Jaimie Handscomb’s Post

Stantec, through its Inuit-owned partnership Nunami Stantec Limited, has been chosen by West Kitikmeot Resources Corp to continue providing engineering and environmental consulting for the Grays Bay Road and Port Project in #Nunavut. This project aims to create direct access to the #NorthwestPassage, boosting Inuit and Canadian sovereignty, and unlocking critical mineral resources to support the northern economy.

WSP to enhance Environment Agency groundwater modelling in Lincs and East Anglia #WSP has been tasked by the #EnvironmentAgency with updating and maintaining #groundwater models in #Lincolnshire and #EastAnglia. This latest initiative continues a collaboration that spans 25 years, during which WSP has played a significant role in developing four of the five Anglian groundwater models. The remaining model was created by sub-consultants AtkinsRéalis. The updated models will be essential for generating #data that supports both internal decision-making within the Environment Agency and aids third-party stakeholders in understanding #water resource management and water quality regulation. The appointment comes on the heels of WSP joining the Environment Agency’s 2024 Mapping and Modelling Framework in May as part of a joint venture with #Binnies. This £70M framework also includes other firms #Aecom, #Atkinsréalis, #Jacobs, #JBAConsulting and #MottMacDonald, signalling a collaborative approach to addressing water management challenges ahead. Additionally, WSP has recently been appointed as a technical partner on National Highways’ Water Quality Plan, indicating the firm’s expanding role in #environmental #engineering and planning across the UK. This surge in responsibilities reflects an increasing focus on sustainable water management practices in response to growing environmental concerns. WSP associate director Gordon Coombs said: “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Environment Agency. This project not only enhances the groundwater models but also ensures they remain essential tools for water resource decision-making, especially as we face emerging challenges such as climate change and the balance between the demand for water supply from groundwater sources and the need to preserve our valuable wetland sites and Chalk Streams.” Environment Agency project executive Mark Grout said: “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with WSP. Its proven expertise will ensure that our region’s groundwater models are continuously improved and maintained. This will support our regulatory work, most notably with assessing sustainable levels of water abstraction now and into the future. The Environment Agency has a duty to ensure that there is enough water for people, businesses and the environment.” https://lnkd.in/eEieSgeM

Solving climate change and biodiversity loss starts with reimagining how we build.

New Zealand’s regulatory resource management and environmental landscape is dynamic, with significant change and upheaval in the past few years. The Government’s decision to repeal the new Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and revert to the Resource Management Act 1991 while new legislation is prepared means that, for now, we are operating under the legislative framework that has been in place since 1991 – but reform is remains on the horizon. In our second article in collaboration with Arup, we examine how the country’s current regulatory and planning regime impacts the implementation of nature-positive infrastructure and consider the potential opportunities ahead. Bianca Tree, Stephanie de Groot, Kate Storer, Scott B Thompson and Matthew Blaikie #naturepositive #infrastructure #sustainableimpact #helpingshapenewzealandsfuture

There’s an increasing worldwide emphasis on the environmental impacts of projects and ways parties can use contractual terms to achieve their biodiversity and carbon targets. The latest instalment of MinterEllisonRuddWatts and Arup's series on Nature Positive Infrastructure explores ways parties are incorporating environmental considerations into contractual frameworks and some of the challenges with doing so. Please reach out if you want to know more about Nature Positive Infrastructure– or check out the other articles in the series! 

Our ability to address the two greatest challenges of our time—climate change and biodiversity loss—depends on fundamentally rethinking how we design and construct infrastructure. In 2023, FIDIC - International Federation of Consulting Engineers, World Wildlife Fund and AECOM developed an award-winning ‘living playbook’ to advance global recognition of nature-positive infrastructure approaches. This playbook offers crucial insights and supports the implementation of nature-based solutions worldwide. This year, we launch the latest addition to this living playbook. This new section on procurement provides additional guidance for funders, developers, government agencies and contractors on embedding nature-positive principles into their project briefs and scopes of work, ensuring nature is prioritized from the outset of infrastructure planning and design. Max Wade will be at FIDIC’s Global Infrastructure Conference on the 10th September to discuss this new addition and explore the future of nature-positive infrastructure. Learn more about the playbook here: https://lnkd.in/ebB6_mRt Link to event: https://lnkd.in/eMP-zGNs #SustainableInfrastructure #NaturePositive #EnvironmentalSustainability

Environmental planning for complex bridge projects can help drive on-time delivery, effective cost management and community buy-in. HNTB's Carlos Swonke outlines key considerations that can enhance project outcomes for successful complex #bridge projects. https://bit.ly/3VajPGE

A new section on procurement to further help guide stakeholders on embedding nature-positive principles into infrastructure planning and design.

Managing Director, Nigel Huish and Regional Director, Simon Edwards reflect on 25 years shaping the business from humble beginnings to global expansion thanks to the opportunities afforded by parent company IDOM.   Whilst contaminated land consultancy has always been a core service, the business has been dynamic over the years and reacted to industry opportunities, several of which have stemmed from new government regulations and policy.   As Simon notes “The key to our business success has in some ways been about being fluid and dynamic, and reacting to the macroclimate of business and industry.”   The contaminated land market is experiencing a surge in opportunity, driven over the years by increasing environmental awareness, stringent regulations and advancements in remediation technologies. As government’s globally prioritise sustainability and materials management in construction, the demand for remediation of contaminated sites has never been greater.   Read the full article here https://bit.ly/3weuffS.   We’d love to hear about your remediation challenges and success stories in the comments! #contaminatedland #brownfield #regeneration #remediation #environmentalconsultancy

With the Government indicating more change for environmental management, we consider if the planned reforms can advance nature-positive infrastructure here in New Zealand. Partnering with Arup, we discuss the potential for a more proactive approach to nature-positive infrastructure and share examples from overseas where the concept is gradually gaining acceptance. #naturepositive #infrastructure #sustainableimpact #helpingshapenewzealandsfuture