Green means go: Embedding sustainability into major projects right from the start

Major Projects Association

In this special edition of the Major Projects Association podcast, we're diving deep into the intersection of sustainability, planning, and major infrastructure projects. Our guest host for this episode is Janet Greenwood, Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure at KPMG and Chair of the Major Projects Association Sustainability Ambassador Network.

Janet is joined by two leading experts from the legal and planning world: Imogen Dewar, Senior Associate in the Planning and Environment team at Pinsent Masons, and Robbie Owen, Partner and Head of Infrastructure Planning and Government Affairs at Pinsent Masons.

Together, they explore the evolving landscape of planning and consents for major projects, the impact of new legislation and case law, and the critical importance of embedding sustainability from the very start of project development. From biodiversity net gain to the implications of the Finch case on environmental impact assessment, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of infrastructure planning, consenting and delivery in a changing world.

Resources mentioned in the podcast

No Planet B, so what can I do? Major Projects Sustainability Playbook

Related resources

Building Green Britain Highlights Report and Full Report

Major Projects Sustainability Playbook presentation

Janet Greenwood
Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure, KPMG

Janet Greenwood is KPMG’s Global Lead for Sustainable Infrastructure. In 2024 Janet won The Times Consultant of the Year and Management Consultancies Association Experienced Leader Award.

She is Chair of the Major Projects Associations Sustainability Ambassadors, a member of the Institution of Civil Engineer’s Inspiring Engineering Excellence Board and founder member of the Cambridge University Centre for Smart Infrastructure in Construction’s Carbon Code.

A Visiting Fellow at Southampton University Business School, a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and a Policy Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, she has extensive experience in delivering sustainability, social value and carbon priorities in major construction projects and supporting built environment clients to deliver their most challenging programmes. She has over 30 years’ experience in the built environment, having worked across sectors such as water, wastewater, flood defence and transport.

Connect with Janet on LinkedIn.

Robbie Owen
Partner and Parliamentary Agent, Head of Infrastructure Planning and Government Affairs, Pinsent Masons LLP

Robbie has over 35 years' experience of advising mainly transport and water undertakers and authorities on the planning and consenting of a wide variety of infrastructure projects in the UK, and on infrastructure public policy and parliamentary issues.

Robbie is widely regarded as one of the top infrastructure planning and policy lawyers in the UK market. He gives advice on a wide range of planning, highways, environmental and other aspects of public and administrative law.

Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn.

Imogen Dewar

Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons LLP