When it comes to the future of infrastructure, we must rethink our relationship with nature. Sir John Armitt, CBE FREng FICE, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, reflects on how civil engineering has evolved—from exploiting nature’s resources for human benefit to now conserving them while delivering essential architecture.
Today, building plays a pivotal role in protecting the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change. It’s no longer a choice but a necessity. By reducing reliance on oil and gas, we can create systems that benefit both people and the planet. Innovation is key to driving this change forward, with big data and new technologies allowing us to manage infrastructure more efficiently.
Armitt stresses that while it’s tempting to fall back on traditional methods, we must embrace new designs, materials, and approaches to meet our net zero targets. Construction takes decades to develop, meaning our decisions today will shape tomorrow’s world. We must encourage the development sector to innovate and lead the charge in creating a sustainable future for both human and natural systems.
