Projects working towards net zero and protecting biodiversity were also recognised at the region’s annual awards.
A flood defence project in Matlock has been recognised by judges at the ICE East Midlands Merit Awards (EMMAs) in the sustainability category.
The Sustainability Award is presented to projects that showcase that they comply with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is awarded at the judge’s discretion.
The Matlock Flood Wall project returned flood protection to the community following the emergency response to Storm Eunice, achieving structural stability in the wall.
The Merit was presented to Jackson Civil Engineering, Environment Agency, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council for their Matlock Flood Wall project.
The project also received a Merit in the Large Project and Team Achievement category.
The partnership focused on the protection of Matlock, aligning with UN SDGs 9 and 11, by providing safe and resilient infrastructure.
This project also demonstrated a significant effort to support net zero goals from all partners involved, overall aligning with ICE President Prof Anusha Shah’s theme of nature- and people-positive solutions.
Held in Nottingham, the EMMAs were presented by Prof Shah, regional chair James Kirkham and guest speaker Benedict Allen.
Sustainability in focus
Another two projects were highly commended by the judges in the Sustainability category for their work improving wildlife habitats and upgrading infrastructure.
The first was the Colwick (Holme Sluices) Fish Pass project in Nottingham, the largest in the UK, delivered by Jackson Civil Engineering for the Environment Agency.
The judges applauded the project which aims to open fish migration throughout the Midlands water network and improve the biodiversity of the River Trent.
The construction will help create a healthy watercourse, allowing migratory fish to access 60km of spawning grounds, provide better wildlife habitats and improve the ecological and social benefits of the area.
The judges felt that the project highlights how civil engineering can deliver sustainable resilient solutions that create a positive benefit for the environment by putting nature first in their decision making.
Infrastructure upgrade project recognised by judges
The second project commended in this category was the High Voltage Infrastructure Upgrade at East Midlands Airport.
This Whitehouse Construction, Manchester Airports Group and Jacobs’ project aligned with the UN SDGs by cutting down its carbon emissions.
The team reduced the carbon footprint by an incredible 75%, using direct drilling methods rather than traditional open-cut trenches.
Historic bridge reconstruction takes home Medium Project Award
The Medium Project Merit Award went to J Murphy & Sons, Network Rail and Arcadis for the Buxton Road Bridge Reconstruction, Whaley Bridge.
Originally built in 1863, the bridge’s life had expired. The team’s innovative design enabled a safe and successful transformation of this historic and locally important structure.
The Colwick (Holme Sluices) Fish Pass project was also highly commended in this category.
Derwent Scour Hole wins Small Project Award
The Small Project Merit went to Binnies UK, Severn Trent Water, Coffey Group and Nicholas O’Dwyer for their project entry, Derwent Scour Hole.
A 210m³ scour hole formed at the inlet of the Ashop intake and if left, it would have caused critical impact on Derwent Reservoir.
The judges were impressed that the teams demonstrated a strong safety culture and delivered an excellent outcome in a very challenging location.
The Small Project category is awarded to projects with a value of up to £2 million.
Highly commended
The Bentley Brook Emergency Response in Matlock, entered by Jackson Civil Engineering, Environment Agency, Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council, was highly commended in the same category.
Despite being an emergency response, the team were prepared to stop, think, and reassess in the situation to ensure safety and environmental protection were maintained.
Also commended by the judges were:
- Dolphin Lane Public Realm Scheme, Boston submitted by Lincolnshire County Council and Balfour Beatty Living Places
- High Voltage Infrastructure Upgrade at East Midlands Airport submitted by Whitehouse Construction, Manchester Airports Group and Jacobs
People Awards
The People Awards celebrate individual engineers who have made an outstanding contribution in the East Midlands region.
Civil Engineering Achiever of the Year Award
The Civil Engineering Achiever of the Year Award winner (less than 10-years industry experience) was given to Jack Foster, a site manager at Taylor Woodrow.
Foster has contributed beyond his normal duties working on numerous public realm schemes by leading teams and being a role model to younger trainees and apprentices. He has been described as an excellent team player.
The Civil Engineering Achiever of the Year Award winner (over 10-years industry experience) went to Ian Bamforth, technical director at AECOM.
Bamforth has been instrumental in the delivery of strategic nationally important highway projects, including the A5-M1 Link, smart motorways M6 J10-J13 and M3 J2-4a.
He has also attended public inquiry and development consent orders (DCO) examinations to provide technical support and leadership, an area in which they are recognised as an expert.
STEM Ambassador of the Year
Hayley Jackson was named as the region’s STEM Ambassador of the Year.
Jackson has represented the ICE at the regional and national Big Bang Fairs and continues to show commitment to promoting and educating young people about the sector.
The ICE East Midlands Merit Awards were sponsored by Waterman Aspen (headline), Winvic and Socotec (Small Project and Large Project).
