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Once we really understand value, through recognising co-benefits and trade-offs, is when our solutions will finally start to become transformational. Data is at the forefront of the way we’re changing. Where there used to be a lack of data, inconsistency in reporting and contradictions, we now have access to digital technology that can quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively assemble high-quality data for analysis. Moreover, that process is enhanced by the huge range of innovations that are streamlining our processes for environmentally integrated design and construction. Not only is that improving our decision-making, but it’s revolutionising our consent process too – challenging stubborn stereotypes of stakeholder engagement characterised by inertia.
The human touch People, however, are still primary. Data and technology alone won’t magically solve our problems. Instead, they provide insight and intelligence to enhance our decision- making. To transform ‘business as usual,’ we need multidisciplinary expertise to cut across traditional silos, and deliver cutting edge, connected solutions. We see this approach in operation across a number of areas, for example, in decarbonising heritage buildings. As some 80% of the buildings that exist today will make up the built environment by 2050, there is a real urgency in addressing the challenge that represents.
Among that existing building stock are many Grade II listed buildings for instance where we need to overcome the challenge of introducing decarbonisation measures such as ventilation, heating and cooling mitigation, to highly significant 18th century rooms without altering their appearance – while maintaining significant fabric, both visible and hidden, intact. Transport networks clearly have a huge impact on the environment, and the rail industry is a great example of where we have brought our environmental teams in early in the process to steer design to minimise environmental and social risk and realise opportunity.
By using digital tools such as our state- of-the-art Pangea environmental assessment manager – that combines processes, digital technology, information management and different behaviours applied throughout delivery – we are able to provide a
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Image by Anthony Ashley (Pixabay)
Environmental services are at the forefront of implementing innovation, changing the way we interact with our environment and ensuring communities impacted by development derive the greatest social value outcomes from the project
comparative assessment of proposed route options to take. Of course, one of the most significant areas where environmental services can make an impact earlier in projects is through the planning process. The planner of today has a range of new tools including better data which is transforming understanding of our ecosystems and streamlining design. By providing line of sight both to wider trends and local specifics, data is unlocking a new level of strategic insight. And by benchmarking high quality data from the outset, data is improving and accelerating project processes.
Tried & tested approach Environmental impact can now be more accurately understood – and sometimes avoided even before a pen is put to virtual paper – while also tracked and delivered throughout a project. Working with Edinburgh City Council, for example, AtkinsRealis has provided a blueprint to other local authorities of the value of a data-driven approach. By mapping the city’s blue-green assets using
data, to develop a strategic plan for future development, data offers a way to cut through the complexity.
Environmental services are at the forefront of implementing innovation, changing the way we interact with our environment and ensuring communities impacted by development derive the greatest social value outcomes from the project.
So whether we’re developing green city action plans, assessing flood risk, or remediating brownfield sites, we’re creating nature positive solutions that transform communities, enable sustainable infrastructure and unlock value. It’s no longer enough to be reactive; instead we must be proactive, engaging early to make better decisions, and maximise the long-term possibilities. As an example, environmental services have reimagined our role within the development process, and today play an integral part in our wider mission to engineer a better future for our planet, and its people.
Dr Victoria Hutchinson is director at AtkinsRealis’ environment practice
ADF OCTOBER 2023
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