An Innovate UK-funded project has created a unique partnership between Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the body that regulates its business activity.
The result of their collaboration is a prototype geographic information system (GIS) tool. It allows a business or other organisation to calculate the value of changes in land use, especially where there might be risks to wildlife or the wider environment.
It combines publicly available environmental datasets with ecosystem service information and could be widely used by those undertaking environmental impact assessments.
The project, called VALUES, is a case of ‘regulator’ and ‘regulated’ working together constructively to solve a business problem: how to place a value on changes in land use.
George Cobb, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission’s group sustainability accountant, commented:
“Because of our regulatory relationship with SEPA, it’s inevitable that we sometimes find ourselves sitting on opposite sides of the table.”
“But we want to establish industry best practice, so we are keen to explore new ideas. For this 12-month project we were able to work together on something quite novel. We are now able to share that learning, not just between ourselves and SEPA but with others, such as the RSPB.”
“To generate revenue from it would be good. But for us it’s more about cost savings. That could also be translated into lower transmission costs for customers.”
The project attracted funding in a feasibility studies competition ‘Solving business problems with environmental data’ and was profiled at a Collaboration Nation event in London.
Terry A’Hearn, SEPA chief executive, said:
“The role of environment protection agencies is changing. We are no longer here simply to ensure compliance with regulations, but to work collaboratively with communities, businesses and other public bodies to make the most of the opportunities which top-class environmental practice brings.”
SEPA has also entered into a separate partnership with the University of Stirling to launch a new centre of excellence, the Centre for Sustainable Practice and Living.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.