Insights

ESOS requirements apply to companies with a headcount of 250+ people (including contractors, regardless of hours) and/or a turnover above £44 million plus an annual balance sheet above £38m.

As combined sewer overflows (CSO) continue to be a challenge for UK water companies, Binnies UK Digital Project Manager Neil Breton argues that reliable data and the use of advanced analytics should underpin informed asset management.

Increasing numbers of businesses donating funding to environmental causes have led to increasing scrutiny on the intention behind such actions. Following COP28, it is clear that corporate support for environmental and sustainability initiatives that look beyond carbon are vitally important.

Jack Smales, Managing Director at Calibrate Energy Engineering, explores why optimising existing heat pumps is so vital to harnessing the technology’s benefits and how it can be achieved. 

The water sector’s Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) will see water companies in England and Wales committing to a spend that could be at least twice that of the current period at £96 billion.

Across ground investigations, the use and application of geophysical assessments have been misunderstood. Often seen as ‘black magic’, this set of valuable, scientific tools can prove vital to informative and cost-effective investigations when used effectively.

The South East Asia region faces a complex dilemma in transitioning to a low-carbon economy while supporting economic growth and considering social vulnerabilities. Ayushi Bhatnagar, a climate consultant at the RSK Centre for Sustainability Excellence, examines the need for a just transition – an equitable shift to a low-carbon economy that considers socioeconomic impacts and […]

Retrofitting the current housing stock to meet net zero goals is on the minds of many. We know how important it is to work towards net zero ambitions, but for homeowners the greatest consideration is comfort, especially as we head through winter.  Writing for Inside Housing, Darren Phelan, retrofit services lead at MSS Group, explores […]

First published by Utility Week on 4 January 2024  Around the world, summer temperatures are rising, and we are increasingly seeing declining water resources. This summer, we experienced temperatures of 43°C across southern Europe, and last year the UK saw a high of 40°C and a period of drought. In the UK, the pressure this […]

Southern Iraq, or the Ahwar, is home to a globally and ecologically significant wetlands area, the beauty and diversity of which was recently captured by gifted photographer and RSK Iraq Senior Biodiversity Consultant Mudhafar Salim.   Through Mudhafar’s images and text, this biodiversity-rich area can be fully appreciated as he describes how, like many other such […]

The 2023 United Nations climate change conference, COP28, held in Dubai brought together world leaders, climate experts and stakeholders to address our planet’s escalating climate crisis. From its base in the Middle East, the conference highlighted the intricate relationship between global objectives and regional nuances in the quest for environmental sustainability.  Central to these conversations […]

As of September 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent light bulbs will no longer be manufactured. It’s the first of a series of steps designed to phase out fluorescent tubes completely in favour of LED lights, which offer a host of energy- and cost-saving benefits over fluorescent tubes. Completely replacing fluorescent tubes in a facility with […]

In the UK, our water infrastructure is hundreds of years old, which creates considerable challenges for the sector. As we consider the future of this resource, we should examine how we harness innovation to meet modern demands. RSK’s Water Director Mark Smith explores potential solutions with Future Water Association Chief Executive Officer Paul Horton.  Mark: […]

This piece was originally published by Climate Global News on the 24th November 2023.  Protecting carbon sinks – those areas that absorb vast amounts of greenhouse gases – is as important in the fight against climate change as reducing our emissions, a fact that will be one of the themes at the Ocean Pavilion of […]

First published by The Business Times Singapore on 7 November 2023.  Debates surrounding how best to combat the dual environmental crises have, until recently, left biodiversity issues in the shadow of climate challenges. Biodiversity has taken time to resonate with the public and businesses alike. Dr Stephanie Wray, RSK Chief Sustainability Officer, explores how the […]

The Mediterranean is increasingly facing water crises – high levels of drought and, this summer, flooding. In Spain, where extreme water conditions have been a reality for many years, the country is beginning to find groundbreaking solutions to this challenge. In Murcia, 90% of the region’s water is reused, versus 5% on average in the […]

The significance of Africa in the global ‘just transition’ movement cannot be overstated. While achieving this can contribute to the continent’s future prosperity and development, the details of how this is achieved are crucial. In efforts to achieve a net zero future, the continent will face challenges, as well as opportunities. Writing for AllAfrica, Barry […]

There are many challenges facing our global healthcare systems. Utilising the principles and ideas of regenerative design practices offers solutions to some of these issues. Integrating nature into health and social care settings creates environments that improve patient outcomes, health and wellbeing, as well as fostering a greater sense of community. Writing for Building Better […]

In the face of a changing climate and an increasingly pressured economic environment, protecting and preserving our national built heritage is ever more important.

The balance of meeting the growing demand for mineral resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a challenge faced by the global mining sector. Advances are being made towards decarbonising the mining, refining and production processes across the industry. It is essential that the sector meets the demand for raw materials for batteries across the […]

Globally, climate change is resulting in more extremes – be it extreme heat or cold, drought or flood. One impact that we will all experience, no matter where in the world we live, is that of water. In the past year, we have seen its destructive power through flooding events in Libya, Pakistan and Spain. […]

Globally, we are becoming increasingly more aware of the escalating climate and ecological crises we face. As world leaders meet at COP28, awareness of this reality is causing ‘climate anxiety’. Writing for Climate Global News, Dr Stephanie Wray, RSK Group Chief Sustainability Officer, explores the real-world actions taking place – such as the reviving whale […]

This opinion piece first appeared in H20 Global News on 20 November 2023. The potential of AI-driven technologies to revolutionise water management extends beyond addressing leakage; it holds the promise of levelling the playing field between developing and developed nations. While the challenges faced by each group may differ, the transformative power of AI can […]

It is no secret that solid waste management is an increasingly important global issue. Who can forget images showing vast ‘plastic islands’ forming in the Atlantic Ocean, national parks littered with disposable water bottles and marine life entangled in fishing ropes? RSK Principal Environmental Consultant Jemima Pellatt says more consideration is needed for comprehensive solid […]

First published by New Civil Engineer on 27 September 2023.  The construction industry relies on a large amount of basic technology which has been around for a long time. It rightly prizes tried and tested technology that has been used on site and has proved reliable, and is known for a somewhat conservative attitude towards […]

This article was originally published by Environment Analyst on the 19th of September 2023.  While good-quality carbon offset purchases can provide empowerment and independence to communities, lifting them out of poverty and protecting vulnerable ecosystems, the voluntary carbon market has been under increasing scrutiny and criticism amid recent controversies. Director of RSK Group company Nature […]

The introduction of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022 has significantly altered the landscape of fire safety compliance in England. These new standards present a complex challenge that requires diligent navigation and understanding. Navigating the maze of new fire safety regulations, FRC has been actively engaging with this shifting […]

In August 2023, the RSK Group released details of its 2030 global strategy. The group, a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions, will nearly quadruple its turnover from this year’s £1.2 billion to more than £5 billion in 2030, doubling its family of environmental and engineering businesses from 200 and 400.   The strategy, […]

Ofwat released the water company performance reports for 2022–23 today (Tuesday, 26 September 2023), and while the headline that is sure to be picked up is that the companies must return £114 million to customers owing to missed targets, the picture is far more complex throughout England and Wales, says RSK Water Director Mark Smith.  […]

Post-COVID, it is clear that the office is not dead, but neither will it ever be the same as before. The growth of hybrid working has changed the modern office, and multifunctional spaces, areas for collaboration and quiet zones to focus must now all be incorporated into a space that can see highly variable numbers […]

Electric vehicles (EV) have seen increasing sales and are one way of decarbonising personal transit. However, the high power draw of fast charging technology and the lack of available grid connections currently limit the range of EVs. Daniel Cohen, Managing Director of CX Energy, and Steven Carmody, Managing Director of SCP, discuss whether off-grid renewable […]

Global Water Intelligence spoke to RSK Group Water Director Mark Smith after the business released its 2030 global strategy to examine how its interest in the water sector has significantly developed over the years and continues to growth. 

First published by Facilities Management Journal on 18 July 2023  Waste infrastructure plays a critical role in effective and sustainable waste management in both new and existing buildings. From a facilities management perspective, it is essential to prioritise waste infrastructure to ensure that waste is collected, processed and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. […]

First published by Utility Week on 22 August 2023.  The need to address the growing challenge of storm overflow discharges is escalating. Last year, the UK government committed funding towards a reduction programme that many activists see to not go far enough to combat the scale of the challenge at hand. Here, Mark Smith, Head […]

Is net-zero truly a paradigm-shifting ambition, catalysing action at scale, or does it remain a lofty aspiration, laden with challenges and inertia? Ayushi Bhatnagar, Graduate Climate Consultant at the RSK Centre for Sustainability Excellence, explores how to navigate the transition.  Growing criticism of private sector inaction on climate change, as well as legislative changes stemming […]

As we face the combined climate and ecological crisis, it is increasingly important that both are tackled together. Doing so will stand us in better stead of meeting the Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goals.  While measuring carbon is at the forefront, monitoring and reporting of biodiversity impacts is increasingly becoming important to […]

The construction industry has long been grappling with the carbon footprint of our dependency on Portland cement. While a replacement remains a top priority, the high durability and flexible workability of cement-based concrete present a considerable challenge for the immediate future. Various solutions have been proposed with new construction methods and materials.  Dr Farshid Bonakdar, […]

The renewable energy transition requires significant amounts of raw metal to facilitate it. Used in the manufacture of numerous items such as batteries and cables, metals are vital; however, to achieve the scale of renewable energy investment needed, Europe needs to invest in its own metal mining rather than relying on international imports.  Writing for […]

Dr Peter Walker, Technical Director and Aquatic Ecology Lead at RSK Biocensus, explores why we must not forget the fish while undertaking rail projects.

Jim White, Principal Consultant at RSK Group company Nature Positive, spoke to The Planner magazine about how the private sector, which often has direct control of assets, can become involved with, and benefit heavily from, urban greening.

First published in the summer issue of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA) The Bursar’s Review magazine.   The cost of energy is a defining challenge for school budgets across the country. Prices have risen to a record high, and from April the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme will end. To achieve long-term cost savings when […]

Ethics. Culture. Values. What does this all mean in the realm of business? And what role does business have to play in shaping the societies it operates in? Today, this role has shifted to align more closely with some of the world’s greatest challenges: climate impacts, maintaining and improving access to vital resources and social […]

Though Africa has a wealth of fossil fuels, including many newly discovered oilfields, it is the continent’s renewable resources that can make it a global powerhouse. In South Africa especially, a growing number of businesses are electing to avoid load-shedding issues by going off-grid using renewable energy generated by independent power producers or through solar […]

The network of water infrastructure across the country continues to face immense pressure as it meets increasing demands. As this infrastructure beings to age, the typical approach has been to replace with new, which incurs a significant carbon footprint, as well as substantial costs. However, adopting circular approaches that put remanufacturing and refurbishment practices at […]

Countries across Europe are experiencing long and intense droughts, impacting the availability of what is often viewed as a plentiful resource. Climate change is causing water scarcity across the continent and creating a crisis that is present and real for people across its southern regions, such as in Spain. Though this is a global issue, […]

Not a single one of England’s rivers, lakes or other waterways met “good” ecological and chemical standards in 2019–2020, so it is critical that we address this, especially the impact that wastewater from primary sources such as sewage treatment works and agricultural run-off has on the environment. Alex Clark, Technical Manager at Salix River & […]

In a historic move, UN member states have agreed to the first ever treaty to protect the high seas after nearly 20 years of talks. Becca Hamilton, Marine Consultant with International Projects Group, explained to Environment, Coastal & Offshore Magazine how the scale of mobility in aquatic environments, such as the fact that many marine […]

The concept of the carbon footprint is well known. It’s often the go-to measure for companies trying to understand their climate impact. But carbon footprints alone can fail to give an accurate representation of an organisation’s true impact on the world. Steph Wray, Chief Sustainability Officer of the RSK Group, suggests it is time to examine not only our carbon footprint but also our climate shadow.

RSK Asbestos Managing Director Melissa Fox advises that, with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recording more than 5,000 asbestos-related deaths every year, there needs to be a real commitment to safety and compliance and the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

Sustainable aviation fuels and future propulsion technologies feature heavily in plans to “Fly Net Zero”, we discuss how to tackle another source: airports.

Protecting biodiversity is set to get the same attention as cutting carbon emissions. The financial sector must be ready to respond, says Jim White, of Nature Positive.

Skill shortages are creating a challenge for many sectors, including arboriculture, renewable energy and engineering.

Landscape architects have a central role in nurturing ecosystems and human wellbeing – but the sector needs to embrace its role as a change maker, writes Stephenson Halliday’s Andrew Tempany.

RSK CEO Alan Ryder’s interview with the Financial Time’s Andrew Hill in the How To Lead series

Jon Davies, director of RSK Wilding, explains why we should ignore any polarising rhetoric around farming and wildlife and get on with creating an agricultural landscape that is sustainable, biodiverse and productive.

As the public inquiry into the events leading up to and during the night of the Grenfell fire starts to reach a conclusion, there are three new key pieces of legislation to be aware of…

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed by delegates from across the world at COP15 is historic.

Over the last century, Singapore has overcome many challenges to become a world leader in water infrastructure. Through an unparalleled feat of design and engineering excellence, the country has successfully secured water resilience for its people.

Abandoned and derelict land can be transformed to provide valuable green space, havens for nature or renewable energy generation opportunities, according to environmental specialist Dr Tom Henman.

When I joined RSK 15 years ago, it was a UK engineering and environmental business of around 700 employees with ambitious plans to expand internationally and through strategic acquisition.

Covid may have put the spotlight on flexible working practices to support safety during the pandemic, but RSK has always emphasised this approach.

We asked specialists from across the RSK group what impact the COP 27 agreement has had on their sectors and regions.

Actively restoring rivers by reinstating natural river processes will play a vital role in building resilience against climate change and helping offset the global freshwater biodiversity crisis.

From 2019 to 2020, solar and wind energy capacity across Africa increased by 13% and 11% respectively, while hydropower climbed by 25%. How are nations across Africa tapping into the renewable energy opportunity, and what lies ahead for the continent and its people?

Mark Smith explores the primary driving forces behind the global challenges faced because of escalating water crises.

Dr Robert Charnock, Director of the RSK-funded Metis Institute on Climate Strategy, lays out the pivotal role finance will play in efforts to respond to the climate crisis and drive a just transition to net zero.

Cyndi Teulon, Environmental Advisor at RSK Middle East, explains why it is so vital that debates at COP27, and COP28 next year, result in practical and tangible solutions, for people across the region, that support adaptation while safeguarding traditional livelihoods.

Read our report Taming the current: Solutions to the global water crisis to find out how RSK is tackling the global water crisis.

As part of RSK’s #RoutetoCOP15, we brought together a panel of experts to explore why and how the finance sector is addressing biodiversity.

Throughout October members of RSK with Unity celebrated diversity and acknowledged the challenges those of diverse heritage face through a series of personal videos.

Following the publication of the Renewable Energy Report, Mike Kelly, Business Development Director for Renewable Energy at RSK group, lays out how collaboration is needed to reach the UK’s decarbonisation target.

RSK group and Nature Positive collaborated with IEMA to produce a guidance document on sustainability for non-executive directors in the NHS.

Stéphanie from ADEV shares her expertise on keeping and regrowing healthy green environments in our urban centres.

Nuno Lopes from RSK-IWS explains how the lack of forward planning will need to be addressed if cities are to meet their goals.

How Britain can step up its storm and flood response, speaking with two RSK businesses tackling climate-change-induced severe weather events.

In order to withstand the modern pressures of both urbanisation and climate change, vital infrastructure across our cities must adapt.

For National Inclusion Week, RSK’s employee networks have been active in sharing their experiences and calling for everyone to become allies.

RSK’s panel delves deeper into the challenges of and solutions to progressing regenerative design practices.

RSK’s Cities of Tomorrow series explores the regenerative and sustainable solutions available to us to create resilient and future proof urban centres and the ways in which our family of businesses is responding to these needs.

Green travel plans developed in line with science-based targets offer support to colleagues in achieving net zero actions each and every day.

RSK Group company Nature Positive launches its Biodiversity Report Card analysing the Asian business community’s understanding of nature and the natural resources on which it depends.

Dr Natalie Suckall, International Climate Resilience Lead at RSK’s International Projects Group (IPG), sets out how her team is working hard to achieve sustainable futures for all.

Examining the approach and roll-out of Network Rail’s new carbon reporting tool and the impacts it will have on the rail industry.

To mark International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2022, we take a look at the far-reaching impacts of environmental air pollution.

Jill MacKeith, sustainability management consultant for Nature Positive, explores the relationship between ecology and economics and the role of carbon accounting.

With a new prime minister, what opportunities do they face in efforts to meet national climate targets and what are the key actions required to achieve them?

Justin Searle, Director of Projects, explains how Binnies’ exciting floating photovoltaic (PV) projects are delivering the renewable energy needed for Hong Kong to reach net zero by 2050.

Lara Duro, Amphos21 CEO, examines the role that nuclear power can play in generating the energy needed to respond to the climate crisis and dispels some of the myths about tackling nuclear waste.

RSK Renewable Energy Director Mike Kelly explores the opportunity for offshore wind to contribute significantly to the UK’s response to the climate crisis and national energy demand. 

RSK’s Climate Realities series explores the effects of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports across our global business.

Binnies Singapore and the RSK Centre for Sustainability Excellence discuss the impacts and challenges to consider when achieving climate resilience through smart city infrastructure.

To mark Earth Overshoot Day 2022, Lucy Thomas, RSK group Chief Scientist, sat down with colleagues from across the RSK family of businesses to discuss why this day is so important

Mark Smith, RSK’s Strategic Business Development Director in the water sector, assesses the current situation and explains the concept of the storm overflow system.

Across almost every continent, we now see pioneering governments taking up the mantle. And in Asia, Singapore leads the way.

23 June is International Women in Engineering Day which celebrates and raises awareness of women’s careers in engineering disciplines.