Catherine McGrath, National Highways’ category manager for ground investigation and archaeology, has articulated a comprehensive approach to embedding sustainability and resilience into procurement and project delivery within infrastructure sectors. Speaking ahead of the GE Sustainability and Resilience conference scheduled for September 2025 in London, she emphasises the necessity of aligning procurement processes with environmental, social, and economic objectives. This alignment includes the careful selection of suppliers committed to eco-friendly practices, responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and ethical labour standards.
The integration of resilience further necessitates robust supply chain strategies capable of enduring disruptions arising from economic fluctuations, climate change, or unforeseen challenges. Organisations are increasingly tasked with assessing risks, diversifying supplier bases, and embedding contingency measures to safeguard operational continuity. This dual focus on sustainability and resilience meets evolving regulatory demands while future-proofing infrastructure projects against climatic and socio-economic uncertainties.
A particularly forward-looking concept gaining traction is the adoption of a 120-year life cycle approach to infrastructure planning. This perspective urges stakeholders to consider the long-term carbon footprint of projects, recognising that the timing of emissions impacts environmental outcomes differently. It prompts prioritisation of upfront carbon reductions, while allowing for future technological innovations and cleaner energy systems to further mitigate long-term emissions. Designing for climate uncertainty involves selecting durable, low-carbon materials and developing adaptive, flexible infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, such as floods, and environmental degradation. Such infrastructure includes flood-resistant buildings and modular designs with the capability to evolve alongside changing climate conditions.
Embedding sustainability and resilience also relies heavily on the adoption of comprehensive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles throughout long-term planning processes. Investments in energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy sources, and circular economy practices form the backbone of these strategies, balancing emissions reduction with affordability, reliability, and competitiveness.
Contractors and consultants are encouraged to transcend mere regulatory compliance by proactively addressing client needs and industry dynamics. This includes introducing innovative construction methods, harnessing digital transformation, and integrating carbon reduction and social value considerations to create projects that deliver lasting benefits. Embracing digital tools and artificial intelligence can further enhance efficiency, risk mitigation, and decision-making. By adopting such approaches, industry professionals position themselves as valued partners and trusted advisors rather than simple service providers.
National Highways’ own Environmental Sustainability Strategy reflects these principles, aiming to minimise environmental impacts through lean construction practices that reduce resource consumption and waste generation. The strategy targets zero-carbon operations for all on-site plant and cabins by 2030, alongside initiatives to green depots and harness micro-generation of renewable energy on company-owned land.
The GE Sustainability and Resilience conference will offer a platform for exploring these urgent themes through interactive discussions and presentations from thought leaders across public agencies, private consultancies, and academia. McGrath will join specialists from various organisations, including urban planning and sustainability design, to debate supply chain responsibilities and share innovative approaches to embedding resilience and sustainability at every project stage.
This focus aligns with a broader global momentum observed in 2025 sustainability events such as the World ESG Summit, Greenbuild’s Resilient Design Summit, and the Resilient City Expo, which collectively underscore the growing recognition that enduring infrastructure must be designed with long-term environmental impact, social equity, and adaptive capacity at its core.
As infrastructure projects face mounting pressure to reconcile immediate needs with future challenges, embracing integrated sustainability and resilience strategies across procurement and delivery now appears essential for achieving durable, impactful outcomes. The constructive dialogue fostered by initiatives like the GE conference shapes the path toward infrastructure that not only withstands future uncertainties but also contributes positively to ecological and social wellbeing over the next century and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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