By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater
Around half of construction professionals now use AI at work – and almost all of them say it’s been a force for good. New research from The Access Group shows that 52% of construction professionals surveyed use the technology, which saves them, on average, just under three hours a week.
The UK’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is buzzing with momentum, attracting an impressive £200 million in private investment daily since the current government took office last summer. This infusion of more than £8.3 million per hour is driving the government’s ambitious Plan for Change to strengthen the economy’s foundations and
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how
A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has expanded its relationship with the University of Nottingham as it looks to improve its operational and energy efficiency. Working with Schneider Electric, the top 20 UK university is adopting a digital-first, AI-powered approach to manage its
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable
By Robert Oates, CEO of leading UK ecology consultancy, Arbtech Having spent the last few weeks providing responses to the Government’s Planning Reform working paper ‘Development and Nature Recovery’ both in writing and in person at the House of Lords, one opportunity we keep pressing is the need for greater knowledge sharing and the exploitation of technology to drive decision quality. Any new measures to assist the process of simplifying the ecology workstream for developers to speed up housing delivery will depend heavily on the readiness of accurate data, and AI certainly has a part to play. Having worked with tens of thousands of developers around the UK for the past 20 years, we know that it’s not necessarily the requirement for ecological assessments that causes frustration, but rather the delays and uncertainty that often accompanies the processing of assessments once they have been submitted. In order for the right decisions to be made there has to be detailed baseline data across planning authorities so that the impacts of a particular development can be accurately assessed. Presently, Ministers are claiming that bats and newts are “blockers” to development, but there is a lack of clarity on where that information is coming from. In the last five years there have been almost 2,000,000 planning applications made. That is a colossal amount of data, all in the public domain, that is completely untapped. This data could be used to help drive up the quality of decision making and speed up policy reform. By having a model with all the data linked to particular planning applications, a ‘super baseline’ could be created to understand the matrix of species and habitats within each LPA, using the best available evidence. At Arbtech, we have existing proprietary data (taken from 12,000 planning applications in 2024 alone) that could be made available to speed up the creation of the new super-baseline understanding for decision makers; an essential pre-requisite for any change, let alone radical reforms. This is where AI will be a game changer. For example, it could be mandated that all ecology reports contain a strictly formatted summary appendix that a machine learning tool could easily exploit the constant stream of fresh data as it is generated by the sector. This would greatly assist data collection. In fact, at Arbtech we are developing an AI application to translate all our data into actional insights for the public and private sectors in the hope that this will speed up the planning process and avoid preventable outcomes such as the irreversible decline of habitats and species. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Around half of construction professionals now use AI at work – and almost all of them say it’s been a force for good. New research from The Access Group shows that 52% of construction professionals surveyed use the technology, which saves them, on average, just under three hours a week. Around 94% believe it has positively impacted their workplace, and 83% say it’s improved standards. The Access Group surveyed employees in 12 industries and professions – and found that half use AI today. Tech professionals are leading the way at 74%, then HR at 68%, while those in the not-for-profit, and health and social care sectors ranked lowest at 29% and 30% respectively. Construction sector employees cited reduced workloads as AI’s biggest benefit, followed by cost savings and improved productivity. Top five benefits of AI in construction: ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool, used by around 57% of respondents. Just over 65% also say generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, have helped to relieve stress or anxiety about their jobs. Alex Boury, General Manager at Access Construction, part of The Access Group, said: “Tools like ChatGPT can help speed up routine tasks like writing emails. But advanced tools, including construction-specific ERP systems, such as Access Coins, use AI and big-data processing to securely analyse huge amounts of data to help with cost forecasting, CVR and resource allocation. AI has the potential to be transformative to the sector, driving better decisions and providing insights to help companies build better across the sector.” However, the survey also uncovered a number of potentially worrying trends among construction professionals. Around 41% admit they often use AI to complete tasks they were meant to do themselves, and 38% say they use the technology to get ahead in a way they wouldn’t tell their boss about. Over two-fifths (43%) also have concerns about data security, and 30% highlighted confidentiality. Marko Perisic, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at The Access Group, said: “AI has taken off in a way that few people could have imagined – but left unchecked it can lead to some employees using it irresponsibly. Sometimes this is down to lack of training about the potential security risks but, according to our survey, a high proportion use it covertly to do their job for them, which is unfair on their colleagues and customers. “Construction teams need a vendor who offers the highest data protection standards. Our new AI experience, Access Evo, encourages employees to innovate, while giving them peace of mind that all information is stored in a secure and private environment and not used in other open source AI systems. Approved AI tools like these, underpinned by clear and regularly-updated policies and training, can help everyone to deliver a better standard of service, and get ahead in their careers without compromising company data.” The full research can be found here www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo/insights. For more information about Access Evo, The Access Group’s new AI solution for businesses, visit www.theaccessgroup.com/en-gb/evo Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector is buzzing with momentum, attracting an impressive £200 million in private investment daily since the current government took office last summer. This infusion of more than £8.3 million per hour is driving the government’s ambitious Plan for Change to strengthen the economy’s foundations and position the UK as a global AI powerhouse. In just 48 hours following the publication of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, the UK secured over £14 billion in investment and commitments for thousands of new jobs. This surge follows £25 billion in data centre investments unveiled at the Global Investment Summit earlier this year, pushing total AI-related investments to £39 billion over six months. Building the UK’s AI Future Global companies are flocking to support the UK’s AI vision. CoreWeave, a US-based cloud computing firm, is establishing its first UK data centres in Crawley and London Docklands. Using cutting-edge NVIDIA technology, CoreWeave is enhancing Britain’s compute capacity—an essential component of the government’s AI strategy. The company’s £1.75 billion investment will also include its European headquarters in London. Homegrown success stories are riding the wave too. London-based Synthesia, a leader in AI-generated video content, recently reached a valuation of $2.1 billion after a successful funding round. This new investment will support its ambitious expansion, solidifying its status as one of the UK’s top AI firms. A New Hub for Innovation To foster collaboration and innovation, Tech Nation, Merantix, and Onfido Founder Husayn Kassai are launching a dedicated AI Hub in London’s Farringdon. Opening next month, the hub will serve as a central meeting point for AI innovators, offering opportunities for partnerships and advancements in the field. Infrastructure Investment Boom The government’s focus on AI-friendly infrastructure has attracted commitments from major players: Boosting Jobs and Opportunities Global firms are doubling down on their UK presence. French AI leader Mistral has announced its first office outside France, located in London, with plans to double its UK workforce by 2025. Meanwhile, Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure provider, is creating 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool as part of a new tech hub initiative. A Unified Vision for Growth Prime Minister and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle have committed to harnessing AI to drive economic growth and improve living standards. The AI Opportunities Action Plan, authored by AI entrepreneur Matt Clifford, includes 50 strategic initiatives aimed at making the UK the top global destination for AI firms. “This week marks a new chapter—putting AI at the heart of our economic transformation,” said Peter Kyle. “With more than £14 billion in fresh investment and thousands of new jobs, it’s clear that the UK is becoming a magnet for AI innovation and growth.” The UK’s AI journey is just beginning, and with a laser focus on attracting investment, scaling businesses, and spreading opportunities across the nation, the future of AI in Britain looks brighter than ever. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The UK construction sector is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a specialised AI training programme. The AI Construction Training (ACT) modules offer free live sessions designed to equip professionals with the skills necessary to lead AI-driven initiatives, bridging the gap between technological innovation and practical application within the industry. The modules form part of the Innovate UK BridgeAI ‘AI in construction: Skills for the future’ Programme, which is being developed and implemented by Trilateral Research. The Importance of AI in Construction Facing challenges such as labour shortages, increasing project complexities, and sustainability demands, the construction industry can significantly benefit from artificial intelligence (AI). AI enhances efficiency, predicts risks, and supports sustainable practices, transforming how construction projects are designed and executed. This programme ensures SME managers are equipped to adopt AI effectively, enabling them to drive innovation and improve their organisations’ competitiveness. About the Training Modules ACT comprises four comprehensive modules, each addressing a key aspect of AI adoption and implementation in construction: Data and AI: Understanding the fundamentals | Attendees will gain a strong foundation in AI and data, exploring their transformative potential and relevance to the construction industry. AI business cases: Securing buy-in | Attendees will learn how to build compelling business cases for AI adoption, convincing stakeholders of its value and aligning with organisational goals. AI project management: Ensuring success | Attendees will discover strategies to manage AI projects effectively, from planning to execution, ensuring they deliver measurable results. Responsible AI: Establishing standards | Attendees will develop an understanding of the ethical and regulatory considerations for AI, establishing robust governance frameworks to ensure responsible implementation. Programme Highlights Expert Endorsements “These modules are a timely and essential resource for SME managers looking to embrace the future of construction,” said Sara El-Hanfy, Head of AI & Machine Learning, Innovate UK. “By offering practical tools and knowledge, we aim to empower construction professionals to drive meaningful change through AI.” Launch Details The first cohort of ACT will run throughout February and March 2025, with registrations now open. The fully online format ensures accessibility for professionals across the UK, allowing participants to enhance their skills without disrupting their work commitments. How to Register Spaces are limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience. For more information and to secure your place, visit https://aiconstructiontraining.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Competition fosters innovation in AI and technology development to solve common pain points and drive the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry forward Trimble® (Nasdaq: TRMB) announced the winners of the SketchUp® 0-60 Challenge, an initiative created by Trimble SketchUp and Trimble Ventures to foster innovation and discover the next big idea that will transform how architects, designers and project managers work. The 0-60 Challenge invited entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and developers to leverage SketchUp to develop transformative technology solutions that solve common industry pain points. Nine finalists selected from over 100 applicants were given an opportunity to collaborate with leading subject matter experts, innovators and technologists from within the global Trimble network to transform their ideas into reality. After a three-month development process, the finalists demoed their solutions for a live audience at 3D Basecamp at Dimensions, Trimble’s annual user conference. To learn more, visit: https://3dbasecamp.sketchup.com/en/SketchUp-0-60-Challenge-2024. “The ideas and solutions that came to light through the SketchUp 0-60 Challenge are nothing short of transformative,” said Christopher Cronin, VP & GM, architecture, design and education at Trimble SketchUp. “We created the challenge to stimulate creative problem solving, encourage collaboration and connection, and help turn ideas into solutions that will have a real-world impact on AEC workflows. Together with a talented third-party developer community, we are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and seeing how the integration of AI unlocks new levels of efficiency, interoperability and creative exploration for the SketchUp community.” The SketchUp 0-60 Challenge Winners are: First Place: ScaffPlan developed an extension that allows temporary works companies — builders of temporary structures required to enable the safe, efficient and permanent construction of a project — to create detailed drawings and documentation for scaffolding, formwork, propping and shoring projects in SketchUp. The solution solves the complex challenges temporary works companies face by optimizing material utilization and enabling precise delivery scheduling to reduce waste and delays. It also facilitates accurate on-site installation, compliance with stringent legal requirements, and thorough identification and mitigation of safety hazards. Second Place: To streamline the design to construction documentation workflow between SketchUp and Revit®, Skema‘s new integration addresses the need for greater interoperability between both solutions. The integration provides designers, developers, builders and owners a seamless way to leverage SketchUp’s early design capabilities to develop Building Information Models (BIM) more quickly for project delivery. This process reduces data loss and minimizes the need to re-model, allowing users to work more efficiently and confidently. Third Place: A plug-in from Spacely AI accelerates the process of creating high-quality renders of interiors by auto-populating 3D spaces with the appropriate entourage. The solution accelerates the time-consuming process of populating and rendering stylized 3D spaces, allowing interior designers to win more business, reduce costs and explore creativity. Amazon Web Services “Scaled Thought” Award: Extracting precise data from designs and manually labeling components is tedious and error-prone, often leading to incomplete or inaccurate data. Scene Intelligence, a SketchUp plugin created by Loci, uses state-of-the-art AI models to classify components in SketchUp to IFC 4 standard at the click of a button. Scene Intelligence makes it easy to filter and view critical elements such as furniture and structural components, and generate an accurate bill of materials in minutes, not hours. Judges selected the winners based on three product categories and against six different criteria to measure the efficacy of the proposals. First, second and third place winners received cash prizes and Loci will receive technical expertise in three complimentary workshops led by Solution Architects at Amazon Web Services. The innovation doesn’t end here — expect more from Trimble & SketchUp’s ongoing collaborations with the winners. All features are available to download and try on the SketchUp Extension Warehouse today. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A pioneering PropTech startup aiming to address the UK’s housing crisis with an innovative AI-tool integrating Bluesky International’s high resolution aerial imagery, eyes significant growth with a rebrand and funding stream announced. Viability, formerly known as Hesti, launches at a critical time of rapid expansion for the UK’s house building industry with the new Government’s recent announcement committing to the creation of 370,000 new homes each year. With a successful funding campaign now secured, Viability is looking to continue the rollout of its AI-platform which leverages cutting-edge technology, accurate property data and Bluesky’s geospatial data to deliver a SaaS platform, particularly aimed at SME home developers. To ensure quality and accuracy for their customers, Viability has turned to Bluesky for the supply of aerial imagery to be streamed via the platform. Henry Mayell, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer at Viability said: “We initially applied satellite imagery to the platform but quickly found that the quality wasn’t sufficient for our customer requirements. As a result of the feedback, we started testing aerial imagery from Bluesky which offered significant improvements in terms of image resolution and accuracy. “Our platform enables developers to assess a site’s potential, understand what constraints there could be, in order to build a picture of risk and run financial analysis. With significant investment at stake it is important they can make decisions based on accurate data.” Ralph Coleman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bluesky added: “Our aerial imagery offers the detail needed for developers to begin plotting optimal scheme designs for potential sites. We are supplying Viability with the imagery via our GeoStream service which launched last year. GeoStream is our new data-as-a-service offering which enables customers who need data from us on a regular basis to access it quickly and easily via an API.” Henry commented: “We are very impressed with the GeoStream service and, from a user perspective, it has proved simple to implement into our platform. It also allows us to clearly overlay Ordnance Survey and Land Registry data over aerial imagery.” The viability of potential sites is a key restricting factor to the housing industry meeting development targets. Regulations are increasing and becoming more complex so a full picture of a proposed site is essential. Viability has also incorporated Biodiversity Net Gain assessments into their platform. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Q-Bot’s floor insulation technology, installed by robots and using AI, will improve the energy efficiency and housing quality of 100,000 homes in the West of England Q-Bot is pleased to announce that it is now a Retrofit West Trusted Professional, joining a directory of high-quality retrofit service providers. This significant achievement underscores the company’s dedication to excellence in the retrofit industry, ensuring homeowners receive the best possible home retrofit experience. Retrofit West, funded by the West of England Combined Authority, is committed to connecting homeowners in the region with professionals who uphold the highest standards of skill, service, and product quality. As part of this trusted network, Q-Bot combines robotics and AI to install underfloor insulation with minimal disruption, while reducing energy bills. For many homes with suspended timber floors, there is no other practical solution to reduce heat loss, improve comfort, and tackle damp and mould risk. Q-Bot’s insulation also improves the efficiency of heat pumps. Q-Bot is improving over 100 British homes every month, making them warmer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient. “Our inclusion in the Retrofit West Trusted Professionals directory is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a superior level of floor insulation,” said Leigh Fairbrother, Q-bot’s Head of Commercial. “We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of workmanship and expertise, ensuring our clients – private homeowners, social housing landlords and private landlords – benefit from a reliable and effective retrofit solution.” Funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Retrofit West evaluates professionals on various criteria, including quality assurance, customer satisfaction, environmental responsibility, and ethical practices. By meeting these standards, Q-Bot demonstrates Retrofit’s West commitment to excellence and its dedication to enhancing the sustainability and energy efficiency of homes across the region. Head of Technical Services, George Pearson said “We are thrilled to have Q-Bot onboard. Underfloor insulation can be a disruptive and difficult measure to install but is one that significantly improves the comfort and energy efficiency of a home. Q-bot’s innovative approach is a great solution for homeowners.” “Homeowners looking for trusted retrofit services can now find us in the Retrofit West directory,” added Leigh Fairbrother. “We encourage anyone planning a retrofit project to explore our profile and see how we can help achieve their goals.” To learn more about our floor insulation technology and how we can assist with your retrofit project, visit our website www.q-bot.co Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has expanded its relationship with the University of Nottingham as it looks to improve its operational and energy efficiency. Working with Schneider Electric, the top 20 UK university is adopting a digital-first, AI-powered approach to manage its buildings estate, the fifth largest in the UK’s higher education sector. Schneider Electric has deployed its state-of-the-art Connected Services Hub (CSH) to provide 24/7 remote monitoring of the electrical equipment installed onsite. The CSH uses AI-powered digital analytics to deliver real-time, comprehensive insights into estate operations, ensuring preventative or remedial action is acted upon quickly. It does this by directly integrating urgent actions into the onsite engineers’ work schedules. It also identifies energy conservation measures, producing regular reports that offer guidance to the university’s in-house estates team on how to optimise their time and resources more effectively. In addition, Schneider Electric also provides a team of experienced engineers onsite, delivering preventative and condition-based fault remediation, and support and training for the university’s estates team to boost their skills. “Our challenge is how to optimise our building systems to minimise energy consumption and improve operations given we have a very small team responsible for a large physical estate. Embracing digital technology is helping us work towards our goals. Leveraging AI for analysis is like having thousands of eyes scrutinising the estate, significantly boosting what my team and I can deliver,” said Gavin Scott, Head of Sustainability at University of Nottingham. “Over the years, our relationship with Schneider Electric has evolved into a true partnership. The team at Schneider Electric know our campus inside out and access to its expertise and experience has been invaluable on our journey towards improved,” he added. “The University of Nottingham is a prime example of an institution striving to improve and create a more sustainable campus for students and staff,” said Kas Mohammad Schneider Electric’s VP, Digital Energy for the UK & Ireland. “It is using state-of-the-art technology and expert services to boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in its bid to hit its decarbonisation targets.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform the landscape of facilities management (FM), according to global real estate advisor, CBRE. Early adopters of this evolving technology can expect to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs and improve the overall occupant experience. In its AI series, CBRE uncovers the ways facilities managers can use AI to streamline processes and ultimately deliver greater value to clients and occupants. One key use of the technology is data analysis. AI can streamline workflows and reduce errors, leading to higher quality outcomes and better overall performance. Machine learning AI algorithms can analyse and interpret vast amounts of data quickly, providing valuable insights that can help in decision-making and strategic planning for FM. By linking datasets from many different sources, such as asset optimisation, risk and energy performance, AI gives a simultaneous and holistic view of a building or estate’s performance. Looking at many datasets at the same time, rather than viewing them in silos, enables facilities managers to improve service across a range of indicators – such as optimising performance, reducing cost or reducing carbon emissions. This 360-degree estate analysis enables facilities managers to work more collaboratively with their clients and colleagues to deliver an enhanced service. In addition, AI has the power to significantly transform the workload of facilities managers by undertaking repetitive tasks, like reviewing occupancy data for workplace comfort and adjusting building maintenance systems. Taking advantage of administrative efficiencies could speed-up many processes and deliver faster resolutions for clients. This also allows employees more time to focus on more complex, creative, and business-critical tasks – thereby enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity. With net zero deadlines approaching, there is increased focus on what AI and emerging technologies can do to accelerate progress. Smart systems that use AI can study patterns in a building’s energy usage and suggest tactics for decreasing consumption. By optimising lighting schedules, heating, ventilation and air conditioning according to occupancy and other external factors, machine learning algorithms can result in substantial energy savings. Jennet Siebrits, Head of UK Research at CBRE, said: “AI is at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in sustainability and data. By integrating new technologies into operations, facilities managers can adapt to changing market trends and offer more innovative solutions to their clients. Those who can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, while managing the ongoing risks, will be able to most significantly capitalise on the benefits of AI.” Ben Taylor, Global Digital & Technology Lead at CBRE GWS Local, added: “It is not often that a technology arrives with such transformative potential. At CBRE we are committed to utilising AI in facilities management for the benefit of our clients, teams and our stakeholders. We will ensure that every space we manage is smarter, more sustainable, and tailored to the evolving needs of the people who use them.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, in partnership with WSP, has been granted funding by Northumbrian Water to develop a new AI-powered platform designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data, thereby reducing delivery times for the company’s capital projects during asset management period 8 (AMP8). The funding will enable Costain and WSP to develop a proof-of-concept for WISDOM – Wastewater Insights for Standardisation, Delivery, Operation and Maintenance – a platform that uses generative AI technology to capture, standardise and analyse large volumes of data from a variety of sources, providing a comprehensive intelligent database of operational assets. With AMP8 investment programmes likely to see a doubling of investment from the previous cycle, and a corresponding increase in asset interventions, capital delivery and operational teams need to manage and evaluate larger, more complex sets of data for compliance purposes. The WISDOM AI platform would seek to optimise, combine and process huge datasets, providing richer insight into operational performance for capital delivery teams working on AMP8 projects. The expectation is that the platform will reduce the need for wastewater works managers to repeatedly provide and analyse operational data for delivery teams, thereby reducing time spent on data entry which can be up to 45% of their working week. This will in turn improve overall delivery times and potentially save more than £10m for Northumbrian Water over the course of the AMP8 lifecycle. The idea was developed during Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival, where Costain and WSP were challenged with the task of revolutionising the designing and building of wastewater assets during the AMP8 investment cycle. Costain and WSP will deliver strategic infrastructure upgrades for the water company’s AMP8 investment programme. Gavin Stonard, framework director at Costain, commented: “Capital delivery programmes in AMP8 – which will see a doubling of investment on wastewater assets compared with AMP7 – will require enormous volumes of data to be gathered and analysed for design, operational and compliance purposes. This will be a considerable challenge and will not be accomplished using existing techniques. “Working closely with WSP and Northumbrian Water and using cutting-edge generative AI technology, we will provide teams with the information they need quickly and efficiently. This will be a first-of-a-kind solution for the water sector, and one that could have significant benefits in improving productivity, reducing delivery times and creating better outcomes for Northumbrian Water customers. “It’s hugely exciting to be taking this idea to proof-of-concept stage. Being at the forefront of innovation is a testament to the enterprising culture that Northumbrian Water has fostered with its suppliers.” Michelle Johnson, technical director, WSP, commented: “We quickly recognised the challenge facing Northumbrian Water and that solving it required new and radical thinking. The Innovation Festival allowed us to stretch the boundaries and consider the adoption of new technologies, such as generative AI, and apply them to a capital delivery setting. We’re looking forward to taking WISDOM to the next level with the hope that, if successful, we can roll it out and make important savings throughout AMP8.” Richard Seales, head of engineering, Northumbrian Water, commented: “Coming up with fresh ways of thinking about the delivery of new and upgraded wastewater assets is not easy, but Costain and WSP have more than risen to the challenge, and their energy and enthusiasm has been plain to see. This was one of the standout ideas from our Innovation Festival and we’re excited to see how its application could solve a big challenge facing the whole of the water sector.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
