The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC), the trade association for the environmental technology and services sector, is working with EIC member Ramboll’s Environment & Health team to prepare a report on the extent to which new innovation will be needed to deliver the government’s flagship 25-year environment plan.

The 25-year environment plan was launched by the prime minister in January 2018. It sets out a "comprehensive and long-term approach to protecting and enhancing the natural environment in England for the next generation".

Commenting on the work, EIC executive director Matthew Farrow said: “The 25-year plan sets out a bold trajectory for the environment over a generation, with ambitious goals across water, air quality, soil and carbon and resources. Innovation by the UK’s environmental sector will be a key part of ensuring the plan can be delivered in a cost-effective manner. We are delighted to be working with Ramboll to conduct an ‘innovation audit’ of the plan, which will help identify which are the environmental challenges where the innovation and enterprise the environmental sector has are most needed.”

Chris Fry, director of infrastructure and regeneration at Ramboll, added: “It is great to be supporting EIC and its member organisations on this timely and important study. With the emergence of new technologies, digitally-enabled services and disruptive business models, we are keen to hear from a wide range of people with an interest in the environmental innovation landscape.”

The project will include both desk research and hearing the views of the environmental sector, through a combination of an online survey and focus groups on particular topics. Those interested in contributing to the project, can complete the online survey or get in touch with Emma Jones at Ramboll.