Carbon Manager, Sir Robert McAlpine
Tom King is Carbon Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, a UK-based tier one building contractor delivering complex projects nationwide. He leads the deployment of the company’s PAS 2080–verified carbon management system and has over a decade of experience in sustainable construction. A Chartered Environmentalist, Tom has delivered award-winning projects certified to leading environmental and wellbeing standards. He is currently a member of the PEFC Project Certification Task Force, helping shape standards for responsibly sourced timber in the built environment.
Career in Sustainability and Carbon
Tom joined Sir Robert McAlpine in 2018, initially supporting projects across London before moving into a national role. He has contributed to the company’s ISO 14001-certified environmental management system and achievements of its ‘Build Sure’ sustainability strategy.
He has played a central role in delivering carbon management systems aligned with PAS 2080 and ISO 14064, undertaking whole-life carbon assessments and supporting project teams to meet key frameworks such as the NHS Net Zero Building Standard.
Tom has led or supported sustainability on several landmark schemes, including:
- 21 Moorfields, City of London – BREEAM Outstanding, LEED Gold, FSC Project Certification
- The Forge, Southwark – The UK’s first ‘net-zero’ commercial office development (UKGBC definition), NABERS 5.5*, BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold, FSC Project Certification
His project work has earned industry accolades, including the City of London Building of the Year.
Prior to joining SRM, Tom spent five years at Bouygues UK working on major schemes such as the UCLH Proton Beam Therapy Centre, the Ray Dolby Centre in Cambridge, and Battersea Power Station Phase 3. There, he developed company sustainability guidance and acted as an in-house BREEAM and CfSH assessor.
Industry Roles and Influence
Tom actively contributes to national and international sustainability efforts. He is:
- A contributor to the PEFC Project Certification Task Force (2025–present)
- An active member of the Climate Group’s ConcreteZero and SteelZero initiatives
- A contributor to RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment guidance (2023, 2nd edition)
- A regular volunteer with the Bristol Wood Recycling Project
These roles reflect his commitment to advancing best practice across carbon measurement, certification, and the responsible use of materials in the built environment.
Skills and Qualifications
Tom is a Full Member of ISEP (MISEP) and a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). He holds accreditations as a BREEAM AP, LEED AP BD+C, and WELL AP. He also holds formal training in carbon assessment, ISO auditing, and chain of custody auditing.
Key strengths include:
- Whole-life carbon and GHG reporting expertise
- Deep understanding of sustainability certification schemes
- Training and leadership across project and regional teams
- Development of EMS and net zero strategies
- Strong stakeholder communication and technical writing
Tom holds a Master’s in Carbon Management (MSc) and a BSc in Geography from the University of Edinburgh. He was named in edie’s “30 Under 30” in 2019.
Role at PEFC UK
Tom joined PEFC UK’s Project Certification Task Force in early 2025. He brings deep technical expertise in low-carbon construction and whole-life thinking to help strengthen PEFC’s alignment with industry needs.
A passionate advocate for responsible sourcing, Tom is committed to helping increase industry confidence in sustainable timber and the value of credible certification.
