Reform and framework - key issues for infrastructure sector says Buro Happold

Reform and framework for investment are key factors for the built environment, says engineering, design and advisory practice, Buro Happold.

As the sector looks ahead to 2024, Alan Harbinson, managing director for cities at Buro Happold, said collaboration was also vital to meet net zero targets and develop places and spaces of the highest standard.

“Cities in the UK face socio-economic, technological and environmental challenges which infrastructure and development can help address,” he said.

“This cannot be achieved in isolation and in 2024 we will continue to collaborate with our colleagues and peers in industry, academia and government to not just to decarbonise cities faster in order to meet net zero targets across the UK but provide places and spaces that are focussed around achieving greater health and wellbeing and truly demonstrate innovation and global best practice.

“However, we urgently need reform to free up investment in low carbon energy sources, including renewable power generation, increased grid capacity and heat networks. 

“The government also needs to set a consistent framework for investment, both public and private, in infrastructure across the built environment including social and health infrastructure, active travel, climate resilience, water systems and public transport.”

Buro Happold is working in partnership with public and private sector clients to accelerate local energy and heat decarbonisation in London and Bristol. 

This includes supporting the Bristol City Leap partnership in designing heat networks which recycle waste heat and providing the programme delivery team as part of the Greater London Authority’s Local Energy Accelerator. 

It has delivered innovation in business models and service delivery, which Harbinson says will be key to decarbonising our cities.

He added: “We already have the technology, but how can we scale it, and quickly?

"Examples of our work include the development of a digital platform to identify the best market opportunities for heat pump deployment or our involvement in a pilot to provide green, affordable heat to people living in terraced housing in Lancashire.” 

Harbinson said: “We support our clients to implement sustainable, systemic solutions to difficult challenges; key themes many are grappling with at the moment include decarbonising cities and improving socio-economic outcomes including access to employment, skills and training and improving health and wellbeing.”

He said putting people at the heart of city regeneration projects through focus on designing the built environment to enhance health and wellbeing was also vital.

Buro Happold is working on LandsecU+I’s Mayfield development, where its green infrastructure strategy and delivery has resulted in new species returning to the Medlock River. 

The benefits of Manchester’s first new park in a century have provided an estimated £2-300m land value uplift to the area and provided an oasis of green space at the heart of the city.