The Engineers Collective

This month’s episode is dedicated to celebrating 40 years since Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Thames Barrier in London, the engineering marvel that protects London from disastrous flooding. We speak to two engineers who worked on its construction, which commenced nearly half a century ago. Rory O’Grady was a section engineer for Costain on the project between 1975 and 1980 and has just published a book called We Gave A Dam: The Epic Race To Build The Thames Barrier, which recollects the people, struggles and ingenuity that contributed to the creation of the landmark infrastructure. We also have future ICE president Richard Bayfield who spent six months in the very early part of his career on the barrier as an assistant planning engineer for Costain. Together they discuss the Thames Barrier’s creation, its legacy and what its future looks like. Prior to that, host Rob Hakimian and NCE reporter Thomas Johnson briefly discuss the announcement of a General Election in the UK and what that means for the country’s major infrastructure projects and policies.

In this episode of The Engineers Collective we speak to ICE president Anusha Shah about the importance of biodiversity net gain (BNG). This year has seen BNG of 10% become mandatory for new developments. Shah has committed her year in office to pushing the agenda of nature-based solutions in civil engineering. The two themes are intertwined and she explains how they are essential for driving forward sustainability in the built environment and are essential in how construction must be shaped moving into the future. Prior to the interview, NCE editor Gavin Pearson, news editor Rob Hakimian and report Tom Johnson discuss some of the biggest stories of the last month. There is a chat about the Francis Scott Key collapse and what we have learned from the engineers they’ve spoken to, Tom talks about his chat with Jacobs about San Francisco’s hugely ambitious $13bn plan to protect against inevitable sea level rise and finally the trio discuss the latest developments at Everton FC’s new stadium on Merseyside.

In this month’s episode of The Engineers Collective podcast from New Civil Engineer we mark one year since the publication of the 2023 update to the PAS 2080 standard for carbon management in infrastructure.   We’ve gathered representatives from Mott MacDonald, the Department for Transport and Anglian Water to gain insight a series of roundtables held by Mott MacDonald where industry stakeholders discussed and debated how PAS 2080 should be implemented in their businesses and projects.   DfT head of systems Tom McLenachan tells us about the systems thinking outcomes from the roundtables, Mott MacDonald water and infrastructure technical principal Heather Marshall discusses the procurement outcomes from the debate and Anglian Water @one Alliance carbon sustainability manager Alex Herridge provides insight on the decision making outcomes from the discussions.   Prior to the interview portion, NCE editor Gavin Pearson, news editor Rob Hakimian and reporter Tom Johnson discuss some of the month’s biggest stories, touching on the lack of infrastructure in the recent Budget and Anglian Water’s development of its £2.2bn Fenlands Reservoir. Lastly, Tom tells us about his recent visit to the Woodsmith polyhalite mine in Yorkshire.   The Engineers Collective is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, A-cast, Stitcher, PodBean and via newcivilengineer.com/podcast

In this month’s episode of The Engineers Collective podcast from New Civil Engineer we speak to Julia Stevens, the chief executive of the Constructionarium, about how the facility is preparing budding construction workers and engineers for life on a work site. Stevens tells us about the Constructionarium, a 7.5ha site at Bircharm Newton in Norfolk, which features a range of work areas including scaled down rivers, lakes, stabilised flatlands, mountainous terrain. We hear about the rigorous week-long courses which encompass everything from pre-construction documentation to client engagement to the actual construction task itself. In this way, participants experience the true breadth of what it is like to work for a contractor. Prior to the interview portion, NCE editor Gavin Pearson, news editor Rob Hakimian and senior reporter Tom Pashby discuss some of the month’s biggest stories, touching on the draft Rail Reform Bill, the potential impacts of space weather on infrastructure and the need for resilience in the wake of the news that global temperatures breached the 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels barrier for a year straight.

This month’s episode of The Engineers Collective from New Civil Engineer focuses on the role that hydrogen could play in the global effort to transition to a zero-carbon world. International management consultancy Arthur D. Little recently put out a report entitled Hydrogen: The electroshock to the energy transition and in this episode NCE acting news editor Rob Hakimian is joined by three experts from the consultancy to discuss just how this might happen. They discuss where it’s already being used, the barriers to greater adoption, the UK’s recently published hydrogen strategy, National Highways’ commitment to using hydrogen plant on its landmark Lower Thames Crossing road tunnel and much more. Read Arthur D Little’s full report here. Prior to the interview portion, Rob is joined by NCE editor Gavin Pearson and reporter Tom Johnson to discuss some of the stories from the civil engineering world that have caught their attention in the early portion of 2024. They discuss Thames Water’s controversial Teddington Direct River Abstraction, the government’s pledge to work with the tidal range sector and Balfour Beatty’s ill-fated attempts to carry out net zero construction at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

The new episode of the Engineers Collective podcast is out now. This month’s episode focuses on ‘transforming infrastructure performance’. The UK’s Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) released two papers, in 2017 and 2021, called Transforming infrastructure performance in which it set out a vision for the future of infrastructure delivery. This process embeds the use of modern tools and greater project integration to make delivery less expensive and less unpredictable, while increasing safety, learning, efficiency and future readiness. Since then, there have been regular Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP) live summits where stakeholders from government, consultants and engineering contractors convene to discuss the developments towards – and hurdles that stand in the way of – reaching the IPA’s vision for infrastructure delivery by 2030. This year saw TIP events in both Singapore and London, organised by Bentley Systems and supported by Turner & Townsend in association with the IPA. This year’s summits focused on the implementation of digital tools, artificial intelligence, creating more synergy between delivery bodies, utilisation of modern methods of construction, the need to upskill and maintain talent, decarbonisation and much more. More about the lessons shared at TIP and videos of some of the sessions can be found at infrastructurepolicyadvancement.com. On this month’s episode we have an international panel of experts who were involved in the TIP events in both Singapore and London, to discuss some of TIP 2023’s key themes even further. Alongside NCE assistant news editor Rob Hakimian, the panel includes Bentley Systems senior international director of infrastructure advancement Mark Coates, Turner & Townsend director, infrastructure and design management lead Glenda Ho and Turner & Townsend director of portfolio management Liam Bray. The panel starts by discussing what TIP is and why it is valuable, before moving onto some of the meaty topics. Opinions are shared on how AI can be used to support supply chains a sustainability before the discussions turns to how firms can further their adoption of new technologies. There are some interesting comparisons on the way infrastructure is delivered in both the UK and Singapore and how the two nations are approaching the challenge of net zero. There is also a debate about whether it is the clients holding back the implementation of new technologies in construction or whether the blame lies elsewhere. The panel then concludes by discussing what concrete steps need to be taken to ensure the industry is on course to meet the IPA’s expectations by 2030.

This episode focuses on the value of place making within construction and engineering projects. Place making is the practice of ensuring that a project goes beyond functionality and delivers something that benefits the society in which it is being constructed. It is ensuring that there is space above and around it for public use, which will bolster a community with new resources. Fitting in the requirements of a client while also providing wider benefit for the community can make place making feel like a difficult jigsaw, but it has wide-ranging knock-on effects that make it worthwhile. These include improved mental health, physical health, pride of place and economic uplift. These are long-term positives for a broad swatch of society. We’ve seen plenty of placemaking within cities with the likes of the Battersea and Nine Elms developments around the Northern Line extension or the creation of MediaCity at the previously derelict Salford Quay docklands. However, these types of regenerative projects can also be smaller but just as transformational in smaller locations. The guests joining NCE assistant news editor Rob Hakimian on this month’s episode have plenty of experience in place making initiatives. Alex Scott-Whitby is the founder and director of Scott Whitby Studios, the architectural firm that walked away with the Place Making Initiative of the Year award at this year’s British Construction Industry Awards for its Jubilee Pool project in Penzance – a project that is discussed in the podcast. Alongside Alex is Chris Short, iconic bridge director at Arcadis. Chris’ work also sees him sit on Arcadis’ infrastructure group, which focuses on urban development – something that he is passionate about. In this conversation, Alex and Chris discuss the importance of place making and how it should be embedded into projects. They talk specifically about the ScottWhitby Studio’s Jubilee Pool and the benefits it has brought to the people of Penzance. They also discuss the makeup of the current urban landscape and how it can be redressed to better serve the public. The discussion also takes a broader view to discuss the implementation of place making; who has the responsibility to make sure it happens and what is the best way for those working on a project to bring it into a design. Lastly, they look to the future to imagine what towns and cities might look and feel like in the future if place making is instilled in all future developments.

Safety is paramount in construction. Safety of the people who work on constructing a scheme – and safety of those people who will eventually make use of the scheme. On this month’s episode of the Engineers Collective, NCE assistant news editor Rob Hakimian is joined by CROSS scheme manager Paul Livesey to discuss the history of CROSS, how it has grown and its importance in today’s construction landscape. In the conversation, Paul talks about the establishment of CROSS, the sector’s response and how it has developed over its nearly 50 years in existence, bolstered by support from the ICE and IStructE. They discuss how it has proliferated internationally in countries such as Australia and the USA. Paul also reveals how the publication of the Hackitt Report into the Grenfell tragedy was a watershed moment for CROSS and changed the organisation’s visibility and remit. There is also discussion of the significant input that CROSS has had in the RAAC crisis that has recently been in the mainstream headlines in the UK. They also discuss the importance of other reports from recent years on CROSS and Paul gives advice, encouragement and instruction to those who feel they would want to report something to the organisation to spread awareness. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Bentley Systems provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment – for improved quality of life. Its industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, and industrial facilities. Find out more at bentley.com

Over recent years we have all seen our pictures, music and other prized documents migrate to the cloud, which has presented a new kind of convenience and accessibility. The same is true in the construction industry, where some projects have seen vital documents, plans and information become stored on a shared cloud. This increases the ways that these documents can be accessed and also ensures that everyone is working from the same update, rather than sifting through various downloaded versions that might not tally with what other people on the project are referencing. In this episode, former NCE editor Claire Smith and NCE assistant news editor Rob Hakimian are joined by AtkinsRéalis chief geotechnical engineer Simon Miles and AtkinsRéalis senior 3D geological modeller and spatial data specialist Stephanie Boffey-Rawlings to discuss the adoption of cloud-based data management in the ground engineering sector specifically. Claire starts the podcast with some interesting figures about uptake of the cloud among geoprofessionals, collected from a recent survey carried out by subsurface software firm Seequent. These show that the desire for the transition to the cloud is there, but there are perceived barriers. We then move on to our discussion with Stephanie and Simon, who start by giving an overview of how cloud-based data management is used on civil engineering projects and the benefits it brings such as a single source of truth and greater collaborative working. They also discuss their own experience with overcoming the barriers to its implementation, but the ultimate benefits it has brought in comparison to traditional data management. Stephanie and Simon later discuss specific projects, such as the M25, and how it augments every stage of a scheme from design through to delivery. They discuss the lessons learned and how receptive people have been to the change. Finally, we look into the future to discuss where cloud-based data management could guide the future of civil engineering. 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.

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.

Workers in the construction industry are three times more likely to commit suicide than the general population but for those working in the building trades the risk is much higher at eight times. These are stark figures but construction industry charity the Lighthouse Club launched a new campaign called #Makeitvisible at the start of this year that is already making a difference. Lighthouse Club chief executive Bill Hill joined NCE editor Claire Smith and assistant news editor Rob Hakimian for this episode to talk about why the Construction Leadership Council called on the charity to take the lead on the issue and what the campaign involves. Bill outlines the four elements of the work which cover reactive and proactive strategies, research into delivering long term cultural change and how the impact will be measured. During the conversation, Bill talks about how Ford and Speedy Hire have sponsored vans for people from the construction industry who have been affected by poor mental health but have since trained as mental health first aider to go out and visit sites to talk about the issues and resources available. Bill shared with Claire and Rob that the programme has already delivered 87 interventions for people who were suicidal demonstrating the potential impact this initiative could have in the long term. One of the key factors of #Makeitvisible to ensuring people know how to access support and Bill calls on all firms to include the campaign’s video within safety briefings for every site. It can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here. As well as talking about #Makeitvisible, Bill also gives advice specific to both business owners and employees about what they could do today to support colleagues and improve wellbeing in the sector. Claire concludes the podcast by urging anyone dealing with any of the issues discussed to seek help and support as early as possible and not to struggle alone. She also shares a number of resources, which are listed here: Any construction worker or their family can access the MakeItVisible.info portal, you can call the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity 24/7 Helpline on 0345 605 1956 or you can text HARDHAT to 85258 for immediate text back support. Also remember that the Samaritans helpline is available to everyone and you can call them at anytime to talk about yourself, a friend or a colleague on 116 123. Mates in Mind also has a lot of resources specific to the construction sector, which businesses can use to support staff or individuals and is also available to people working in the sector and you can find these at www.matesinmind.org Since the pandemic the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Benevolent Fund has also evolved its services to go beyond financially helping members who are struggling to include outreach on wellbeing issues too. There is a free 24 hour wellbeing helpline that you can access by calling 0800 587 3428 from the UK or for international callers, it is available on +44 1482 699 177 and there are more details online at www.icebenfund.com 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.

Engineers need to be ready to embrace change when it comes to adopting new technology, according to Keith Bentley who has just retired from the post of chief technology officer at Bentley Systems, the firm he founded with his brother Barry almost 40 years ago in 1984. Speaking to NCE editor Claire Smith on the latest episode of The Engineers Collective podcast, Keith reflects back on how far the industry has come in terms of technological change in the last 40 years. He also talks about the challenges the sector has faced in taking on new practices but says he has enjoyed seeing projects thrive when they have used new approaches to project design and delivery. As he prepares to hand over his role at Bentley to Julien Moutte, Keith gives some advice to firms about how to drive technological change and gives a word of caution for businesses who have not yet fully moved to digital delivery and are not yet eying up the potential digital twins have to offer in delivering more improvements.

Megaprojects are what take society forward, whether building new transport infrastructure, creating new technology networks or decarbonising the energy system. However, according to this month’s guest on The Engineers Collective, across sectors and around the world, megaprojects almost always overrun their budgets and timescales. In this episode, NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by NCE reporter Rob Hakimian as they speak to Bent Flyvbjerg, the first ET professor of major programme management at Oxford University’s Said Business School and professor of major programme management at IT University of Copenhagen. He is the most cited scholar in the world on megaprojects, having authored and edited 10 books, including his brand new one, How Things Get Done, which was co-authored with Dan Gardner. Having amassed a database of over 16,000 megaprojects of 25 types and from 130 countries, Flyvbjerg has found that only around 8.5% successfully meet their time and cost projections. He tells us about the most common failures, which often happen in the earliest stages such as planning and picking the right team. He also pinpoints the factors that drive success for megaprojects, such as governance and modularity. Bent explains the challenges using projects such the Elizabeth line and High Speed 2 in the UK. The conversation also touches on decarbonising the energy system, which Flyvbjerg considers the most important megaproject in the world. Finally, we ponder whether assessing megaprojects on how they match up against their time and cost projections is as important as judging them based on their outcomes. Listen now to hear about the best practice when approaching a big project – which Bent believes can also be applied to smaller schemes, as well as home tasks such as remodelling your kitchen.

The rise and rise in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in every part of our lives has led to questions about what it could mean for the way construction projects are planned, designed and delivered. In this episode of The Engineers Collective NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by NCE reporter Rob Hakimian as co-host as they speak to Dev Amratia, who is co-founder and CEO of nPlan, which is a machine learning company that uses AI to learn how completed construction projects performed to forecast the outcomes on future projects. Dev also worked with the government to launch and deliver the national review on AI, which was published as part of the Industrial Strategy in 2017. To set the scene for the conversation, Claire asked AI chatbot ChatGPT what Isambard Kingdom Brunel would have made of the use of AI in civil engineering and it responded in the form of a letter from Brunel. While Dev said ChatGPT’s assessment of AI’s potential to advance construction was “spot on” there was still much to discuss on the topic. During the conversation Dev told Rob and Claire that AI is unlikely to replace engineers on projects, instead it will “supercharge” them and allow them to get on with the interesting bits of their work and leave the boring analysis to AI. Dev also said that firms not engaging with AI will be left behind and gave advice for both individual engineers and firms on how to take their first steps with AI and prepare themselves for a future where AI is business as usual for the construction sector.

Almost 20 years of planning and work came together at the end of February when Transport for London opened the final parts of the £655M Bank Station Capacity Upgrade project. The station now boast 40% more capacity, new entrances and step free access and in this new episode NCE editor Claire Smith explores the story behind this outcome. Claire is joined by University College London associate professor of project management Simon Addyman, Dragados operations director Stephen Holmes and HS2 Euston Station project director Andy Swift to do a deep dive on the planning, procurement and delivery of the project. While each of the guests have now moved onto other roles, they talk about how the “Bank Station family” was brought together by taking a different approach to project delivery. Andy, Simon and Stephen explain why that approach was needed to create a workable project and the benefits that brought when it came to dealing with the technical challenges of the work too. Simon emphasises the dialogue and collaboration environment that the set up created to allow innovation to be fostered and “give people working on the project a real voice” too. Andy also points to Dragados’ focus on the outcome of the project right from the outset as a real enabler as well. While all three believe that every infrastructure project is different, they each believe that there is much for the civil engineering industry to learn from the successes of the project. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com

Many firms working in construction are reporting increasing workloads but the challenge of finding skilled staff to deliver that work is not becoming easier. Bentley Systems chief information officer champion Claire Rutkowski joins NCE editor Claire Smith to talk about the problem and the role technology will play in addressing it. Claire also spends much of her time out working with architecture, engineering and construction firms to understand their challenges first hand to ensure Bentley’s products meet their needs. However, this also means she has a good understanding of emerging trends from the sector and what those could mean for future business and both Claires explore her insight during the conversation. On the back of NCE having just concluded its 50th anniversary celebrations, the discussion around emerging trends turns to look much further into the future and the pair consider what infrastructure projects might look like in the 2070s. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com

As the London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, which is the UK’s tallest building at 309.6m, gets ready to mark the 10th anniversary of its opening on 1 February, this episode catches up with Flan McNamara who led the construction project for Sellar Property Group. As well as exploring the logistical challenges of bringing the architectural design of Renzo Piano and the engineering work of WSP to life, Flan and NCE editor Claire Smith talk about lessons learned during the life of the project. Flan talks about how digital technology evolved during the lifespan of the Shard Quarter project, which transformed both the skyline around London Bridge station and was integral to the modernisation of the station itself. He talks about BIM being in its infancy when the Shard itself was conceived and the potential benefits such technology could bring to the project if it was starting today. Flan also discusses the pace of change that saw a huge leap forward in the technology used to deliver the buildings surrounding the Shard that came later in the programme. However, he believes that the industry needs to go further and faster with adopting digital twin technology to really drive construction efficiency and productivity. Flan and Claire conclude the conversation by considering what the tall buildings sector might look like in another 10 years when the Shard marks its 20th anniversary. Flan believes that it is only airport flight paths holding London back from another building taking the Shard’s record but whatever the height of future tall buildings, he thinks that mixed use developments are the key to success both for the climate and commercially. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com  

NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by deputy editor Rob Horgan and acting news editor Catherine Moore, for the final episode of the year. The trio cast their minds back over the past 12 months, recapping the biggest and most popular news stories of 2022. Taking a look at the top five most read stories on NCE’s website, the trio start their recap by re-exploring the proposed switch to imperial measurements so heavily opposed by NCE readers and engineers earlier this year. Other popular stories discussed on the podcast include a proposed £2bn tidal barrage, the collapse of a timber bridge in Norway and rising costs on HS2’s Euston station proposal. The trio then recap their favourite site visits of the year with trips to Germany and Scotland to see major infrastructure projects fondly remembered as well as a trip to the Silvertown Tunnel site in London. Before wrapping for the last time this year, the Engineers Collective team looks forward to 2023 and discusses the important milestones coming in the next year. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com

With the ink barely dried on the agreements drawn up at COP27 in Egypt, this episode looks at the need for civil engineers to work more closely with the financial industry to delivery on the commitments made at COP. NCE editor Claire Smith is joined by Mott MacDonald decarbonisation discipline lead Mark Crouch to talk through the challenge and the drivers behind a report published by the Institution of Civil Engineers at COP27 on Financing Low Carbon Infrastructure. After exploring what was agreed at COP27 and what it means for civil engineers, Mark and Claire talk about what civil engineers need to know about low-carbon financing models in order to get funding for their schemes. The pair look at the current relationship between the two sectors and the obstacles that exist to building better understanding, as well as the opportunities that exist if these barriers can be overcome. Listen in to learn more about the report, the industry reaction to it and what Mark and his co-authors plan to do next in order to improve funding for low carbon, resilient infrastructure. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com

This episode of The Engineers Collective podcast explores the barriers to adopting digital technology in construction and how they can be overcome. Joining NCE deputy editor Rob Horgan is Helen Samuels from EKFB and Alex Wraight from Allies and Morrison. Helen is a chartered civil engineer with a masters in environmental management and a fellow of the ICE. She has served as industry advisor for Plymouth, Cardiff and UCL universities, and was working group chair and report author of a review of infrastructure governance, as part of a wider review of asset safety post Grenfell. She is currently Managing Director for EKFB, delivery an 80km stretch of the HS2 civils programme, with former roles including Managing Director at CH2M Hill (now part of Jacobs), and Engineering Director for United Utilities and Network Rail. Meanwhile, Alex is an experienced architect. Alex has been at Allies and Morrison for 22 years and a Partner since 2015, leading on a variety of complex projects in the public eye. A champion for technical excellence, Alex is also an active member of the British Council of Offices (BCO) and sat on the Technical Affairs Committee that produced the 2009 Guide to Specification. He is also a board member for Better Bankside and sits on the St Albans and Watford Design Review Panels. Alex and Helen were recently involved in judging the British Construction Industry Awards and during the podcast, they look at the common problems and issues that they saw during the judging process in terms of adoption and implementation of digital technology in construction. While celebrating innovation within the industry, the pair highlight barriers around data sharing and explore how the industry can move away from working in siloes and towards a common set of goals. The Engineers Collective is powered by Bentley Systems. Around the world, engineers and architects, constructors and owner-operators are using Bentley’s software solutions to accelerate project delivery and improve asset performance for transportation infrastructure that sustains our economy and our environment. Together, we are advancing infrastructure. Find out more at www.bentley.com