Chris Gee, Schal

Chris Gee is a Project Manager for Schal based in their Croydon office. He is an Architect by profession and is Schal's Environmental Manager.

Chris has been interested in environmental issues from the start of his career, studying passive solar energy and noise as thesis subjects at Manchester University. The first project he worked on after qualifying was Low Energy offices at the Building Research Station.

He was one of the first Carillion staff to be trained in the "Train the Trainer" course run by The Natural Step on sustainability. He has since managed Schal's successful efforts to achieve ISO 14001 certification, working closely with Casella Stanger on EMS development and developing specific training courses for Schal construction management staff.

He is a licensed BREEAM and EcoHomes Assessor and has given lectures on The Natural Step (TNS) and BREEAM to the South London Construction Best Practice club, Metropolitan Police and even to the heads of Government procurement at Buckingham Palace.

Outside work Chris has a number of commitments including being trustee of two local charities and Churchwarden of his parish church. He is married to Hilary, a professional musician (and keen environmentalist!) and they have two children: Charlotte (11) and Sam (10). Although Chris cycles to work, the environmental theme also includes the family car, which is a Toyota Prius: a hybrid electric-petrol vehicle. This is exempt from Congestion Charging due to its very low emissions.

Last summer, Chris organised a residents "Junk Swap" - on a set day, householders put outside anything they don't want any more and neighbours help themselves. This promoted a lot of friendly contact between people in the street who had never spoken before, as well as finding many articles a new life (and home) instead of ending up in landfill. As a result, the Local Authority is keen to promote this sort of community engagement.