Pest Solutions driving forward net zero ambitions as part of Step Up to Net Zero programme

Pest Solutions, the award-winning UK pest control business based in Glasgow, is leading the way on prioritising sustainability and the journey to net zero in the pest control industry as part of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce ‘Step Up to Net Zero’ programme.

Fully funded by Glasgow City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, this project aims to support the city’s net zero ambitions and create jobs.

Step Up to Net Zero supports businesses in their efforts to reach net zero by funding six-month work placements which help organisations take action towards achieving net zero and circular economy goals.

As part of the programme, Maisie Bullock, who holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Futures: Sustainable Systems from The University of Glasgow, joined the Pest Solutions team as Net Zero and Sustainability Coordinator in February this year, one of the first roles dedicated to sustainable and net zero practices in the UK pest control industry.

She was tasked with analysing Pest Solutions’ business practices to date on sustainability, carrying out a full net zero assessment and creating an action plan for the business to begin implementing in the coming months. Maisie has also been able to tap into a variety of different data sets and access further resources through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK trade association for professional pest control.

Chris Cagienard, Managing Director at Pest Solutions and President of BPCA, said:

“At Pest Solutions, we’re committed to putting our clients and our people first as we aim to offer the best service we can. We are passionate about making sure we are as sustainability minded as possible and being part of the Step Up to Net Zero programme is key for us.
“This is not about ticking boxes for us, we look forward to seeing the action plan that is being worked on by Maisie and begin to implement tangible changes across the business as we support Glasgow’s journey to net zero by 2030 and Scotland’s journey to net zero by 2045.

“We’d like to thank Glasgow Chamber of Commerce for their continued support as part of the Step Up To Net Zero programme and the positive impact it is having on our business now and for the future.”

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said:

“It’s great to see examples of how businesses are driving forward their net zero ambitions. Sharing experiences and good practice is exactly what inspires others to act as it makes it accessible. Not only does Step Up to Net Zero provide the chance for businesses to adapt and innovate tailored to their specific needs, it also generates much-needed employment opportunities, supporting the talent we need to drive change.

“We applaud Pest Solutions for embracing the programme and wish them and Maisie the best of luck with taking practical actions to realise their sustainability goals.”

Maisie Bullock, Net Zero and Sustainability Coordinator at Pest Solutions, said:

“Since becoming part of the Pest Solutions team as part of the Step Up to Net Zero programme, I’ve felt at home and made to feel incredibly welcome. In my role, I’ve been able to work with the team to identify aspects that are already being implemented as well as areas of improvement and new ideas where sustainable practices can play a big part in the business in the coming months and years ahead.
“I look forward to finalising my recommendations and providing my action plan to the Pest Solutions team in the summer as the business aims to lead the way on sustainability in the UK pest control sector.”

As part of their continued and long-term commitment to implementing the findings from the work currently being undertaken, Pest Solutions will hand over the tasks and responsibilities of the role, upon the conclusion of the Step Up To Net Zero programme, to two existing team members as part of embedding a sustainable culture in the business.

The work undertaken as part of Step Up to Net Zero will be completed in July with the action plan available and next steps put in place by the business. Pest Solutions plan to share their findings with the rest of the UK pest control industry by publishing them via the BPCA, supporting the entire industry make progress towards a more sustainable future.