Tell us about yourself.

I started out as an electrical engineer before moving on to other roles like connections manager and then general manager for the operation of an electricity network supplying 500,000 customers. Later I became an operations director and got involved in regeneration and the carbon agenda. I joined Inexus in January 2007 to undertake responsibility for the asset management business and to develop our electricity capability. I then set up Metropolitan - the Inexus Group's sustainable energy and utility business.

What can Metropolitan do for developers?

We provide an integrated, low-carbon, energy and utility solution. By combining all of the utility assets, and by adding the design, provision and ownership of distributed heating systems with centralised heat and power generation, we've augmented an already market-leading utility package. Our low-carbon energy design meets the Code for Sustainable Homes level 4 requirements but also has the flexibility to achieve Code level 6.

How does a 'low-carbon solution' benefit the developer?

Meeting sustainability requirements will be one less thing they have to worry about - as will concerns over whether or not they've got the best deal on construction. Our approach enables developers to concentrate on building homes whilst Metropolitan lay down the foundations of this future-proofed sustainable infrastructure.

Why should we care about 'low-carbon' and 'the environment'?

The Kyoto Protocol, the world-wide framework for the stabilisation of greenhouse gas levels, has put legally enforceable targets on governments. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, now underway in Copenhagen, will in all likelihood produce even more targets to further reduce emissions here in the UK. Solutions to meet this sustainable agenda have to be found or developers will be caught out by the ever tightening planning requirements.

Won't these initiatives end up costing the developer more?

We provide a level of external investment to offset the cost of the infrastructure. We also give developers access to extra revenue streams through our unique energy model - they have the opportunity to retain all the value from the sale of heat, cooling and electricity. Metropolitan have already proven that sustainable solutions are affordable and environmental initiatives are a great way for developers to differentiate themselves from the competition.

What type of projects are Metropolitan currently involved with?

We're currently involved in the revolutionary urban regeneration at King's Cross Central - one of the most innovative developments in the UK. Metropolitan are providing a full, integrated solution, delivering the entire utilities infrastructure: energy centre, combined heat and power, district heating, fibre optic telecommunications, potable water and sewerage. We are also utilising other sustainable technologies including roof-mounted wind turbines, photovoltaics, ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems for generating hot water. I believe that King's Cross Central will be the benchmark for sustainable and energy efficient developments across the UK; it's fantastic that Metropolitan can be a part of that.