About Us

 

Zero Carbon Quantity Surveying is one of the consultancies leading the way on sustainable development solutions to achieve our clients and the UK government’s ambitions to be Zero Carbon by 2035.

​Colin Nicholson, with over 30 years industry knowledge, leads our team as one of the UK’s few Chartered Environmentalists from a Quantity Surveying profession.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With extensive experience across the residential and mixed-use market, Colin has worked as a contractor, developer, and consultant, partnering with housing associations, local authorities, developers, and housebuilders. His expertise spans the full spectrum of cost consultancy and project management services, ensuring seamless delivery and financial efficiency across diverse projects.

Colin has successfully led numerous award-winning developments, demonstrating a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation in the built environment. His strategic approach ensures that projects not only meet client expectations but also contribute to thriving, future-proof communities.

Qualifications

• Chartered Environmentalist with The Society for the Environment (CEnv)

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB)

• Associate of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (AssocRICS)

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Driving Sustainable, High-Quality Development

At Zero Carbon QS Ltd, we specialize in robust project management and cost consultancy, helping clients maximize development potential and deliver viable, high-quality schemes. Our expertise extends to identifying the most effective sustainable solutions to achieve net zero and Passivhaus compliance, ensuring projects are both economically and environmentally resilient.

We support clients in achieving exceptional value for money by recommending the right procurement strategies, supply chains, and product specifications—creating legacy developments that residents and stakeholders can take pride in.

Our experience spans the procurement and installation of almost every form of domestic renewable energy, including:
✅ Air & ground source heat pumps
✅ Central plant energy centres
✅ PV panels & solar systems
✅ Electric boilers & district heating
✅ Whole-house heat recovery ventilation

By integrating practical, forward-thinking sustainability, we help shape responsible, future-proof communities that align with both financial and environmental objectives.

  

Sustainable Solutions

With extensive experience in sustainable development and renewable energy, we have successfully implemented a range of cutting-edge technologies to create thriving, low-carbon communities.

We champion a fabric-first approach, optimizing a building’s design and materials to reduce energy consumption. This significantly lowers space heating and hot water demand, minimizing reliance on external heat and power sources—ultimately enhancing EPC energy efficiency ratings and delivering long-term sustainability benefits.

By prioritizing practical, cost-effective solutions, we empower clients to achieve environmental and economic goals, ensuring a smarter, greener built environment for future generations.

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