Sustainability from the Start
The City of Edinburgh Council wants the city to be net zero by 2030. That’s 15 years ahead of Scotland’s national target. To achieve its goal, Edinburgh is working in partnership with Atkins, harnessing big data from a wide range of sources to identify opportunities to integrate nature based solutions across the city and embed sustainability and climate resilience into its master plan.
This collaboration brings together a multi-disciplinary team, creating local solutions that embed sustainability into the fabric of Edinburgh and advance its journey to net zero.
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More Case Studies from Atkins
Havant Thicket Reservoir: Planning for Climate Resilience (HPP)
Atkins was commissioned by Portsmouth Water to design, and secure planning consent for, the Havant Thicket Reservoir and pipeline in Hampshire. Atkins Planners developed the Planning and Engagement Strategy, influenced scheme design, advised on Planning risks, identified Planning requirements and led on stakeholder engagement. All permissions were successfully secured. This transformative landmark will regenerate the area whilst maintaining biodiversity standards.
The reservoir will provide improved water resilience and a new recreational resource in a relatively deprived area, it will include a visitor centre, accessible open space, a network of trails and a new wetland habitat. This will deliver a key component to help the area secure climate resilience goals.
Learn more about Havant Thicket Resevoir
HyNet Hydrogen Production Plant (HPP)
The HyNet HPP is being delivered by Vertex Hydrogen which is a joint venture between Essar Oil UK and Progressive Energy. It is part of a wider system of low carbon hydrogen production, distribution and carbon capture infrastructure being delivered by Vertex Hydrogen. HyNet will utilise Low Carbon Hydrogen technology to produce hydrogen by the reforming of natural gas, at Stanlow Refinery in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
It is a response to the Government’s drive to utilise Hydrogen power, to help to hit Net Zero targets for climate change. The Atkins Planning team led on the planning application and Environmental Impact Assessment for the HPP and continue to play a key role in securing planning permission for the HPP and refining the planning consenting strategy to facilitate timely delivery of this innovative scheme on site.
Learn more about HyNet Hydrogen Production Plant
Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station
Atkins was involved in all aspects of design, environmental and consenting aspects of the preparation of a DCO application for a nuclear new build project at Wylfa, Isle of Anglesey. Atkins planners were embedded within the Horizon team providing technical leadership on planning and DCO, supporting EIA, HRA, WFD assessment, public consultation, sustainability and carbon management.
Five Town Planners were seconded to Horizon to coordinate the preparation of the DCO and associated Town and Country Planning Act applications. We provided planning and consent leadership across the applications and management, production and submission of the DCO application which was accepted by PINS with minimum s51 advice. Atkins also led the examination on behalf of the client and provided expert witnesses.
This project is a key infrastructure objective in delivering energy security for the coming decades.
Learn more about Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station
Kenya Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme (SUED)
Atkins was commissioned by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offices to develop Urban Economic Plans (UEP) for 12 Municipalities across Kenya. The UPE’s provides an investment framework to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth whilst addressing the climate crisis by proposing locally tailored climate resilient infrastructure projects for each Municipality. Atkins defined over 40 economic opportunities and about 100 climate-resilient infrastructure and urban interventions to create economic growth.
The SUED guiding principles of sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and resource-efficient were embedded throughout the project cycle, from inception to implementation. The multi-disciplinary team combine local planning knowledge with international planning expertise and best practices to establish integrated and sustainable frameworks to guide local economic growth.
Learn More about SUED
Sarajevo Green City Action Plan (GCAP)
As a member of EBRD Green City Action Plan Framework, Atkins was commissioned to produce a Green City Action Plan for Sarajevo Canton. We mobilised a multi-disciplinary team to help improve the town’s future environmental performance.
Atkins achieved this by assessing and prioritising environmental challenges which then informed proposed policy interventions and sustainable infrastructure investment. By providing capacity building workshops to local government officials and stakeholders Sarajevo’s GCAP was legally adopted in June 2021. This framework combats the city’s climate impact innovatively through an urban ventilation corridor to rectify air pollution levels.
Learn more about GCAP