Urban populations are growing while climate change means both droughts, as well as sudden intense rainfall events, are on the rise. However, existing urban infrastructure in UK has not caught up with the water management challenges presented by these scenarios. We need to be much smarter about the capture, usage and planned management of water going forward. This is critical to reduce flood risk and to be prepared for periods of drought.
In this episode, New Civil Engineer assistant news editor Rob Hakimian is joined by two guests to discuss the topic - Charlotte Markey, who is green urbanisation innovation manager at Polypipe, and John Griffiths, who is national account manager at environmental data management solutions company Kisters..
In conversation with Rob, Charlotte and John outline the opportunities for upgrading existing infrastructure to blue green infrastructure in the UK, explaining examples including tree pits, rain gardens and blue green roof systems. They also explain the growing importance of data collection – particularly using smart sensors. Both Charlotte and John suggest that this data could be an untapped resource that might be better leveraged with a more strategic “joined up” approach on the part of government, utilities providers and other water management stakeholders.
They also talk about on their involvement a recent pilot project in Manchester that saw the installation of a climate and water resilience research roof in the heart of the city. The project is helping to drive understanding of how a combination of construction and data technologies can help mitigate the impacts of climate change and urbanisation. It demonstrates how storing and re-using rainwater can reduce the volume of surface run-off impacting important assets such as sewer networks.
Charlotte and John compare the approach in the UK to elsewhere globally and consider the implications of not changing the approach to surface water management and the role smart data can play in that.
Listen now to hear about how blue green infrastructure and smart rainwater management can play an ongoing role in the UK’s climate resilience.
The Engineers Collective is proving truly global in reach, with a third of listeners based outside the UK. It is also appealing to an inquisitive, career-builder demographic, with 80% of listeners under 35.
Special guests on previous episodes have included Crossrail managing director Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd special advisor Andrew McNaughton and ICE president Ed McCann. All are available for download and all address current and ongoing issues around skills and major project delivery.
The Engineers Collective is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, A-cast, Stitcher, PodBean and via newcivilengineer.com/podcast
The Engineer’s Collective is powered by Seequent, the subsurface software specialists.
Around the world, teams are using PLAXIS, OpenGround, Leapfrog Works, and GeoStudio to design, build and operate safe, sustainable, and long-lasting infrastructure, from roads to rail, bridges to tunnels, and buildings, dams and levees.
Find out more at seequent.com/civil.
Let's talk about menopause: the importance of supporting employees in the industry
Creating a ‘construction time machine’ to de-risk construction with John Sisk and Sons
The importance of collaboration between architects and engineers with Martin Knight and Michelle McDowell
In the news: the Miami Champlain Towers South collapse with the NCE editorial team
Health, Safety, Wellbeing and data: The ‘Discovering Safety’ programme, with HSE and Atkins
Reimagining the future of infrastructure: tech, BIM, digital twins and a crystal ball, with John Nolan from Network Rail and Dan Vogen from Bentley Systems
The Net Zero Infrastructure Industry Coalition: A place-based approach to net zero, with Mott MacDonald
Learning about the blue economy with San Diego’s Tim Barrett and ECOncrete’s Andrew Rella
Updates on the Road Investment Strategy 2 and lessons learned with Graham Richards from Office of Rail and Road
COP26 in Glasgow: How should civil engineering influence the agenda? With Philippa Spence from Ramboll
Mental health: The impact of COVID-19 on wellbeing in construction with Lindsey Marie and Phil Hinchey from RSK
Using our skills to benefit society and the importance of ethics in engineering with Emma Crichton from Engineers Without Borders UK
Making carbon net zero as common nature as health and safety with Ruth Jeffs from Waterman Group
Bringing joy to infrastructure design with National Infrastructure Design group chair Sadie Morgan
The role of AI in the future of roads maintenance with FMConway and RoadBotics
Exploring the world of ‘Systems Engineering’, with Matt Gibson from Amey and Chris Rolison from Bentley Systems
2020 in review: The NCE team discuss the biggest news stories of the year
Introducing the 156th President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Rachel Skinner
Why Brexit doesn't mean the end of Eurocodes, with Steve Denton from WSP
Learning about the Northern Powerhouse Rail journey with director, Tim Wood
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
WSJ Tech News Briefing
Rebel Tech
CyberWire Daily
Cyber Security Headlines
The WAN Show