The Surprising Role of a Calibrated Sense of Smell in Odour Assessment
The Surprising Role of a Calibrated Sense of Smell in Odour Assessment One of the less obvious parts of air quality consultancy is odour assessment. For Chloe Fellows, Founder and Director of Haze Environmental, this includes having her sense of smell tested and calibrated. As an odour practitioner, Chloe holds an up-to-date Odour Acuity Test certificate in accordance with EN 13725. In simple terms, this means her ability to detect odours is periodically tested against a recognised standard using n-butanol. It is one of the parts of the role that often surprises people. Odour survey season has been particularly busy for Haze Environmental recently, with odour assessments being undertaken for a range of developments, including wastewater, industrial, rural and agricultural sites. Odour can be a sensitive planning issue. It is also one of the more subjective environmental topics, which is why a proportionate, evidence-led approach is so important. The purpose of an odour assessment is not simply to decide whether something smells. It is to understand the likely impact on the people who live, work or spend time nearby, and to consider whether appropriate mitigation or design changes may be needed. This may include reviewing the nature of the odour source, local meteorological conditions, distance from sensitive receptors, frequency of exposure, and the potential for odour to affect future occupants or existing communities. At Haze Environmental, odour assessments are undertaken to support planning applications, inform design decisions and provide clear, practical advice on potential odour risks. It is a fascinating area of work and certainly not always what people imagine when they hear the words “air quality consultant”.
Taking Time to Step Back and Think About What Comes Next
Taking Time to Step Back and Think About What Comes Next After a few days in the Lake District at Claire Ackers’ Rewilding Retreat, Chloe Fellows, Founder and Director of Haze Environmental, returned to the business with fresh ideas, renewed focus and a clearer sense of direction. This was Chloe’s second retreat with Claire, and once again it was a reminder of how powerful it can be to step away from the day-to-day demands of running a business. The retreat provided time not only to rest, but to think, reflect and reconnect with what comes next — both for Haze Environmental and for Chloe personally. Surrounded by brilliant women in business, and away from the usual noise of work, deadlines and everyday responsibilities, the retreat created space for honest reflection and forward thinking. Chloe said: “Sometimes, when you are running a business, it can be very easy to keep moving from one task to the next without giving yourself proper time to think. The retreat gave me the space to step back, reconnect with what I want for the next stage of Haze Environmental, and think about the kind of business I want to continue building. I’ve come back with fresh ideas, a clearer sense of direction, and real excitement for the opportunities ahead this year and beyond.” For Haze Environmental, that direction continues to centre around technical excellence, meaningful environmental impact, and supporting clients with clear, practical air quality and odour advice. It also reflects Chloe’s wider commitment to building a business that is sustainable not only in its environmental values, but also in the way it supports balance, purpose and long-term growth. And, as Chloe admits, the next chapter is also likely to include more hiking and wild swimming. Sometimes stepping away is exactly what helps you move forward.
Haze Environmental Named Finalist for Excellence in Professional Services Award
Celebrating a milestone: Haze Environmental is a finalist for Excellence in Professional Services. From 90+ projects to 39% growth, here is how Chloe is doing things differently.
Careers Panel at the University of Birmingham
Chloe Fellows shares her 18-year journey to inspire students pursuing environmental science careers.
IAQM Committee Appointment
A milestone for Haze Environmental as Chloe Fellows joins the IAQM committee to support the professional community.
Chloe Fellows Champions Female Entrepreneurship in STEM in New Publication
Chloe Fellows shares her story of female entrepreneurship in STEM and balancing motherhood.
Haze Environmental Analyzes Air Quality Planning Policy at RTCA25
Haze Environmental evaluates shifts in air quality planning policy at RTCA25.
Haze Environmental Marks 5 Years as a Leading Air Quality Consultancy UK
A milestone for independent expertise: Haze Environmental celebrates five years as a trusted air quality consultancy UK.
Haze Environmental Supports Community Environmental Initiatives with Cricket Sponsorship
New kit unveiled for Droitwich Spa Girls Cricket team, proudly sponsored by Haze Environmental.
Haze Environmental Named Finalist in Regional Environmental Business Awards
Technical excellence recognized: Haze Environmental named finalist in prestigious environmental business awards.
