. Great work!”

Bill Crooks - MD, Billy Crooks Creative - February 2024