Chris Bridgman's story

Name: Chris Bridgman
Organisation: Bridgman & Bridgman LLP
Role: Commercial Contracts Manager
Webpage: www.bridgmanlandscapes.co.uk

What first triggered your interest in environmental issues?

Protecting the environment is of great importance to us as we are in an industry that can have both a good and bad effect on the environment.

What are you working on, concerned by, or motivated by at the moment?

Sustainable green roofs. A green roof represents an important step forward in the creation of more environmentally responsible buildings, as its ability to absorb carbon dioxide can help reduce global warming. In an urban environment it will soak up excess rainwater to prevent possible flash flooding as well as offer a high degree of aesthetic appeal and amenity value for those using the building. Brown roofs and Bio diverse roofs are a way of bringing life to an otherwise barren roof and increase the levels of insulation. They should reflect the plant life of the area and use as much recycled material as possible. Brown roofs are usually left to self-colonise so a local ecosystem can develop. A bio diverse roof may be seeded or planted to help establish these species.

What do you anticipate working on, or thinking about, in relation to environmental issues over the next 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years?

As an industry we need to encourage more sustainable landscaping ideas and increasing the amount of recycled materials within projects. Planting schemes will need to be adapted to use species that are drought tolerant. More tree planting is required and green waste producers encouraged to recycled and reused within the existing landscapes.

How optimistic or pessimistic are you as you look at where we might be in 2020, and why?

With enough awareness and participation from all parties we could dramatically reduce the affects by 2020. I am aware that change is inevitable and the environment is suffering but more sustainable practices need to be promoted and enforcement laws introduced to cut carbon dioxide emissions globally.

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