Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering services, has appointed Andrew Johns as its Nature-based Solutions (NbS) lead for the UK and Ireland.
In his new role, Johns will support the growth of Stantec as a pioneer in NbS, bringing different sectors, clients, and colleagues together to share best practice and create solutions that are more integrated with the natural world.
Johns is a technical director, civil engineer, and project manager with 23 years’ experience working at the firm. From Stantec’s Taunton office, he has led the Company’s flood risk and sustainable drainage team in South West England while also being Stantec’s Nutrient Neutrality lead.
He has a broad skillset and has supported the design of river, tidal, coastal, land development, flood risk, drainage, and infrastructure schemes. Johns has also worked with communities on public consultation projects.
As Stantec’s UK&I Nature-based Solutions lead, Johns will aim to make NbS a go-to method for scheme design across multiple sectors, helping support environmental resilience throughout the built environment.
Andrew Johns commented on his appointment:
“As consultants working on the most transformative infrastructure schemes around the world during a climate crisis, we always need to be asking whether we can do things differently and more sustainably. We need to work with nature. We need to build better, using less carbon-intensive methods to create urban environments that support healthier ecosystems and have a net positive impact.
“I’m delighted I’m able to engage people across different sectors and disciplines at Stantec, bringing ideas and skills from around the world together. Whether you’re a specialist in civil engineering, water treatment, river restoration, ecology, or sustainability, we all have our part to play in this journey towards a low-carbon, nature-friendly future.”
Elaine Richmond, director of Environmental Consulting at Stantec added:
“We’re seeing a huge amount of interest in NbS from our wider client base following the success of our nature-positive projects like Clifton, Green Park, and Staplegrove. It’s a massive step change towards innovation.
“Clients in different areas of the built environment are quickly realising they can use nature to enhance their designs, prevent floods, improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and generate health and well-being outcomes. With more than 28,000 Stantec colleagues around the world and 3,000 in the UK and Ireland, Andrew will be sparking conversations and generating actionable ideas to support this vital growth area.”
