As infrastructure professionals, it’s easy to become siloed in our approach to solving problems, and fail to consider infrastructure as a ‘system of systems’ designed to support and enhance society and the environment. Whether it’s through organisations or work share, we must find ways out of silos, and to connect with one another more meaningfully. Partnerships allow us to establish knowledge sharing networks, which can support more informed decision making. Ultimately, diversity of thought results in better outcomes for people and the planet, and by sharing best practice and resources, we can approach problems more efficiently. Partnerships allow us to be part of a professional community, fostering collaboration and co-creation.
In the United Kingdom (UK), Moffatt & Nichol supports work carried out by the South West Infrastructure Partnership (SWIP), an organisation designed to bring people together from across infrastructure sectors to create an informed voice. The aim is to break down barriers and address challenges including decarbonisation, climate change adaptation, the development of green skills, and enabling greater investment in the green economy. SWIP was established in 2017 and is funded by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
SWIP recently held their first regional conference to discuss key infrastructure challenges. The following takeaways apply locally and globally:
• Consider viewing the environment as a budget. What would happen if we really viewed habitats and ecosystems in the same way we review our monthly balance sheets. No business can survive without at least breaking even, so why should we treat the environment any differently. Biodiversity net gain and the use of nature-based solutions (collectively contributing to Natural Capital) are profitable for people and the planet.
• The ways in which we approach engineering challenges will have to adapt over time. For example, we may ask ourselves: Have we reached an environmental tipping point? Do we need to place greater emphasis on adaptation as an interactive process over the design life of a project?
• Behavioural changes remain difficult to instil, yet remain a key component to decarbonization and adaptation. This requires changes in our professional and personal behaviours. Can we utilize influencers to help change the habits of infrastructure users?
• We are seeing shifts in public infrastructure, with urban residents being just as cut off from services as rural communities, particularly in deprived areas. How do we continue to connect communities under increasing cost and environmental pressures?
• The value of data is being increasingly understood, but organisations need to continue to move from a position of data ownership to stewardship.
• An apolitical approach to infrastructure funding and project implementation is needed, so that outcomes are used to drive decision making, rather than cost. This requires us to move away from current funding models and the blame-game culture synonymous with political cycles. An outcome-focused approach would give decision-makers the essential political stability needed to make long-term choices that support social change and unlock investment (e.g. in first-of-their-kind projects).
• Approaches to public engagement can be just as siloed as our approach to project challenges. Consider bringing in others at an earlier stage - not just when we need permissions or permits. This requires resources and a greater acceptance of risk.
These pressing conclusions are meaningless unless acted upon and unless our experiences are shared. However, we can draw upon current case studies to demonstrate our reasoning. A recent example of Moffatt & Nichol working with others to engage, collaborate and co-create with people and communities is our work to manage coastal flooding in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Norfolk Ohio Creek Watershed project aims to reduce risk from nuisance flooding and coastal inundation for two neighbourhoods along the Elizabeth River in Virginia. Waggonner & Ball (a Moffatt & Nichol design studio) were lead designer and architect for the implementation phase, bringing together coastal engineers, architects, and urban designers. This holistic approach incorporated blue-green infrastructure and living shorelines to help to slow surface water runoff and manage flooding. The project delivered broader outcomes, including local rejuvenation and improved transport connectivity, restoration of habitats and a reduction in urban heat island effects.
Embodying a partnership approach, as part of a joint venture known as Norfolk Resilient Partners, Moffatt & Nichol has embarked on a $2.6 billion multi-phase project with the City of Norfolk and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to design and implement resilience measures across Norfolk over the next decade. Currently at risk of flooding from coastal storm surge, this approach considers community outcomes across the city. Looking beyond simple outputs such as the number of properties being protected by new flood defences, Norfolk Resilient Partners are exploring opportunities to include community assets and assess the impacts on critical services, as well as environmental and social outcomes.
Locally in the UK, Bristol Port has started several greening and adaptation projects, establishing approximately 100 hectares of green space, about 10 percent of its total land. This includes woodland, salt marsh and grass lands, with connecting corridors to support and enhance wildlife and associated habitats. The port is considering supporting a just energy transition. Currently suppling around a fourth of all jet fuel used by Heathrow International Airport, the UK’s largest airport, the port has begun to find ways to repurpose existing fuel pipelines to carry future fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and potentially hydrogen. Work is also being done to determine how the port can support floating offshore wind (FLOW) projects as part of a connected, regional approach, aiming to facilitate the port infrastructure needed to mobilise and support FLOW in the Celtic Sea.
Just north of Bristol Port, the South West Net Zero Hub, a government funded initiative, has been established as part of the UK’s net zero strategy. They are currently working with South Gloucestershire Council to assess the use of geothermal energy to decarbonise domestic heating for communities across the region. If successful, this work would repurpose abandoned coal mines, adapting and utilising existing infrastructure in a new and much more sustainable way.
Of course, communication is key to sharing knowledge and learning from each other’s experiences. You can learn more about the changing face of infrastructure delivery in the Beyond the Brunel podcast, presented by Christopher Ackland, Coastal engineer at Moffatt & Nichol in Exeter, UK. Conceived by SWIP and supported by Moffat & Nichol, it is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The current series covers topics close to our hearts, such as Floating Offshore Wind and Integrated Water Management, which features discussions with Dave Turner, a Coastal Engineer in Exeter, UK. Please share your thoughts and ideas to help shape the next series; we would love to hear from you.
For questions or additional information, please contact us at publicrelations@moffattnichol.com.
