Haskoning has been appointed as a lead contractor on the Environmental Science Research, Development and Evidence (ES RDE) Framework created by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The company will support the UK government with flood and water research and development as part of the programme.
The ES RDE Framework has been established to deliver scientific research, monitoring and evidence generation across environmental policy areas including food, farming, air quality, water, biodiversity and waste. The framework comprises ten lots and represents a potential investment of more than £192 million over an eight-year period.
Under the framework, Haskoning will act as lead contractor for Lot 5.2, undertaking research and development activities related to water quality, water resources, coastal erosion risk management and drinking water quality. The company has also been appointed as a sub-contractor for Lot 5.1, which focuses on evidence reviews in the same technical areas.
The appointment builds on Haskoning’s previous work for Defra, including its involvement in the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme and ongoing work on historical coastal landfills. The company has also led flood defence asset management research and development and shoreline management planning for the Environment Agency.
Delivery of the work under the ES RDE Framework will be led by Professor Natasha Barlow, Technical Director for Coastal Resilience at Haskoning. Commenting on the appointment, she said: “This framework demonstrates Defra’s determination and commitment to climate resilience.”
Project delivery will involve collaboration with a group of specialist small and medium-sized enterprises alongside Haskoning’s in-house water and climate resilience teams. The company achieved a score of 100% in the social value section of the framework tender assessment, which considered factors including economic inequality, climate change, equal opportunities and wellbeing.
