This October we’ve launched a nationwide support programme aimed at fostering local enterprise and making sustainable business more accessible to everyone.

As part of that, we’re shining a light on some of the amazing businesses in and around our community.

Today, we’re looking at the Bicester-based, zero-carbon building consultancy, Beyond Carbon:

Beyond Carbon – A Sustainability-Focused Consultancy

Founded in January 2022 by Joel Callow and Chris Swinburn, Beyond Carbon is a consultancy specialising in sustainable, zero-carbon buildings. Having both previously led environmental teams at larger building consultancies, the founders felt that a more specialist firm, with more focused goals, could achieve a larger environmental impact. So, the pair founded Beyon Carbon with the mission to support large-scale construction projects in decarbonising and helping them reach more ambitious sustainability goals.

Beyond Carbon assists developers in creating high-quality, zero-carbon architecture that reduces environmental impact. Their clients have ranged from local authorities, focusing on sustainable social housing, to the University of Oxford, Transport for London, and a Big Four housing developer.

The consultancy has grown rapidly, expanding from two founders to 13 staff, with plans to increase to 15 in the coming months. Their team has worked on projects valued at up to £100 million, addressing the needs of some of the most demanding real estate clients in the UK.

Despite the rapid growth, Joel acknowledges the challenges of building an innovative, value-led startup:

“It has been slow finding the right people, who not only have excellent technical skills, but crucially share our strong environmental ethos in their own personal and professional lives.

“It’s safe to say we have been really picky, primarily recruiting through our existing professional networks, and are delighted with the team we have. Less picky would have meant faster growth, but at the cost of our culture and values, so we are glad we’ve been patient and we’re extremely proud of what we’ve built so far.”