Coming from a family of engineers, I’ve always been interested in the environment and making a difference. I remember seeing construction work where I grew up in Aberdeen and feeling frustrated at the impact it seemed to have on the environment. I knew there had to be a better way, and I’ve always been keen to find it. I studied Geography and Environmental Science at university so I could find effective solutions.
Finding cost and time effective solutions
As Principal Environmental Consultant, I undertake and review environmental assessments, engage with clients and engineers, and host design meetings to find design solutions. Every project has its challenges, such as time pressures, cost limitations, and internal processes. But I’m always keen to question how things have been done in the past to see if we can make them better in the future. By asking these questions, we can approach designs differently to get the best outcome, often in a more cost and time-efficient way.
Digitisation to streamline systems
I’m currently using this innovative approach to change how we present Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Typically, EIAs are large, text-heavy documents that are difficult to understand especially if you don’t have a technical background. Current processes can lead to negative views from members of the public and longer decision-making of the development.
I’m working on communicating our deliverables in a user-friendly, transparent, and accessible way so that anyone, regardless of their background or prior knowledge, can read, engage and understand them. Our digital reports feature interactive maps, videos, images, and sound bites. There’s also an opportunity to link the digital report to consultation materials, interactive consultation rooms, automated feedback links, and live chat functionality.
Having all the information presented in this way helps the decision-makers to respond appropriately. The digital tools can also automate some parts of assessments, saving time and money and reducing the risk of human error.
Using digital tools to mitigate risk
A good example of a digital tool in practice is the Looe Flood Defence and Regeneration Scheme where a Digital EIA Scoping Report was completed. Looe is the most frequently flooded coastal town in the UK, causing £39million of damage to homes and businesses from 2013-2017. It was important to get the local community to understand what we were proposing and for the decision-makers to understand the information to assist with the programme. This could enable flood defences to be constructed quicker and effectively to save the town from further devastation.
A project like this is where digital reporting and tools come into their own. Having the information readily available to anyone can take away the fear of the unknown. It can help people to understand what’s going to happen, how it will benefit and protect their homes, see the flood maps, and can give progress updates on the project at any given time.
We’re here for our clients to get their projects consented as quickly as possible but also in the best way environmentally. Digital tools highlight important information, ensuring the environment is protected the whole way through the project.
Embracing change for a better future
The current planning process across the UK doesn’t allow us to submit digital EIAs for the application. So we’re still having to follow old procedures, such as printed or PDF versions of the EIAs and will continue to do so until the government embraces change for a better future.
Many people are hesitant to change because they’ve been doing things the same way for years, but I want to continue to drive digital innovation in the industry. As Co-Chair of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) Digital Impact Assessment Working Group, I am involved in writing guidance for consultants, stakeholders, and decision-makers to help them better understand what they need from digital EIA and how to progress with it.
I think as an environmentalist, there's no limit to what you can achieve. There's a massive drive for innovation now. Currently, my field has some catching up to do, but digital EIA will help us get there, and I want to help WSP to lead the way.
Discover more about digital transformation in the UK transport sector within our latest insights and trends interactive report, which features Transport Scotland’s National Operations Manager, Andrew Davidson, speaking about how people-centric connectivity is changing the transportation landscape.
