AECOM and the University of Salford have come together to investigate how major infrastructure projects impact the environment…
A new partnership has been struck to discover the impact of infrastructure projects on the environment.
Environmental consultancy firm AECOM and the University of Salford will work together to investigate the issue, after the Mersey Gateway Project sparked the need for further research.
The project was a six lane toll bridge that is set to span the River Mersey. It is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK and will see AECOM offer advice on the complex and sensitive estuarine environment in the surrounding construction area. From this, AECOM decided to pursue this topic further to help the future of sustainable construction.
The new partnership will look at building projects in “environmentally sensitive” areas and how large infrastructure projects disrupt biodiversity during the construction process.
AECOM’s chief executive of environment and ground engineering for Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa Peter Skinner said: “Shaping research so that it is applicable to specific projects provides students with opportunities to make a tangible difference to both academia and industry through their learning.
“Greater collaboration between universities and the private sector will make an important contribution to mitigating the impact of infrastructure on the environment and protecting the natural world.
“AECOM is proud to be working with the University of Salford on this initiative to increase understanding of the environmental and ecological aspects of infrastructure projects.”
The University of Salford’s vice chancellor for research and enterprise Nigel Mellor said: “This partnership will provide a unique opportunity for both parties.
“It fits into our aim of focusing our research at real life challenges and to deliver real life impact for society.
“It will also give our students the chance to get involved in a live project and help them develop key skills for industry.”
