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Government accepts Commission’s recommendations for better resilience
The government has today (15 September 2021) published its formal response to the Commission’s 2020 study on resilience, Anticipate, react, recover – Resilient infrastructure systems. This study called for a new framework for resilience which anticipates future shocks and stresses; improves actions to resist, absorb and recover from them by testing for vulnerabilities; values resilience...
Hydrogen strategy “an important milestone” but clarity on costs needed soon
The Commission has welcomed today’s publication (17 August 2021) of the government’s UK hydrogen strategy and associated consultations, noting that the outcomes of the latter will need to address the challenges of reducing the cost of hydrogen production and ensuring a fair distribution of those costs. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission,...
Government responds to Commission’s study on future of freight
The government has today (4 August 2021) published its formal response to the Commission’s 2019 study, Better delivery: the challenge for freight. This study found that through the adoption of new technologies and the recognition of freight’s needs in the planning system, it is possible to decarbonise road and rail freight by 2050 and manage...
Government must get UK ahead of the game in crucial engineered removals sector
The UK government must commit to the wide-scale deployment of new greenhouse gas removal technologies by 2030 in order to meet its climate change obligations, according to a report by the National Infrastructure Commission. The report sets out how the engineered removal and storage of carbon dioxide offers the most realistic way to mitigate the final slice of emissions expected to remain by the 2040s from sources...
Climate resilience focus welcomed in proposed water strategic policy statement
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed aspects of the draft Strategic Policy Statement for Ofwat, published today (22 July 2021). The statement sets out the government’s strategic priorities and expectations for Ofwat’s regulation of the water sector in England. Giles Stevens, Director of Policy at the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “Strategic policy statements play an...
Commission responds to net zero transport plans
The government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan was published on 14 July 2021, with the initial announcement including confirmation that government will consult on a 2035 date for ending the sale of new diesel and petrol vans, and a 2040 date for ending the sale of new larger HGVs. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure...
What makes good design? Commission’s Principles help frame civil engineers’ approach
The National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Group has collaborated with the Institution of Civil Engineers on a major report examining the barriers to embedding good design at every stage of infrastructure projects. In September 2020, the ICE, in collaboration with the Commission’s Design Group, surveyed ICE members to establish how relevant they believed the Commission’s four...
New members to be appointed to Commission
A unique opportunity for leaders from across different fields to bring their experience to bear in helping to inform the Commission’s future work programme. A new recruitment process is underway to appoint up to three new members to the National Infrastructure Commission. The collective role of Commissioners is provide expert, impartial advice to the government...
Public engagement needed for water usage plans to work, says Commission
Today (1 July) government has published a Written Ministerial Statement on steps to reduce personal water consumption. It follows a public consultation on the subject held in 2019, and outlines measures government intends to take to encourage water efficient products and introduce a more consistent approach to leakage. In response, a spokesperson for the National...
Armitt heralds “important milestone” as new Infrastructure Bank opens
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed today’s official launch of the UK Infrastructure Bank, based in Leeds. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the Commission, said: “We welcome the official establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank. The Bank is set to become an important piece of the jigsaw for delivering the infrastructure needed to reach net zero...
Commission backs virtual pavilion at climate summit
The National Infrastructure Commission is supporting the creation of a Built Environment Virtual Pavilion at this November’s COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow. The pavilion – developed by the UK Green Building Council – will act as a smart virtual presence at the summit, providing a platform for a range of bodies involved in infrastructure and...
Welcome boost for electric vehicle charging infrastructure
The energy regulator Ofgem has today announced £300m of investment to ensure the UK has the energy infrastructure necessary to support the move to low carbon transport and heating while maintaining secure supplies. This includes new infrastructure to support 1,800 new ultra-rapid charging points at motorway service areas. In response, a National Infrastructure Commission spokesperson...
Look beyond short term projections to guide post-Covid infrastructure decisions, says Commission
Analysing a range of scenarios for how the use of public transport, broadband networks and utilities might change as a result of Covid-19 and regularly reviewing which trends seem to be playing out is the best way of avoiding policy paralysis in the face of huge uncertainties, according to the National Infrastructure Commission. Behaviour change could make a significant difference to infrastructure demand for some sectors, but public surveys and...
Commission welcomes UK Infrastructure Bank appointment
The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed the appointment of Chris Grigg CBE as Chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank, announced today by HM Treasury. Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, said: “I am pleased to congratulate Chris Grigg on his appointment as Chair of the UK Infrastructure Bank. “This is a key milestone...
Timeline for second National Infrastructure Assessment announced
The UK’s second National Infrastructure Assessment will be published in the second half of 2023 and consultation and analysis to inform its recommendations will commence this autumn, the National Infrastructure Commission has confirmed. The Commission’s Corporate Plan for the next three years, published today, sets out the process it will follow to develop a comprehensive...