Alasdair has had a long interest in environmental matters since studying for his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College, London during which he selected renewable energy options including wind energy to feed his early enthusiasm for the subject. Other formal qualifications include an MBA from Cranfield University and Prince II Practitioner.
His early career was spent in technical and management positions in manufacturing industry. This was followed by 14 years in electricity distribution during which time he led a substantial division of the business. A part of this was the application and measurement of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) metrics over several years in order to positively impact the non-financial outcomes of the organisation’s operations.
At the start of 2016, Alasdair set up his own consultancy, Maple Cone Ltd., that works with organisations to develop renewable energy, deliver energy efficiency, formulate decarbonisation trajectories and other projects. These usually have a positive social impact such as fuel poverty reduction, improving comfort, air quality improvement etc.
He has worked with the Energy Systems Catapult on projects concerning the architecture of the energy system and the reduction of carbon emissions on the government estate, with a council developing a district heating scheme, and with other organisations looking to reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
An expert facilitator, he helps groups and organisations to be clear about the problem that they are tackling and to think widely about possible solutions and then to take active steps to deliver the desired outcomes.
Alasdair combines these business focuses with an enduring interest in the countryside, wildlife conservation, the environment and organic gardening.