The water investment challenge

Infrastructure and agriculture are undergoing a seismic shift driven by AI, automation, and precision positioning. In this week’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I sit down with Ivan Di Federico , the new President & CEO of Topcon Positioning Systems , recorded live at the spectacular bauma construction tech event in Munich. Listen in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course ! Topcon is a driving force behind the digital transformation of our built environment. From smart machines to sustainable job sites, its tech is shaping how we design, build, and maintain infrastructure. Ivan steps into the top job at a pivotal time — and in this fascinating conversation, we explore: 🔹 What it takes to lead in a fast-evolving tech landscape 🔹 The growing intersection of construction, agriculture & automation 🔹 How Topcon is navigating complexity while pushing innovation forward 🎧 Don’t miss this latest, hugely insightful episode — especially if you're watching how AI and automation are redefining infrastructure.

How do you build a structural engineering career that not only shapes skylines — but communities, cultures, and futures? This week on The Infrastructure Podcast , I’m joined by the brilliant Claire Gott MBE FICE , Head of Structures at WSP . Claire’s journey is one of technical excellence, inspiring leadership, and deep social impact — and it was a privilege to dig into her story. Listen here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! I first met Claire in 2011 when she was crowned New Civil Engineer Graduate of the Year. It was clear then — and even clearer now — she’s a force of nature in our industry. From 40 Leadenhall to Eden Project North, London Bridge Station, HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd , and (perhaps soon) 1 Undershaft, Claire has been at the heart of some of the UK’s most ambitious and high-profile developments. But what makes her stand out isn’t just the scale of the work — it’s the vision behind it. We talk about: 🔹 Designing for people and planet, not just performance 🔹 Navigating the evolving challenges of structural engineering 🔹 Why diversity, mentoring and social value must be part of the job 🔹 Her work with Cameroon Catalyst and the The Circle Partnership 🔹 And yes… even building a LEGO bridge with school kids! Whether you're an engineer, leader, or just curious about how great infrastructure gets made (and who makes it), this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Nuclear power has shaped the UK’s energy landscape for over 60 years — decommissioning our old assets is one of the most complex and critical infrastructure challenges of our time. I n this latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , I’m joined by Stuart Miller , Programme Director at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), to explore how the NDA is transforming its business and boosting outcomes from the multi-billion pound investment programme to tackle the UK’s civil nuclear legacy — and what that means for our future. Tune in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! And it’s clear that this complex work isn’t just about dismantling old infrastructure. It’s about: ⚙️ Rethinking how we manage hazardous assets ⚙️ Using digital tools to improve safety, speed, and decision-making ⚙️ Engaging communities in the investment programme ⚙️ Embedding sustainability into long-term strategy ⚙️ Driving cultural transformation in a risk-averse, highly regulated sector We dive into the opportunities and obstacles behind one of Europe’s largest environmental remediation missions — and why getting it right matters for generations to come. So if you’re interested in infrastructure, energy transition, systems thinking or leadership under pressure, this one’s for you.

Bank Holiday special! And it was a real thrill to welcome Lord Adair Turner, titan of industry and finance, to @The Infrastructure Podcast this week to talk about the challenge of decarbonising our buildings - critical to meeting our vital climate change stemming targets. As chair of the Energy Transitions Commission, Lord Turner has just revealed the findings of a bold new report: Achieving Zero-Carbon Buildings: Electric, Efficient and Flexible. This report highlights the huge role that buildings must play in the global fight against climate change - and crucially how little we actually understand about this role today. 👉 Tune in here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! The reality is that the buildings sector is responsible for a staggering one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions — more than transport or industry. And as global demand for energy-intensive services like heating, cooling, and lighting continues to rise, the urgency to act is only growing. 🎧 In this episode of the podcast we explore the findings of ETC’s new report and discuss: ✅ Why buildings matter more than ever in the race to net zero ✅ The impact of the Trump administration on the pace of tackling climate change ✅ The technologies and strategies that can cut emissions and reduce energy bills ✅ The policy, finance, and industry shifts needed to unlock progress at speed and scale ✅ What the UK must do — and how global leadership can emerge The good news? The solutions are here. The challenge? Turning strategy into action — fast. 💡 If you care about the future of our cities, energy, and climate, this is a must-listen conversation. And a must read report.

So - does Artificial Intelligence hold the key to the future management of Infrastructure? Are we talking revolution; or is it just a new layer of risk? In today’s episode of The Infrastructure Podcast I am joined by Tom Bartley , Director of Civil Infrastructure at AI scale-up Mind Foundry who is certain that AI hold the key to a future of better, faster decision leading to smarter, safer and lower cost infrastructure . 👉 Tune in here to have a listen- or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! - to hear why the quiet AI revolution might be the most important thing happening in infrastructure today. Well, the fact is, our infrastructure is creaking under the strain of age, under-investment, and rising demands. Roads, railways, bridges, and public assets are showing their wear. Traditional maintenance just isn’t keeping up. So what if AI could change that? Well the team at Mind Foundry think it absolutely can. And as Mind Foundry was spun out of University of Oxford , it is clearly packed with all the biggest thinkers like Tom who probably know! Tom brings deep experience across engineering and technology from a career with WSP and Jacobs , and he's now helping asset owners like HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd predict risks, extend asset life, and make better decisions through responsible AI. In the conversation we explore one of the biggest and most urgent challenges facing the built environment: how we manage and maintain critical infrastructure in a smarter, faster, and more sustainable way. We dive into: 🔹 Why human-AI collaboration, not replacement, is the real future of engineering 🔹 How AI is reshaping inspection, maintenance, and risk management 🔹 What's holding the sector back from fully embracing innovation 🔹 The opportunities AI unlocks to create smarter, safer, more resilient systems Interested in the future of infrastructure and the reality of AI beyond the hype; in how we can solve today’s toughest challenges? Well if so this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Your bank holiday Monday question: Hydrogen - is it our zero carbon energy hero or just a costly distraction on the journey to net zero? To help find an answer, I’m joined on The Infrastructure Podcast this week by Brett Ryan , Head of Policy and Analysis at Hydrogen UK , the industry’s leading trade body who helps explain how close we are to turning hype into hard reality. Have a listen the latest episode here - or find it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, et al, of course! As the UK doubles down on its net zero ambitions, hydrogen is stepping into the spotlight. Touted as a clean, versatile fuel with huge potential across industry, construction and transport — hydrogen could be a game-changer. Brett certainly brings expert insight into the commercial and policy shifts shaping the future of hydrogen in the UK. Despite bold government targets and the recent HAR2 shortlist of 27 projects, delivery is lagging and major questions remain: ⚡️ Can we build the infrastructure fast enough? 📈 Are the right market signals and policy frameworks in place? 💰 And where does hydrogen really make sense – versus where it doesn't? 🎧 Tune in for a deep dive into the promise, the pitfalls, and the pathway forward – enjoy!

This week, we’re going global. I’m joined by Jacob Mumm , General Manager for Public Infrastructure at Bechtel Corporation , to explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: how can the UK accelerate economic growth through smarter infrastructure investment? Have a listen here or find it on Apple, Spotify and Amazon et al of course! Jake brings three decades of frontline experience on complex, high-stakes projects around the world. From ageing transport systems to climate-resilient design, we dig into the real-world challenges that governments everywhere are facing - and the bold strategies that could turn them into opportunities. Issues discussed include: 🔹 The infrastructure funding gap 🔹 Political hurdles and project delays 🔹 Smart cities, green energy, and the digital future 🔹 How do we build faster, smarter, greener? 🔹 How do we cut through bureaucracy and actually deliver? 🔹 How can private sector players like Bechtel drive change If you're interested in the future of infrastructure - and what it will take to deliver systems that are resilient, sustainable, and future-proof - this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

What does it really take to design the world’s tallest, most iconic buildings - and what challenges lie ahead as cities grow ever taller? Well, engineering legend Kamran Moazami , Managing Director of Property & Buildings at WSP joins me on the latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast , and he sure knows a thing or two! 🎧 Have a listen here: - or find it on Apple an Spotify et al, of course! With nearly 50 years of experience and landmark projects like The Shard, 22 Bishopsgate, and One Blackfriars under his belt, Kamran offers an unmatched perspective on the evolution of high-rise design. After all, he’s a Fellow of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and The Institution of Structural Engineers in London, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) in January! From London to Dubai, New York to Shanghai, city skylines are rising fast. But height brings complexity—wind loading, vertical transportation, fire safety, and, critically, carbon and climate resilience. We also dig into how global events—from earthquakes in Southeast Asia to the legacy of Grenfell - are shaping public trust in high-rise development and impacting our ability to build. So whether you're an engineer, architect, planner, or simply fascinated by the future of our cities, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

Tackling Urban Flooding: The Case for Sponge Cities - excited to share the latest episode of The Infrastructure Podcast - this time with Lee Pitcher MP , Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Water, recorded live at the latest Twin Talks breakfast with Bentley Systems . Check it out here- or find it on Apple an Spotify et al, of course! The conversation dives into the urgent challenge of urban flooding and discuss the findings of a new white paper, "Creating Sponge Cities to Tackle Surface Water Flooding," produced by Bentley Systems and Aqua Consultants with support from British Water and, as a former water engineer with Jacobs and Yorkshire Water , Lee Pitcher, MP 💡 What’s the issue? As climate change intensifies and urbanisation accelerates, our outdated drainage systems are struggling to cope with extreme rainfall. The result? More frequent and severe pluvial flooding. 🌱 What’s the solution? The white paper outlines a bold strategy to rethink water management through sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), green infrastructure, and smart design - helping cities absorb, store, and manage water like a sponge. But if the solutions exist, why aren’t we embracing change faster? And how do we turn policy into action? Lee Pitcher has the answers. Catch the full conversation and feed your comments back to Lee and the APPG as he prepares to respond - and input to - the ongoing The Independent Water Commission, chaired by Sir Jon Cunliffe.