#United Kingdom #Jacobs #無し #AtkinsRéalis #National Highways

Jacobs and AtkinsRéalis: Pioneering Environmental Strategies for UK Highways

Jacobs, a leading global provider of professional services, has teamed up with AtkinsRéalis—an established engineering firm—to take on a significant role as the environmental and sustainability technical partner for National Highways in the United Kingdom. This partnership is set to play a crucial role in aiding the UK's roadway infrastructure to address pressing environmental concerns while focusing on sustainability and community well-being.

Contract Overview

The joint venture, awarded through National Highways’ Specialist Professional and Technical Services Framework, will last for a duration of three years. Its primary objective is to support National Highways' ambitious Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across 4,500 miles of motorways and major A-roads by 2050. This goal underscores the UK government’s commitment to tackle climate change and elevate biodiversity across its critical transport infrastructure.

Key Areas of Focus

The AtkinsRéalis-Jacobs collaboration will harness an array of technical expertise concentrated on vital components such as:

• - Designing Lower Carbon Roads: Innovating design approaches that consider carbon emissions during the lifecycle of roadways.
• - Implementing Nature-Based Solutions: Integrating natural elements into road systems to foster biodiversity and ecological health.
• - Pollution Mitigation: Developing strategies and technologies to reduce the environmental impact of roadways on surrounding areas.
• - Resource Optimization: Utilizing resources and energy more efficiently throughout construction and maintenance processes.
• - Landscape Integration: Ensuring that new roads harmonize with and enhance their environments rather than disrupt them.

According to Richard Sanderson, Jacobs’ Senior Vice President, this joint venture marks a significant step towards realizing National Highways' vision for a connected and sustainable country. The synergy between Jacobs’ extensive knowledge of the transportation network and AtkinsRéalis’ engineering expertise is anticipated to create meaningful advancements in environmental resilience and community welfare.

The Importance of Sustainability

Peter Baynham, Market Director at AtkinsRéalis, highlighted the crucial interplay between economic growth and sustainable infrastructure, stating, “England's economy depends on our strategic road network, and sustainability must be at its heart… resilient, low-carbon infrastructure is essential for long-term growth.” This approach reiterates the importance of embedding sustainability within the core operational frameworks of national highway systems.

National Highways Director for Environmental Sustainability, Stephen Elderkin, emphasized the necessity for collaboration in implementing these environmental goals. He remarked, “We need to work collaboratively to accelerate the transformation of the highway sector,” highlighting the joint effort required to meet ambitious targets for net zero emissions and local environmental advancements.

A Collaborative Approach

To achieve effective delivery of the environmental objectives, the joint venture plans to engage a diverse supply chain—multiplying the impact of its strategies. This includes partnerships with PA Consulting, small to medium enterprises, and academic institutions, helping foster innovation and incorporation of the latest environmental techniques and knowledge.

Both Jacobs and AtkinsRéalis bring a wealth of experience, having worked together previously on groundbreaking projects, including the notable