We worked with Islington Council to develop an initial model for channelling private and public sector green finance to fund urban tree-planting and pocket-park projects. We researched and quantified the different carbon, health, climate adaptation, economic, transport mode shift, air quality and ecosystem service benefits of planned projects. We used the latest green finance guidance to develop a viable early-stage market model based on these benefits tailored to urban environments, as well as a costed analysis of the resources required to convert urban land to greenspace.

WSP was commissioned by the Climate Finance Facility of C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, the global coalition of major city governments collaborating on climate action, to research and develop the latest trends and case studies for climate finance vehicles for global cities. Our work focused on social inclusion and equity, and green economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. We created a set of global case studies and useful report on the latest trends in global climate finance for cities, including the integration of new approaches to ensuring just and equitable outcomes from climate infrastructure projects.

We examined the potential to decarbonise the Southampton Water industrial cluster with a focus on hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies – and set out a phased plan to make it happen. Alongside our energy specialists, gas network operator, SGN, and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group asked us to explore this in a feasibility study for the Solent area around Southampton, which includes Fawley petrochemical facility and Marchwood Power Station. To help inform the economic outlook, our economics team undertook economic modelling to understand the project costs and economic benefit. This included calculating the Levelised Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) across four phases of the project up until 2050. This figure, which accounts for capital and operational cost, provides an understanding of the level of investment required. This work would enable local stakeholders to make a comparison with the costs of other decarbonisation pathways for the area.

On behalf of the Thames Estuary Growth Board and Port of London Authority we studied the commercial feasibility and impact on vehicle movements of moving light freight – parcels, food, beverages and retail goods – on the river. Our research suggested that river freight could be competitive if it handled just 3% of the 700 million parcels destined for London every year. These river journeys would replace those made by 3.5 tonne vans and similar vehicles. In London, as well as contributing to congestion, freight vehicles are estimated to account for 33% of NOx emissions, 29% of PM2.5 emissions and 23% of CO2 emissions. WSP’s proposed solution is to carry river freight on vessels powered by greener fuels and utilise electric cargo bikes for the final mile. As well as pointing the way forward for freight on the River Thames and highlights the opportunities for other cities to use underused waterways for low-carbon freight.

WSP’s economics team has supported Cornwall Council on submission of an outline business case for a comprehensive flood and coastal flood defence system (FDS) in the coastal town of Looe, south-east Cornwall. The economic study quantified the key characteristics and socio-economic profile of Looe, before examining the wider socio-economic benefits of securing the town’s long-term safety and security. This has entailed economic modelling and analysis into how an FDS would enable the town to regenerate and raise its socio-economic profile, with benefits to – among others – Looe’s employment and commercial base, visitor economy, and local population. Ultimately, the study highlights how an FDS would provide the basis for long-term, inclusive economic growth, enabling Looe’s economy to realise its full potential.

WSP’s economics team has undertaken a major socio-economic baseline study into four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the City of London. The influential study has helped shape the investment priorities of stakeholders over the coming years, ultimately ensuring that the four BIDs and their partnerships are able to compete effectively with other locations across London for high value-added investment. The assignment involved detailed demand and supply side economic modelling, socio-economic profiling, and a review of key macroeconomic trends which will shape the opportunities and challenges for each BID area. These trends included, among others, an assessment of both the economic and societal impact of Covid-19, the UK’s departure from the European Union, and the drive to a net zero economy.

This multidisciplinary assignment for the West Midlands Combined Authority provided a detailed strategy and road map for the region to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2041. The study involved assessing all net zero and low carbon initiatives across the regional economy and quantifying their contribution to carbon reduction, as well as economic transformation. We identified gaps in activity and delivery and designed new initiatives for implementation. A major strand of the work has involved assessing the industry, labour market and skills implications of the net zero strategy and re-shaping delivery of education, skills development and organisational capacities across the region’s communities, businesses and public agencies.

Alongside our partners PA Consulting, WSP has acted as a key advisor to the UK Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on the development and set-up of the UK freeports programme. Announced in early 2021, freeports seek to address embedded issues of sub-regional economic underperformance, while boosting the UK’s international trade and providing a platform for industrial innovation, especially in renewable and future energy systems. Our team has provided advice and analysis across a wide range of topics, including industry sector prioritisation, business case, economic impact assessment, implementing tax incentives and measuring tax benefits, as well as planning policy and complex site development. The work has required ongoing interaction with both national government and individual freeports.