For the second year in a row, PBS Engineering and Environmental has been recognized by the Environmental Business Journal (EBJ) for business achievement among midsize firms ($20-50 million). The firm received the Silver Award for achieving significant growth and profitability milestones in 2017, marking the best year in the firm’s 35-year history. The 2016 acquisition of regional engineering firm, HDJ Design Group, grew PBS’ annualized revenue by over 40%; in 2017, gross revenues rose to more than $32 million, marking a milestone for the firm. Internal growth of over 30%, on top of the additional capacity provided by HDJ, demonstrates the successful blending of complementary service areas and highlights demand for PBS’ turnkey, multidisciplinary approach. PBS’ employee count grew 20% from 185 in 2016 to more than 220 in late 2017.

PBS also received the Technology Merit Award for establishing an Unmanned Aerial Systems division with the goal of integrating drones into its engineering, environmental, and surveying work flow. PBS team members developed a unique data management process that allows the firm to utilize drones for virtual inspections, land surveying, and facility walk-throughs that link to corresponding environmental sampling data. The use of drones allows the firm to inspect and evaluate difficult-to-access areas and reduce the risk to staff. Applications have included inspections of cliff-sides for archaeological evaluation, bridges, and roofs from the safety of the ground—at a fraction of the time and cost. PBS’ drones are also being used to create survey-controlled orthomosaics (geo-referenced aerial maps), supplementing traditional topographic survey methods.

The Environmental Business Journal, a business research publication which provides high value strategic business intelligence to the environmental industry, annually honors companies for revenue growth, acquisitions, innovative project designs, technology applications, new practice areas, social contributions and industry leadership.

The 2017 EBJ awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the Environmental Industry Summit XVI in San Diego, Calif. on March 21, 2018. The Environmental Industry Summit is an annual three-day executive retreat hosted by EBI, Inc. and 2020 Environmental Group.