Podcast
Talking Infrastructure
Hosted by AECOM · EN
Welcome to the Talking Infrastructure podcast, brought to you by global infrastructure consultancy AECOM. In this podcast we will be discussing the hot topics, key projects and innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
S5E02: Private finance as a catalyst for infrastructure growth: the airport advantage
Apr 1400:48:22Tap to summarizeAirports are under increasing pressure to expand, modernise and deliver more – for passengers, for communities and for the wider economy. But with public funding constrained, how can this level of investment be delivered at pace and scale? As demand for air travel grows and infrastructure comes under strain, private finance is playing a central role – often through partnerships between the public and private sectors. This is reflected in our Rebuilding Britain report, which highlights that unlocking private capital is essential to bridging the UK’s infrastructure gap and enabling complex, large-scale projects to move forward. In this episode, host Toby Sadler is joined by Nick Platts (Managing Director, Luton Rising), Javier Echave Espot (Chief Operating Officer, Heathrow) and Crawford Burden (Managing Director, Aviation, Europe & India, AECOM) to explore how private finance is acting as a catalyst for airport growth in practice. Drawing on insights from Heathrow and Luton Airport, the discussion highlights how investment and a variety of partnership models are enabling expansion and improving performance, while delivering wider value for passengers, communities and the economy. Private finance is about more than capital. It brings the expertise, delivery capability and commercial insight needed to turn ambition into viable, investable projects – and ultimately into infrastructure that works. At AECOM, we support clients across the full project lifecycle – combining advisory, engineering and deep aviation expertise to help shape investment strategies and translate growth into infrastructure that can be delivered and sustained over the long term. Listen to our latest Talking Infrastructure episode over on: https://insights.aecom.com/insights/talking-infrastucture Useful links: Project: London Luton Airport’s expansion: building capacity for the future Project: Hong Kong International Airport 2030 Study Blog: People Spotlight: Meet Patricia Ribó Sörensen - Blog Thought Leadership: Rebuilding Britain: Unlocking growth from the UK’s infrastructure strategy | AECOM Insights Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ https://www.instagram.com/aecom/
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S5E01: The resilience test: is our infrastructure climate-ready?
Mar 1700:40:51Tap to summarizeAcross the world, extreme weather is putting the systems we rely on under increasing pressure. At the same time, we’re entering a historic era of infrastructure growth. Electricity demand is rising rapidly – and around 75 per cent of the infrastructure that will exist by mid-century hasn’t yet been built. So how do we ensure the systems we depend on today – and the infrastructure we build tomorrow – are ready for a changing climate? In this first episode of Talking Infrastructure’s Season 5, our host Toby Sadler is joined by Marcene Mitchell (WWF), Jane McMillan (SP Energy Networks) and Sally Vivian (AECOM) to discuss what it will take to build climate resilience across critical infrastructure systems. They cover topics such as: Why the scale of infrastructure growth ahead creates a critical opportunity to build resilience in from the start How nature-based solutions can complement traditional engineering to reduce climate risk Why the incentives shaping infrastructure investment may need to evolve to better support resilience Why today’s infrastructure decisions could lock in resilience – or vulnerability – for decades to come Find out more over on: https://insights.aecom.com/insights/talking-infrastucture Useful links: Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://acm.to/aecom-jobs Thought Leadership - https://acm.to/Lessons-from-the-Natural-Capital-Laboratory-on-connecting-nature-and-business Project - https://acm.to/FIDIC-and-WWF-Playbook Project- https://acm.to/Building-climate-resilience Department of Transport’s Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II) – a tailored plan assessing infrastructure across all transport modes and how governments and communities can effectively plan and deliver climate-resilience infrastructure (systematic level resilience) Report – Royal Meteorological Society research report on climate impacts on energy sector (AECOM research report published at end of October). Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ https://www.instagram.com/aecom/
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S4E03 :Future-ready infrastructure: Addressing the STEM skills crisis
Jul 2500:37:54Tap to summarizeWelcome to Season 4 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. In this series, we explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of infrastructure – from accelerating the energy transition to ensuring our sector is ready for what comes next. Episode 3: Future-ready infrastructure – Addressing the STEM skills crisis In this episode, our host Toby Sadler is joined by expert guests from AECOM, Energy & Utility Skills and SSE to explore the pressing shortage of STEM skills across the infrastructure industry. From nuclear and renewables to water and transport, the sector faces a growing demand for talent – yet is struggling to fill roles across all levels. As a third of the UK workforce sits in STEM roles, the risk of a shortfall could cost the UK economy up to £120 billion by 2030. Together, our guests unpack the root causes of the issue, the gaps in education and workforce training, and share how they’re tackling the problem – from building early-stage pipelines and reskilling experienced professionals to cross-sector collaboration and digital upskilling. 📌 Key questions include: What’s causing the shortage of STEM skills across infrastructure? What are the specific impacts on energy, nuclear and utility projects? How can we encourage underrepresented groups back into the sector? What role do education, mentorship and policy play in solving the crisis? What does a future-ready workforce really look like? Expert Speakers: Paul Cox, CEO, Energy & Utility Skills Leads the organisation that works with industry and government to tackle workforce challenges and secure a skilled, sustainable pipeline of talent for the UK’s utility sector. Stephanie O’Donnell, Strategic Workforce Planning Manager, SSE Responsible for shaping SSE’s future workforce and navigating the evolving skills demands of the energy transition. Karen Armstrong-Telfer, Nuclear Lead, AECOM AECOM’s lead on nuclear strategy and delivery, bringing deep insight into the specialised skills needed for growth and resilience in the sector. About the host: Toby Sadler, Senior Communications Manager, AECOM Toby brings experience from both journalism and communications. He hosts Talking Infrastructure with a curious mind and a passion for amplifying the voices shaping the future of our built environment. Useful links: Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs Read our blog to learn more about nuclear decommissioning - Milestones and innovations in nuclear decommissioning - Blog Listen to an episode of our podcast about how we can encourage, upskill and attract engineers - Engineer of the future: building tomorrow’s workforce Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom
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S4E02: Could nature help solve the UK’s sewer overflow challenge?
Feb 27, 202500:37:28Tap to summarizeWe’ve all seen the headlines—over the past decade, the UK has seen record-breaking rainfall, with climate change driving more intense weather. But our drainage infrastructure, much of it built over a century ago, was not designed to cope with these extremes. Combined sewer overflows (CSOs)—originally developed to prevent flooding by discharging excess water when sewers reach capacity—are now being triggered more often, increasing the risk of surface water flooding. As populations grow and cities expand, drainage networks are now being pushed to their limits. While larger pipes and storage tanks might help in the short term, they too have limited capacity and are both costly and carbon intensive to build. Clearly, grey infrastructure alone won’t fix the problem. The UK needs a smarter, more sustainable approach to managing water—one that eases pressure on sewers before storms hit. In this episode, we focus on blue-green infrastructure, which combines natural features like wetlands and rain gardens with conventional drainage systems to manage water more effectively, reduce flood risk and create greener, healthier places to live. Host Toby Sadler speaks to those at the forefront of the innovative projects already making an impact, from the UK’s largest sustainable drainage scheme in Mansfield, Derbyshire to Glasgow’s Smart Canal, which pairs blue-green principles with digital technology, to Castle Archdale’s integrated constructed wetland in Northern Ireland, which functions as both a wastewater treatment system and a community asset. Together, our speakers tackle the key questions: could nature help solve the UK’s sewer overflow challenge? And what are the steps needed to implement blue-green infrastructure on a wider scale? Tune in now to hear from: Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance (Scottish Water) Paddy Brow, Head of Living with Water Programme (Northern Ireland Water) Hannah Howe, Principal Consultant (AECOM) Find out more over on: https://aecom.com/podcasts/talking-infrastructure-podcast/ -------------------Welcome to season 4 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.--------------Useful links: Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs/ Blog: Living With Water Programme: protecting, enhancing and growing Belfast Blog: Mansfield: designing the UK’s largest sustainable drainage scheme Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ https://www.instagram.com/aecom/
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S4E01: Accelerating the energy transition: why systems thinking changes everything
Jan 31, 202500:54:16Tap to summarize"We’ve got to think about this all together as a whole-systems holistic solution, whether it’s a single rural community or whether that’s at an industrial cluster level. It’s the same—the whole nation is a system in itself. So, we’ve got to have that whole-systems approach from the top down, whether that’s transmission networks right the way down to [...] the final mile on the grid."– Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower AssociationFor too long, we’ve tackled energy challenges in isolation—treating renewables, grid capacity and infrastructure as separate pieces of the puzzle. But real progress demands a systems approach—one that connects people, politics, places and portfolios. In this first episode of Talking Infrastructure’s Season 4, our host Toby Sadler is joined by Kate Gilmartin (CEO, British Hydropower Association), Dan Nicholls (Chief Product Officer, SNRG) and Sarah Falconer (Energy Planning, Consenting and Development Lead, AECOM) to discuss why systems thinking is key to delivering a successful transition to clean energy. They cover topics such as: How local energy solutions like microgrids could shift power back into the hands of communities The role of hydropower in providing reliable power, flexibility and storage—and the barriers to scaling it up in the UK What’s needed to better align policy, planning and investment to accelerate clean energy projects How systems thinking can help tackle skills shortages and build a long-term workforce for the sector Find out more over on: https://aecom.com/podcasts/talking-infrastructure-podcast/ -------------------Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges.--------------Useful links: Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs/ Blog: Systems thinking in the energy transition: a people-centric approach Project: Great Grid Upgrade Blog: Realizing the multi-generational opportunities of the energy transition Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/ https://www.instagram.com/aecom/
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S3E07: Ukraine: Europe’s new green energy hub?
Jun 12, 202400:49:22Tap to summarizeDespite the ongoing war and the destruction of nearly half its power infrastructure since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine is determined to emerge stronger and greener. This episode delves into Ukraine's bold vision to become Europe’s new green energy hub. Remarkably, Ukraine constructed more onshore wind turbines in 2022 than England, showcasing its commitment to renewable energy even amidst conflict. The Tyligulska wind farm, for example – the first to be built in a conflict zone – is now generating enough clean energy to power around 200,000 homes just 60 miles from the frontline. Tune in to hear more about on the radical reshaping of Ukraine’s energy landscape and the lessons it can teach us. ------------ Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. ---------------- About the host 👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! Useful links: Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom
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S3E06: Live from UKREiiF: Engaging our communities to deliver the energy transition
May 23, 202400:50:51Tap to summarizeWe’re back with another installment of Talking Infrastructure—and this time we’re live at UKREiiF: the UK’s real estate investment and infrastructure forum. In this episode, James Banks hosts a live panel discussion about the people-centric strategies needed to navigate the energy transition in an equitable way. ------------ Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. ---------------- About the host 👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! Useful links: Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom
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S3E05: Ride the Change: shifting gears towards climate action
Apr 24, 202400:45:41Tap to summarizeS3E05: Ride the Change: shifting gears towards climate action For Earth Day 2024, we’re proud to be sponsoring the Ride the Change bike ride, an epic journey that spans the UK, Holland and Belgium. By raising climate pledges instead of cash, the ride – organised by Do Nation – aims to encourage simple, sustainable actions. 70 cyclists representing AECOM and other organisations travelled from the UK and Europe to take part in the event, including our podcast host James Banks. To mark this milestone, we bring you a special live episode from the Atomium in Brussels, where the ride culminates. Join James as he speaks to four other participants and attendees for a post-ride discussion on the future of energy and transport. As well as sharing stories from the road, they’ll dive into the ways we can collectively work together to achieve a just transition. Speakers include: • Miet Luyckx, Programme Management Director for Benelux, AECOM • Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain, Renewables UK • Lars Verkerk, Strategic Alliance Manager, Johnson Controls • Andrew Griffiths, Director of Policy & Partnerships at PlanetMark --------------Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. ----------------About the host 👉 James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! Useful links: • Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza • Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs • Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom
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S3E04: Closing the net zero divide: how do we ensure no community is left behind?
Mar 20, 202400:51:18Tap to summarizeWelcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. Episode 4: Closing the net zero divide: how do we ensure no community is left behind? For this episode, our host James Banks is joined by Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director at Octopus Energy and Helena Rivers, AECOM’s net zero lead for the built environment to discuss the challenges and opportunities in achieving net zero. From the importance of retrofitting homes and buildings to enhance energy efficiency to the latest green technology improving heat networks, our speakers explore how we can reduce the carbon footprint of our built environment – and why a people-centric approach is key. Central to the conversation is how we can meet our climate goals whilst addressing the disparities and inequalities between communities to ensure that no one is left behind. As well as busting some common myths, our speakers tackle questions such as: • What does 'net zero' really mean and why is it vital for our future? • What role does technology play in making homes more energy-efficient and sustainable? • How can we effectively engage the public and bridge the knowledge gap? • How can global cooperation and policies accelerate the move towards net zero? Plus, Emma shares the creative ways that Octopus is reshaping public perceptions towards green energy – including a touring wind turbine named Gusty Springfield. Expert speakers: • Emma Fletcher, Low Carbon Homes Director, Octopus Energy • Helena Rivers, AECOM Net Zero lead for the built environment About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOMnfor 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! Useful links: • Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza • Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs • Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/
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S3E03: Engineer of the future: building tomorrow’s workforce
Feb 7, 202400:42:39Tap to summarizeS3E03: Engineer of the future: building tomorrow’s workforce Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward. In this episode, host James Banks is joined by Dr Sara Venning from Northern Ireland Water, Dr Alice Bunn of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Eloise John, AECOM's energy lead for Europe and India. Together, they discuss how we can plan, develop, and recruit a workforce fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our guest speakers address questions such as: What are the key technologies shaping the future of engineering? What emerging trends should engineers be aware of and prepare for? How can we cultivate greater diversity in the workplace? How can engineers foster innovation and creativity in their work? As well as emphasising the importance of soft skills alongside technical expertise, the discussion also highlights the necessity of lifelong learning – and why it’s crucial to remain agile in an industry where future job roles are yet unknown. Expert speakers: Dr Alice Bunn Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Dr Sara Venning CEO at Northern Ireland Water Eloise John AECOM Energy Lead, Europe and India About the host James Banks, Director of Marketing and Communications. Been at AECOM for 6 years. Hosting the Talking Infrastructure is a real highlight of my role at AECOM. Having launched the podcast back in 2019. I’ve seen it grow from something that was, to be honest, a bit of an experiment, to something that is now adding real value to our clients and the industry. With a growing and diverse audience, I’m always amazed when I receive emails and social comments from listeners all over the world. So, keep them coming! Useful links: Podcast survey – take part in our podcast survey to help shape the future of the podcast. You could win your very own exclusive Talking Infrastructure podcast mug (T&Cs apply): https://forms.office.com/r/6DcYTjsgza Come and work for AECOM: discover the recruitment opportunities here: https://aecom.jobs Get a copy of our FOI report here: https://infrastructure.aecom.com/ Connect with us on social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aecom/,https://www.instagram.com/aecom/, https://twitter.com/aecom 🎙️Talking Infrastructure Season 3 Welcome to season 3 of AECOM’s Talking Infrastructure podcast. Talking Infrastructure delves into the industry’s hot topics, key projects, and the ground-breaking innovations that are helping to solve some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges. We'll be discussing everything from driving cost and time efficiencies within the rail industry to the importance of collaboration in bringing hydrogen projects forward.
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