Highways UK 2025: Celebrating Sustainable Infrastructure Excellence

The BRE team had a fantastic two days at Highways UK 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, where we had the privilege of presenting four BREEAM Infrastructure certificates to projects setting new standards for sustainability across the UK's infrastructure sector.

From the moment doors opened on Wednesday, our stand at J24 became a hub for conversations about integrated sustainability solutions. We showcased how BREEAM Infrastructure, SmartWaste and BRE Academy work together to help organisations excel by combining assessment, real-time data management and professional training into a complete pathway for sustainable infrastructure delivery.

Celebrating achievement

The highlight of our presence was undoubtedly the certificate presentations, recognising teams who have gone beyond minimum requirements to achieve distinctive sustainability performance.

On Wednesday 15 October, we celebrated the TRU Programme (Transpennine Route Upgrade). Doug Selmes presented six certificates marking Strategy Stage assessments across TRU East and West. This programme-wide achievement demonstrates Network Rail's systematic commitment to embedding sustainability from the earliest project phases. Congratulations to the teams at AECOM, Jacobs and Network Rail.

We also recognised Sheffield TCF1, where John Sisk & Son Ltd's urban regeneration project achieved a Very Good rating with an outstanding 99.7% waste diversion rate, proving that exemplary environmental performance and urban transformation go hand-in-hand.

On Thursday 16 October, Chipping WwTW was presented with its Very Good rating achieved by MWH Treatment's innovative approaches to construction sustainability. Our second presentation of the day went to the Worcester Southern Link Road Phase 4, which achieved an Excellent rating (75.3%) and revealed fascinating stories of English Civil War archaeology discovered during construction. Five certificates recognised the collaborative achievement of Worcestershire County Council, Alun Griffiths, Burroughs, COWI and TACP.

Engaging the next generation

Thursday proved particularly popular amongst colleges with students experiencing innovation in the sector first-hand. Stuart Blofeld and Phil Edwards spoke with students studying Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Digital Solutions and IT about the challenges and opportunities around measuring sustainability on projects, data management in construction, and how solutions such as BREEAM Infrastructure and SmartWaste are being embedded into site management processes.

Stuart Blofeld, Senior Lead Trainer, SmartSite

The students showed a really good understanding of sustainability and how important it will be whatever career path they choose. Our future is in good hands.
This engagement with emerging professionals reinforced a consistent theme throughout both days: the critical importance of upskilling and training. From diversity in leadership to attracting new talent, the sector recognises that sustainable infrastructure demands a skilled, diverse workforce equipped for tomorrow's challenges.

– Stuart Blofeld, Senior Lead Trainer, SmartSite

Innovation across the event

Beyond our stand, Highways UK 2025 showcased the cutting edge of infrastructure innovation—from muon detection technology for non-invasive bridge scanning to AI-driven flood alleviation solutions. The Sustainability Theatre, expertly guided by Steve Elderkin (Director of Environmental Sustainability, National Highways), featured compelling discussions on carbon management, nature-positive infrastructure, and the Highways Doughnut Toolkit.

Thank you

To everyone who visited Stand J24, engaged with our team, and shared their sustainability journeys—thank you. Special congratulations to all our certificate recipients. Your commitment to going beyond minimum standards drives real change across the infrastructure sector.

Interested in exploring how BREEAM Infrastructure can support your projects? Get in touch with our team to continue the conversation.