Based in Liverpool, Changing Streams was established by fit-out entrepreneur Neal Maxwell to reduce the use of plastic in UK construction and has now hired Georgia Elliott-Smith

A Liverpool not-for-profit business set up to reduce the use of plastic across the UK construction industry has appointed a leading environmental engineer to help support its mission.

Environmental consultant, campaigner and UNESCO special envoy Georgia Elliott-Smith has joined the team at Changing Streams to help develop a new series of programmes for members to support them in their ambition to reduce their plastic consumption.

Changing Streams was established by well known fit-out entrepreneur Neal Maxwell in 2018, along with the University of Liverpool. It aims to reduce the use of plastics in buildings and throughout the built environment supply chain.

Georgia started her career at Bovis in 1995 as one of the first environment managers in the UK construction industry. She has over 25 years’ experience in the industry as an environmental engineer, chartered environmentalist and active campaigner for change.

Following a life-changing Antarctic expedition, she was awarded the honorary title of UNESCO Special Junior Envoy for Youth & the Environment, a role that has led her around the world, speaking to young people about environmental issues.

She is currently working with MPs, activist groups and NGOs to drive a more circular economy, as well as leading a legal challenge demanding the UK Government upholds the Paris Agreement and effectively reduces industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

Her role at Changing Streams will include supporting the team to develop a series of new programmes which will be rolled out to members to give them the insights and practical knowledge they need to make lasting change.

Georgia has a vast amount of experience working on-site with construction businesses and suppliers. By identifying practical measures, conducting workshops, auditing existing practises, reviewing designs and implementing recommendations she has rolled out successful programmes to help contractors significantly reduce carbon emissions.

She said: “As an active campaigner for circularity, carbon action and climate change, I am extremely dedicated to making strong, meaningful action in industry. When I met with Neal and the team at Changing Streams there was a clear synergy between the works we were doing.

“I believe in going above and beyond and really pushing the boundaries of what industry should be doing. To do this, we need to support contractors and their supply chain at every level.

Neal added: “An important part of our growth plans is to engage with key figures from major organisations within the sector and Georgia coming on-board is a major milestone.

“She is perfectly suited to be a valuable and vital part of our team and we are very excited to start devising and implementing new programmes to existing members, which will help us in our bid to eradicate the use and abuse of plastic materials within the construction sector.”