Graduate Blog – Our Time So Far

Who are we…

We’re Cody and Billy, recent graduates and new team members at Redmore Environmental.

In this blog we’ll be sharing how we decided to become air quality consultants, reflect on our first few weeks in the job, and give an insight into some of the projects we’ve been working on.

How did we get here…

Throughout our respective studies of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering with Environmental Engineering, we became increasingly intrigued by the complex impacts of chemical emissions, particularly those arising from large-scale industrial processes, on both the atmosphere and air quality. As we learned more about the science behind air pollution and its environmental and public health implications, we recognised the critical role consultants play in helping industries understand and mitigate their environmental footprint.

Since joining Redmore Environmental in September, we’ve had the opportunity to apply our scientific backgrounds in real-world settings, exploring these issues in greater depth and contributing to projects across various sectors of the company. This hands-on experience has allowed us to bridge the gap between theory and practice, strengthening our understanding of how air quality management can make a tangible difference to both industry and the environment.

Our first week…

When we first joined, we were immediately welcomed into a supportive and inclusive team. This was further reinforced by a team development day at the end of our first week, where we had the opportunity to connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting outside of the office. We began the day with an informal business update meeting before heading into town for a group pizza-making class. Afterwards, we enjoyed several rounds of tech darts before we made our way to the pub to cool off from all the intense competition!

It was clear from the start that Redmore fosters a collaborative environment, with everyone – from senior management to fellow graduates – being approachable and eager to share their knowledge. This made it easy for us to seek advice, learn from others’ experiences, and quickly feel like part of the team.

After some initial training on industrial air quality, we were assigned our first projects, where we were able to immediately apply our studies to real-world scenarios. The training equipped us with a clear understanding of key regulatory standards and technical processes involved in air quality monitoring and emissions management in industrial settings. This exposure not only enhanced our theoretical understanding but also allowed us to develop key skills in problem-solving and project management, all while working closely with experienced consultants who guided us through each step.

What we’ve been up to since…

Alongside this we have also been involved in site work, …

Cody – I have undertaken some bioaerosol monitoring, where I have been able to gain an insight into the practices and regulations involved in the treatment of organic waste streams and the control of bioaerosol emissions. The site work has allowed me to understand the theory behind assessment and put into practice what I have learnt so far.

Billy – I have been involved in some indoor air quality monitoring. This involved me travelling down to London for two nights and sampling for formaldehyde and total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) within a newly constructed office building. This monitoring will be utilised to assist with the client’s BREEAM accreditation target.

We have both also been involved in air dispersion modelling, focussing on industrial emissions using the ADMS-6 software package. We have learnt the importance of obtaining accurate model input information and utilising this to create useful graphical tools for our clients to understand the impacts of their development proposal on local air quality.

We both also had the opportunity to attend a young professionals networking event, which Redmore Environmental sponsored in conjunction with Avison Young and Shoosmiths. The event was focussed on young professionals getting together in a relaxed and informal environment and allowed us to put into practice some initial business development and networking training we have already received at Redmore.

What happens next…

We are both looking forward to further developing our modelling and assessment skills over the coming months and expanding into other sectors. We are also looking forward to further expanding our theoretical knowledge and learning more about the air quality industry.