Brimstone UXO: A Carbon Neutral Company Committed to a Safer Future

At Brimstone UXO, we are dedicated to making the world a safer place by mitigating the risks of unexploded ordnance (UXO). However, we recognise that another, less visible threat is undermining safety across the globe: climate change.

As rising temperatures and increasingly erratic weather patterns intensify, the consequences for UXO safety, people, projects, and wildlife become more severe. Climate-driven events such as floods, heatwaves, and storms have the potential to disturb buried munitions, increase the risk of accidental detonation, and hinder vital UXO mitigation work.

Recognising the link between carbon emissions and climate change, we took decisive action. In June 2022, Brimstone UXO became officially certified as a carbon neutral company – a milestone that reflects our commitment to reducing our environmental impact while continuing to protect people and the planet.

How climate change increases UXO risks

The impact of climate change on UXO management is more than a theoretical concern – it is a growing reality. Around the world, shifting weather patterns are exacerbating UXO hazards in a variety of ways:

• Flooding and erosion: Increased rainfall and rising sea levels can displace buried munitions, shifting them from previously mapped locations and re-contaminating areas that were once considered clear. Flooding can also expose previously undiscovered UXO, creating new hazards in populated or ecologically sensitive areas.
• Extreme heat and drought: Prolonged heatwaves can destabilise munitions, weakening their structural integrity. In some cases, high temperatures can cause old explosives to become more volatile, increasing the risk of spontaneous detonation.
• Displacement of populations: In regions heavily affected by climate change, people may be forced to relocate to uncleared or contaminated land, increasing the likelihood of accidental encounters with UXO.
• Obstructed clearance operations: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can delay or disrupt UXO clearance projects, making it more difficult to reduce risks in vulnerable areas.

As a company specialising in UXO risk management, we felt a responsibility to act, not only to reduce our own carbon footprint but also to contribute to wider efforts to combat the climate crisis.

Our journey to becoming Carbon Neutral

In late 2021, we partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain™, a leading initiative that helps individuals and businesses measure, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint.

The process began with a comprehensive audit of our emissions. This assessment covered all aspects of our operations, including energy use, travel, transport, and supply chain activities. With this data, Carbon Neutral Britain introduced new measures to reduce our emissions wherever possible.

Once we had reduced our footprint, we invested in a range of certified offsetting projects around the world. These initiatives are designed not only to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere but also to promote social and environmental sustainability.

Supporting global carbon-offsetting projects

Our offsetting efforts contribute to a variety of impactful projects, including:

• Reforestation in Nicaragua: Large-scale tree planting initiatives help to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, restore degraded land, and support local communities by creating sustainable jobs.
• Rice husk biofuel conversion in Cambodia: By transforming agricultural waste into biofuel, this project reduces reliance on fossil fuels while cutting emissions and providing an alternative energy source.
• Wind power generation in India: Developing renewable energy infrastructure reduces dependence on coal and oil, significantly lowering emissions.

These projects reflect the values we uphold at Brimstone – using innovation and collaboration to create a safer, more sustainable future.

More than just carbon neutral

Becoming a carbon neutral company is just the beginning. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, we are embedding sustainability into our everyday operations.

This means:

• Adopting greener business practices: We are committed to reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and making responsible procurement decisions.
• Partnering with sustainable suppliers: Wherever possible, we collaborate with vendors and service providers who share our environmental values, ensuring that our supply chain aligns with our sustainability goals.
• Supporting charitable initiatives: In addition to reducing our environmental impact, we actively support charities and causes that align with our mission of promoting safety and resilience.

Our goal is not only to offset our own emissions but also to play a role in building a more sustainable industry—one that prioritises both safety and environmental responsibility.

Why sustainability matters in UXO risk management

Sustainability is not an afterthought, it is essential to ensuring the long-term effectiveness and safety of UXO risk management. By reducing our carbon footprint, we are not only helping to combat climate change but also enhancing the safety and reliability of our services.

As the climate changes, the need for robust UXO assessment, detection, and clearance operations will only grow. By committing to sustainability, we aim to future-proof our operations and continue delivering the highest standards of safety and professionalism.

Learn more about Brimstone UXO

At Brimstone, we provide a full range of UXO risk management services, including:

• UXO risk assessments: Identifying potential hazards and evaluating the risks they pose to people, projects, and the environment.
• UXO surveys and detection: Using advanced technology to locate and map unexploded ordnance, both on land and offshore.
• UXO clearance and disposal: Safely removing and disposing of UXO in compliance with industry best practices.

To find out more about our services, visit our website or get in touch with our commercial team.

Keep up to date with Brimstone UXO’s latest news, insights, and sustainability initiatives by following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.