Talking Infrastructure

Despite the ongoing war and the destruction of nearly half its power infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine is determined to emerge stronger and greener. This episode delves into Ukraine's bold vision to become Europe's new green energy hub.  Remarkably, Ukraine constructed more onshore wind turbines in 2022 than England, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy even amidst conflict.  The Tyligulska wind farm, for example – the first to be built in a conflict zone – is now generating enough clean energy to power around 200,000 homes just 60 miles from the frontline.   Tune in to hear more about on the radical reshaping of Ukraine's energy landscape and the lessons it can teach us.  ------------  Welcome to season 3 of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry's hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.   We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.    ----------------  About the host  

We're back with another installment of Talking Infrastructure—and this time we're live at UKREiiF: the UK's real estate investment and infrastructure forum.  In this episode, James Banks hosts a live panel discussion about the people-centric strategies needed to navigate the energy transition in an equitable way.  ------------  Welcome to season 3 of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry's hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.   We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.    ----------------  About the host  

S3E05: Ride the Change: shifting gears towards climate action  For Earth Day 2024, we're proud to be sponsoring the Ride the Change bike ride, an epic journey that spans the UK, Holland and Belgium. By raising climate pledges instead of cash, the ride – organised by Do Nation – aims to encourage simple, sustainable actions.   70 cyclists representing AECOM and other organisations travelled from the UK and Europe to take part in the event, including our podcast host James Banks. To mark this milestone, we bring you a special live episode from the Atomium in Brussels, where the ride culminates.   Join James as he speaks to four other participants and attendees for a post-ride discussion on the future of energy and transport. As well as sharing stories from the road, they'll dive into the ways we can collectively work together to achieve a just transition.  Speakers include:   • Miet Luyckx, Programme Management Director for Benelux, AECOM  • Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain, Renewables UK  • Lars Verkerk, Strategic Alliance Manager, Johnson Controls   • Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Partnerships at PlanetMark   -------------- Welcome to season 3 of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry's hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.  We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.   ---------------- About the host 

Welcome to season 3 of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry's hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.  We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.  Episode 4: The net zero divide: how do we ensure no community is left behind?  For this episode, our host James Banks is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Helena Rivers, AECOM's net zero lead for the built environment to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero.   From the importance of retrofitting homes and buildings to enhance energy efficiency to the latest green technology improving heat networks, our speakers explore how we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment – and why a people-centric approach is key.  Central to the conversation is how we can meet our climate goals whilst addressing the disparities and inequalities between communities to ensure that no one is left behind.   As well as busting some common myths, our speakers tackle questions such as:  • What does 'net zero' really mean and why is it vital for our future?  • What role does technology play in making homes more energy-efficient and sustainable?  • How can we effectively engage the public and bridge the knowledge gap?  • How can global cooperation and policies accelerate the move towards net zero?    Plus, Emma shares the creative ways that Octopus is reshaping public perceptions towards green energy – including a touring wind turbine named Gusty Springfield.  Expert speakers:  • Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy  • Helena Rivers, AECOM Net zero lead     About the host  James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOMnfor 6 years.   Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I've seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I'm always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!     Useful links:  • Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza   • Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs   • Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ 

S3E03: Engineer of the future: building tomorrow's workforce  Welcome to season 3 of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry's hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges.  We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.  In this episode, host James Banks is joined by Dr Sara Venning from Northern Ireland Water, Dr Alice Bunn of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Eloise John, AECOM's energy lead for Europe and India.   Together, they discuss how we can plan, develop, and recruit a workforce fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.   Our guest speakers address questions such as:  What are the key technologies shaping the future of engineering?   What emerging trends should engineers be aware of and prepare for?   How can we cultivate greater diversity in the workplace?  How can engineers foster innovation and creativity in their work?  As well as emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, the discussion also highlights the necessity of lifelong learning – and why it's crucial to remain agile in an industry where future job roles are yet unknown.  Expert speakers:  Dr Alice Bunn Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.  Dr Sara Venning CEO at Northern Ireland Water  Eloise John AECOM Energy Lead, Europe and India  About the host  James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years.   Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I've seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I'm always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming!   Useful links:  Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza   Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs   Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/    Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom   

In this episode, we take you on a journey behind the scenes of one of the rail industry's most successful partnerships - the South Rail Systems Alliance (SRSA). The SRSA is one of three alliances set up to complete vital track renewals necessary to improve the rail network for the benefit of passengers across the UK.   As a successful working example of an alliancing delivery model, the SRSA is widely regarded as collaboration best practice by industry peers both in the UK and across the globe.     ----------------------- Expert speakers:  

Our latest episode was recorded live at an AECOM-sponsored panel at the 2022 Labour Party Conference. Convened by leading thinktank Policy Exchange, the expert panel share how local leaders across the UK are building momentum to decarbonise cities and encourage green economic growth through effective public/private partnerships.The line-up comprises Jamie Driscoll, Mayor of the North of Tyne Combined Authority; Paul Ormerod, economist, and Chair of the Atom Valley project; Helena Rivers, Net Zero Lead, Buildings + Places Europe at AECOM; and Ruth Kelly, Senior Fellow at Policy Exchange.

In the latest episode of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast, we hear from Michael Gove MP, the former (and soon to be reappointed) Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, on the importance of strong local leadership and taking an integrated approach to deliver levelling up at the scale and pace required.Gove was speaking at the 2022 Conservative Party Conference during an AECOM-sponsored panel event convened by thinktank Policy Exchange. He was joined by Councillor Abi Brown from Stoke-on-Trent City Council; Ben Derbyshire, former President of the Royal Institute of British Architects; Ike Ijeh, Head of Housing, Architecture and Urban Space at Policy Exchange; and Jonathan Moore, Head of Project, Programme and Cost Management, North of England at AECOM.

In our latest episode, host James Banks is joined by digital, carbon and programme management experts from infrastructure specialists AECOM, Arup, Costain and Egis to talk about the challenges that industry must solve to leverage the transformative power of data.

In the latest episode of AECOM's Talking Infrastructure podcast, AECOM's Chief Executive for India and Europe, Colin Wood, talks to Nick Smallwood, Chief Executive of the UK Infrastructure and Projects Authority. They discuss how to create ambition across the sector, drive collaboration and find smarter ways to deliver infrastructure that truly benefit society.

Host James Banks is joined by Andy Mitchell, CEO at Thames Tideway, Terry Wong, MTR, and Colin Wood, CEO Europe at AECOM to explore the role infrastructure has to play in opening up new opportunities and supporting communities in the decades to come. Further reading: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/en-gb/creating-social-impact

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea that we need to make our towns and cities more resilient was growing. From aging and deficient infrastructure… to the challenges of climate change and population growth, it’s widely acknowledged that we are under-prepared to meet the increasingly unpredictable challenges of today. James Banks is joined by Angela Ryan, Water Supply and Resources Strategy Specialist at Irish Water, Caitlin MacLean, Senior Director of Innovative Finance at the Milken Institute and Stephen Engblom, AECOM’s Global Cities Director.Further Reading https://infrastructure.aecom.com/2020/paying-it-forward-why-resilience-is-a-rising-priority

PFAS; How to tackle forever chemicalsFound in everything from pizza boxes to firefighting foam. PFAS are resistant to heat, water and oil, and with an ability to move through the environment they can contaminate soil and water supplies. As a result it’s estimated that PFAS are now present in 99% of American’s blood. With links to issues including cancer and kidney disease the worldwide historic use of these forever chemicals has resulted in a public health crisis. James Banks is joined by Director of AECOM’s International PFAS programme Rachael Casson, AECOM PFAS response leader for Australia and New Zealand Gavin Scherer, AECOM’s PFAS lead for America, Rosa Gwinn and Rick Parkman, AECOM’s PFAS lead for Europe the Middle East and Africa.Further reading:https://infrastructure.aecom.com/2020/from-pfas-to-de-fluoro-how-we-invented-a-process-to-break-down-the-forever-chemical

James Banks talks to Chris White, Principle Environmental Economist at AECOM, Professor Ian Convery from the University of Cumbria and Adam Eagle, Chief Executive of The Lifescape Project. They discuss the concept of Natural Capital and the progress that’s been made a year since launching AECOM’s Natural Capital Laboratory.AECOM’s Natural Capital Laboratory is a joint-venture with conservation charity The Lifescape Project, which is located on a 100-acre site near Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Working with The Lifescape Project, the landowners and their local advisors, the site’s natural environment is being restored, bringing back native forest, reintroducing wildlife and engaging local communities with the aim of identifying and demonstrating the environmental and social benefits of rewilding. This tool is part of AECOM’s work to design and test experimental new techniques to quantify, measure and communicate environmental and social change, applying cutting-edge technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and satellites.

To discuss how investment in our infrastructure can help our economy recover following the Coronavirus pandemic. James Banks talks to Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2, Dean Sporn, Director of the Regional Investment Programme (South) for Highways England, Nick King, Group Director, Network Services at Network Rail and AECOM’s Managing Director of Civil Infrastructure Mark Southwell.Further reading: The Future is now: Infrastructure’s role in economic recoveryhttps://infrastructure.aecom.com/2020/the-future-is-now-infrastructures-role-in-economic-recovery

With ambitions to be a carbon neutral city region by 2038, Greater Manchester wants to be known for its flourishing environment as well as its economic success.James Banks is joined by Greater Manchester’s first Cycling and Walking Commissioner and Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman, Director of Environment for Manchester based property group Bruntwood, Bev Taylor and AECOM’s Rachel O’Donnell, Business Unit Director of Environmental Liability Solutions in the UK and Ireland.They discuss how we can deliver a more liveable city, that gives back to its people and nature? And what can we take from Coronavirus Pandemic lockdown to drive the agenda on greening our infrastructure and changing our behaviours to support a lower carbon economy and way of working?

Could autonomous vehicles make our roads safer, bring down the cost of public transport and make our transport systems more efficient? James Banks talks to Dr Graham Parkhurst, Professor of Sustainable Mobility and Director of the Centre for Transport & Society, UWE Bristol, Burges Salmon Senior Associate, Lucy Pegler and AECOM, Technical Director, George Lunt. They discuss the CAPRI Autonomous Vehicle project plus wider issues including policy, regulation and how our infrastructure needs to change to unlock the opportunities autonomous vehicles will bring.Find out more about the AECOM led CAPRI Project https://caprimobility.com/aecom‘New transport tech to be tested in biggest shake-up of laws in a generation’https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-transport-tech-to-be-tested-in-biggest-shake-up-of-laws-in-a-generation

In the run up to International Women’s Day 2020, Ruth Zorko discusses this year’s theme #EachForEqual with AECOM’s UK&I Chief Executive David Barwell, EMEA Head of Transportation Consulting Kate Morris, UK&I Technical Head of Process Engineering for Water Pascal Harper, and Civil Engineering Apprentice Turrell Harper. They consider how attitudes to equality have changed, what more the industry needs to do, and how we can create a truly inclusive workplace.

Recorded in the AECOM/RSHP modular show apartment in Lewisham, South London. James Banks talks to Challenge Director at Innovate UK, Sam Stacey, Associate Partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Andrew Partridge and AECOM’s Chief Growth Officer, Pete Flint. They discuss the history of offsite modular construction, the benefits of adopting such an approach and what does the future hold.INNO AECOM and RSHP’s modular housing solution will be delivering its first project in mid-2020. Learn more about the solution http://inno-dfm.comThought Leadership ‘Modular housing – balancing cost and value’ https://www.aecom.com/without-limits/publication/modular-housing-balancing-cost-value/

This episode of Talking Infrastructure looks at how to digitally transform a project. What are the drivers for Digital Transformation, what are the issues and how do we make the most of the tools available? James Banks talks to Alastair Mellon and Dale Sinclair.

Episode one of the second series of Talking Infrastructure focuses on the Circular Economy. Specifically embedding the Circular Economy principles into infrastructure design and operation, something that could not only reduce the environmental impact of our Infrastructure but could also reduce costs. James Banks talks to Mark Edwards, Environmental Assessment Manager at Heathrow Airport and AECOM’s UK&I Head of Sustainable Development, Robert Spencer.Major Infrastructure – Resources Optimisation Group (MI-ROG)https://www.aecom.com/projects/circular-economy-action-major-infrastructure-resources-optimisation-group-mi-rog/

James Banks is joined by chair of the Future Leaders Group for Project 13, Lucy Howard - UK Head of Transport at Turner & Townsend, Future Leader for Project 13, Miranda Sharp - Director of Innovation at the Ordnance Survey and AECOM’s Head of Strategy for Civil Infrastructure, Dave Beddell.Launched in May 2018 by the ICE and the Infrastructure Client Group (ICG), Project 13 aims to improve the way high-performing infrastructure is delivered and managed. They discuss why it’s needed, the journey so far and what success looks like.

James Banks and Roma Agrawal are joined by AECOM’s Chief Executive, EMEA, Lara Poloni and founder of the award winning ‘Built by Us’ social enterprise, Danna Walker. They discuss the future of our engineers, what skills will they possess and how should industry prepare?

In the midst of a Conservative Party leadership contest to find the next UK Prime Minster, James Banks and Roma Agrawal are joined by AECOM’s UK&I Chief Executive, David Barwell and former MP Charles Hendry to set out the infrastructure priorities for the next PM.

James Banks discusses the future of retail with AECOM’s UK&I Commercial Sector Lead, John Lewis and Property Director and Co-Founder of Ellandi, Mark Robinson.Is the retail sector in crisis? How are our High Streets and Shopping Centres changing and what does the future hold?

James Banks and Roma Agrawal discuss the definition of Social Value with AECOM’s Zac Dixon and Guy Battle from the Social Value Portal. How does Social Value differ from CSR, its impact on the procurement landscape, what ‘good’ Social Value looks like and the need for a standard method of measurement.Recorded on the 12th March 2019, the day after the UK Government published a consultation on how government should take account of social value in the award of central government contracts.https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/social-value-in-government-procurement

James Banks discusses the subject of Transport Oriented Development (TOD) with AECOM’s Director, Advanced Structures, Mike Pauley and Jonathan Bray, Director of the Urban Transport Group. Recorded in AECOM’s London Office, they tackle subjects including; the benefits of TOD, its role in solving the housing crisis, the use of offsite and modular construction, and the challenges we face in implementing such strategies.Transport-oriented development — costing the complexities https://www.aecom.com/without-limits/article/transport-oriented-development-costing-complexities/AECOM 2019 Future of Infrastructure Report – https://infrastructure.aecom.com/Urban Transport Group - The place to be: How transit oriented development can support good growth in the city regionshttp://www.urbantransportgroup.org/resources/types/reports/place-be-how-transit-oriented-development-can-support-good-growth-city

James Banks and Roma Agrawal are joined by Hannah Vickers, Chief Executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering, and Colin Wood, AECOM’s Chief Executive, Civil Infrastructure (EMEA). In front of a live audience they discuss AECOM’s 2019 Future of Infrastructure report, which asked over 1,000 people in London for their views on the city’s infrastructure and their ambitions for its future.

James Banks and Roma Agrawal are joined by key influencers from the world of infrastructure and engineering to discuss how our infrastructure’s planned, how it’s funded and at times where it’s going wrong. Brought to you by global Infrastructure company AECOM.