Environmental solutions

Combining technical expertise with hands-on implementation ensures every project is designed to meet regulatory and operational requirements while aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to create lasting environmental impact.

The evolving environmental landscape demands solutions that are both innovative and practical, balancing sustainability with operational needs. At RSK, we don’t just advise – we design, build and implement solutions that create measurable benefits. With expertise spanning water, energy, infrastructure and the natural and built environment, we integrate science, engineering and data-driven strategies to ensure resilience in every project.

Our commitment to safety

At RSK, safety is embedded in everything we do. Through the implementation of our Nine Guiding Principles, we prioritise the health and wellbeing of our teams, partners and communities. Whether working on large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy or environmental restoration, we are committed to ensuring that everyone goes home safely. By fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning and proactive risk management, we uphold the highest safety standards across all our projects.

Delivering sustainable solutions across sectors

RSK provides environmental solutions across end markets, setting the group apart from others by delivering real-world sustainability benefits. Our expertise spans multiple sectors, delivering tailored solutions that strengthen environmental resilience. Key areas include the design and delivery of critical water assets, terrestrial and aquatic habitat creation and management services and renewable energy design, installation and maintenance solutions.

Safeguarding water resources and building resilient systems

With a legacy of more than 200 years of water engineering expertise through our diverse range of acquired businesses, we deliver critical water infrastructure that ensures water security for communities, industries and ecosystems. Our integrated services include the design, construction and optimisation of water and wastewater treatment systems, addressing ageing infrastructure and increasing demand, as well as regulatory compliance and digital asset management to improve efficiency.

Our expertise spans every aspect of water infrastructure, from water and wastewater treatment systems to flood resilience solutions, including hydrological assessments and water attenuation systems, as well as sustainable drainage networks and water quality improvements to safeguard critical infrastructure. We integrate nature-based solutions to enhance ecosystem services, ensuring that infrastructure is designed to work with the natural environment.

By combining mechanical, electrical and civil engineering expertise with off-site modular construction, we deliver water assets with greater efficiency, lower environmental impact and reduced construction time. Our teams specialise in the design, fabrication and installation of water treatment facilities, pumping stations and storage assets, ensuring they are engineered for long-term resilience and operational reliability.

State-of-the-art pumps installed at water plant to combat flood risk

WGM Engineering is upgrading the Lock Eck water plant in Dunoon by replacing outdated dry well pumps with new state-of-the-art pumps that can operate in both wet and dry conditions. This upgrade will improve the plant’s reliability and operational efficiency, particularly in managing flood risks. The project involves meticulous planning and safety protocols owing to the confined space and the need to keep the system online during the upgrades.

Upgrading a historical water supply scheme in Dublin

Nicholas O’Dwyer led the significant upgrade to the Vartry Water Supply Scheme in Dublin, which aimed to secure a reliable and safe water supply for 200,000 people. Key improvements included a new water treatment plant, a 4 km link pipeline and a covered reservoir at Stillorgan. These upgrades ensure compliance with EU and national drinking water standards, enhancing the overall water quality and supply reliability.

Nature-based stormwater solution

MWH Treatment used an innovative nature-based solution to address stormwater overflow at the Southwaite Wastewater Treatment Works in Cumbria. The project combines engineered and natural systems to treat stormwater for around 1000 residents and a nearby service station. Initiated during Asset Management Programme 7, it aims to enhance treatment capacity and reduce environmental impacts. The solution includes a 1300 m² wetland area with over 4000 plants, promoting local biodiversity while meeting stringent environmental targets.

Delivering large-scale renewable energy infrastructure and low-carbon solutions

RSK designs, constructs and maintains large-scale renewable energy projects, including onshore and offshore wind, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage solutions. By employing advanced technologies and innovative engineering, we ensure that every energy project is designed for maximum efficiency, minimal environmental impact and long-term success that supports the global transition to net zero.

Our low-emission power solutions for construction sites include temporary electrical infrastructure and energy efficiency measures that reduce carbon footprints while maximising operational efficiency. We implement advanced energy storage solutions, including large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) facilities, to stabilise renewable energy supply and enhance grid resilience. Our teams also design and integrate carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) infrastructure, supporting industrial decarbonisation.

For industrial applications, we deliver comprehensive sustainable energy systems, optimising energy use and reducing operational costs. Solar panel installations, energy storage solutions and on-site power generation help businesses achieve net zero emissions and align with global sustainability goals. By combining engineering expertise, sustainable design and hands-on project delivery, we ensure the reliable implementation of renewable infrastructure.

Scottish Water PV solar solution at Bathgate Wastewater Works

Absolute Solar and Wind completed a £675,000 PV solar project at Bathgate Wastewater Treatment Works in West Lothian on behalf of Scottish Water Horizons. Absolute managed all aspects of design, scope, supply and installation, working closely with local Scottish Water project teams and their subsidiaries to deliver an optimal renewable energy solution. These solutions aim to reduce each site’s carbon footprint while supporting Scottish Water’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

Human rights must lead global energy transition

There is a critical need to prioritise human rights in the global transition to clean energy. This article highlights that climate change is not only an environmental emergency but also a human rights crisis. The transition must be fair and equitable. Rose Mayembe, RSK Tanzania Senior Environmental Consultant, says the energy transition is urgent and non-negotiable, but it cannot be fast if it is not fair.

Orkney Community Wind Farm

Central Alliance conducted ground investigations for the Orkney Community Wind Farm on the remote island of Faray in Scotland. The investigation included dynamic sampling, rotary coring, trial pitting, in situ testing and groundwater monitoring. Despite access challenges and environmental constraints, the team successfully completed the fieldwork within a two-week period, aligning with tidal and wildlife breeding patterns.

Engineering resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure systems

RSK’s engineering and project delivery expertise ensures the delivery of infrastructure solutions that enhance resilience, prioritise environmental sustainability and support long-term economic and social growth. Our work spans transportation, utilities and the built environment, ensuring infrastructure adapts to climate challenges and advances the low-carbon transition.

Our expertise includes transport infrastructure development across highways, rail and aviation networks, integrating sustainable solutions such as advanced drainage systems, habitat restoration and carbon-efficient construction materials. We specialise in earthworks, road construction, substructures and sustainable drainage solutions to ensure infrastructure longevity and minimal environmental impact. We also provide temporary site services that support secure, efficient and sustainable operations for infrastructure projects. Our expertise encompasses temporary power, lighting, security and utilities, enabling low-impact construction with reduced energy consumption.

We deliver end-to-end railway engineering infrastructure solutions, including structural design, mechanical and electrical integration and electrification projects. Our sustainable rail construction methodologies minimise environmental disruption, enhance connectivity and support economic growth by ensuring efficient movement of goods and people while reducing the carbon footprint of transport networks.

Our infrastructure solutions also include bulk earthworks, soil stabilisation, crushing and quarrying services, enabling the efficient preparation and management of construction sites. We operate a modern fleet of heavy plant equipment and are committed to reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable land use. Our approach ensures that sites are prepared with minimal environmental impact and that construction activities are optimised for long-term sustainability.

Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant

The Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant in Hong Kong is a key initiative aimed at diversifying water resources to enhance long-term resilience against climate change and low rainfall. The project, led by Binnies, involved site levelling, design and construction supervision. The plant produces 135,000 m³ of fresh water per day, with plans for future expansion to 270,000 m³ per day.

Working on the largest infrastructure project in Europe

RSK has contributed its multidisciplinary expertise to HS2, the railway upgrade aiming to connect London to Birmingham, the East Midlands and Manchester, with services to the rest of North West and North East England and Scotland. Multiple RSK companies have contributed services, including environmental impact assessments, ground investigations and engineering. This has ensured the project’s compliance with regulatory standards and environmental goals.

Engineering a dynamic hard shoulder on the M6

CR Civil Engineering helped to construct new emergency refuge areas along one of the UK’s busiest motorways, the M6. The project included upgrades to the central reservation and drainage realignments. Despite challenges, such as working in a busy environment and collaborating with multiple contractors, the project was completed in time for the Commonwealth Games. CR Civil Engineering’s efforts earned it the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation West Midlands 2023 Collaboration Award.

Natural and built environment – restoring and enhancing landscapes

A strong foundation is essential for sustainable development. RSK’s geotechnical and land-based services provide detailed ground investigations, in situ testing and stabilisation solutions that ensure projects are built on secure, environmentally responsible foundations.

Climate-ready cities, sustainable landscapes and resilient infrastructure are engineered to support biodiversity and enhance community wellbeing. Through end-to-end land remediation, habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement, we ensure that sustainable land use strategies – including ecological engineering, regenerative design and adaptive land management – restore degraded landscapes and create functional, nature-positive spaces.

Our work in forestry, urban greening and landscape architecture integrates nature-based solutions into urban and rural environments. We implement rewilding initiatives, develop urban green spaces and deliver wetland restoration projects that enhance biodiversity while supporting flood mitigation and climate adaptation.

We deliver solutions that go beyond building. We engineer sustainable spaces that balance development with environmental responsibility. From designing low-carbon buildings and net zero communities to implementing circular economy principles in construction, we align projects with global climate and biodiversity targets.

Addressing environmental liabilities

RemedX managed a project addressing a site’s historical use as an oil distribution terminal before it could be redeveloped on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The project involved extensive excavation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, on-site material management and groundwater remediation. Despite challenges, such as the isolated location and stringent port authority requirements, RemedX successfully reduced disposal volumes by 35% through on-site segregation and screening.

Restoring saltmarsh habitats to prevent erosion

Salix implemented a strategy to restore saltmarsh habitats in Essex to combat erosion. The project drew on natural bioengineering techniques, including native plants and brushwood fascines, to retain sediment and encourage vegetation growth. This approach aimed to improve the site’s ecological status and provide sustainable erosion protection. The restoration efforts also included creating fish passes to maintain the habitat’s ecological value.

Sponge cities are the flood prevention action the UK needs now

The concept of ‘sponge cities’ could be the solution to increasing flood risks in the UK due to climate change. Sponge cities aim to manage urban water more effectively by integrating green spaces that absorb and slow down rainwater, reducing the impact of surface water flooding. This approach involves sustainable drainage systems and blue-green infrastructure to create resilient urban environments.

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