Sustainability and the built environment: Global goals require local solutions

WSP is a global consulting and engineering firm with passionate experts, who work daily to create a future-proof living environment in which people can live, work and play healthily and safely. But also with groundbreaking experts, who actively seek solutions for tomorrow's challenges. "We are in the middle of the climate crisis. Our summers are getting hotter, sea levels are rising and our weather is becoming more extreme. To cope with these worrisome developments, action is needed now. Also in (urban) construction, where sustainability, CO₂- and climate-neutral building and reuse of materials are current themes. Themes that are currently being tackled mostly locally. That seems logical, but why not leverage global knowledge, expertise and innovations? What is already possible in our industry? And what can we learn from this locally? But also: how can the Netherlands share its knowledge and experience in the global market?"

Speaking is Thomas Musson, consultant/consultant with WSP in the Netherlands. Musson was born in England and worked here for a long time as a structural engineer. From 2014 to 2017, he worked for WSP UK in London, where he progressed to project manager and consultant. Four years ago, he came to the Netherlands. "I was very surprised by the culture in the Dutch construction sector," he says. "It is, in fact, completely different from what I was used to in England! I always thought that building and area developments were broadly approached, designed and executed in the same way. And also that challenges were solved in the same way, but nothing could be further from the truth..."

A lot of brainpower

The Netherlands is an innovative country in building and construction, Musson said. "In fact, in the Global innovation Index 2021, the Netherlands takes a wonderful sixth place! We follow shortly behind Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Korea. For a small country like the Netherlands, this is a top achievement! We have enormous brainpower, which can inspire other countries. For example, we are very far with prefab and modular construction. Innovations with which we can solve an important part of the global problems. After all, prefab and modular construction excel in themes such as sustainability, safety and productivity. Much of our housing is already built in precast concrete. And precast wood construction is also developing rapidly. So fast, in fact, that this form of construction is already almost "business as usual. In other countries, however, this development is still in its infancy. Our 'lessons learned' can really make a difference here."

Future Ready

Knowledge sharing is key, according to Musson. "But as strong as we are in innovations, we are so modest in sharing our successes. I'd like to see that change. We should be proud of our innovations and propagate successful developments. For example, by actively participating in working groups. WSP is already giving substance to this internally through the Future Ready program. A special initiative that challenges colleagues worldwide to think towards the future. What are the trends in climate change, society, technology and resources? What does this mean for the neighborhoods, landscapes and infrastructure we design? And how can we leverage our knowledge and expertise to create better and future-proof solutions? Several working groups have been established within WSP's Future Ready program. Online meetings are also organized regularly, in which connections are made with colleagues around the world. But also in which successes and knowledge are shared."

Dutch successes

WSP started in the Netherlands three years ago, but has already had several great successes to share. As an example, Musson mentions Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn. "In cooperation with the client, contractors and TU Delft, we came up with a solution for waterproof and self-healing concrete. In the basement, an additive containing bacteria, an activator and nutrients ensures that any (hair) cracks are immediately sealed. As a result, leaks are not an issue." Moreover, WSP has extensive timber construction expertise in the Netherlands. "Our timber expert recently supported our WSP colleagues in Chile in the design of a timber roof for a soccer stadium. And there are plenty of other examples where knowledge, experience, innovations and passion provide sustainable solutions. Not just locally, but globally."

For project One Bishopsgate Plaza in London, WSP UK worked out an innovative solution in which its Dutch colleagues are particularly interested. "In this project, all the W- and E-installations in the vertical shafts were prepared in long modules," says Musson. "This allowed the installations to be constructed very quickly and (energy) efficiently. Moreover, considerable savings were made on transport movements (and thus CO₂-emissions). We are currently investigating the possibilities for this for the Dutch market. Both vertically and horizontally, giving module construction a new dimension and making tomorrow's world a little better, smarter and more sustainable."