Natural Assets Initiative (NAI)’s Post

🌟 Exciting News from NAMS Canada🌟 Announcing: Subsidized AM Training Programs for 2025-2026! Register now at: https://lnkd.in/gqX3G2Db We’re thrilled to announce new subsidized training opportunities in collaboration with ClimateWest and Natural Assets Initiative (NAI). Classes begin Spring 2025 with training focused on the integration of climate adaptation, natural assets, and equity into asset management. These courses are being offered at a subsidized rate for qualified individuals; registration is now open for the Expanded ProCert in Asset Management Planning course. For more information and a list of courses visit: https://lnkd.in/gj-FnzrC 📚 Who Should Attend? Municipal staff First Nations representatives Community planners Indigenous organizations Municipalities seeking to align with funding criteria 🌍 Why Add Climate to Asset Management? "Considering our changed and changing climate when developing asset management plans is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience." — Kerra Chomlak, Executive Director, ClimateWest Spaces are limited. Let’s shape a more sustainable, resilient future together! 🌱 #AssetManagement #SustainableCities #NAMSCanada #Infrastructure #Sustainability #HereToHelp #NotForProfit Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Alberta Municipalities | Strength in Members Asset Management Saskatchewan Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities Nunavut Housing Corporation Association of Yukon Communities

🎉 We are excited to be teaming up with NAMS Canada to offer subsidized asset management training opportunities. Registration is now open! These courses help municipalities consider climate when developing their asset management plans. By integrating climate projections and potential impacts into our planning processes, we can better anticipate challenges, allocate resources effectively, and protect essential infrastructure and services from the increasing risks posed by a changing climate. For more details and to register, read below or visit https://lnkd.in/gj-FnzrC #ClimateResilience #AssetManagement #Infrastructure 

Becoming Purpose-Driven - The Water Sector Multi-Capitals Network The shift from profit-driven to purpose-driven decision making is becoming ever more important and urgent. Please do not take my word for it - do an internet search for 'World Economic Forum - It's time to redefine the purpose of business'. The UK Water Sector Multi-Capitals Network is working on this by promoting a multi-capitals approach to achieve sustainable outcomes across the sector. The Water Sector Multi-capitals Network (WSMcN) is open to members from, or with an interest in the water sector. There is no membership fee. Water Industry Forum (a subsidiary of British Water) currently provides secretariat support. We would like to invite people from: •          Water companies •          Regulators •          Consultants •          Contractors •          Specialists and suppliers •          NGOs •          Wider Finance community Contact us at multicapitalsapproach@waterindustryforum.com The following is taken directly from the WSMcN website: •          Objectives and targets  The objectives and targets for multi-capitals network are set out below and involve the active participation of the Steering Group and the Task Groups. •          Promote understanding of relevance and objectives of a multi-capitals approach  Through this objective we seek to continue to promote a multi-capitals approach within the water sector and wider stakeholders. We aim to ensure that organisations from across the sector understand how a multi-capitals approach relates to them and can use it to drive value-based decision making. •          Agree a common framework As a network we will build on the UKWIR Future Asset Planning project, and leading work by different water sector organisations and best practise outside of the water sector, to work towards a common application of a multi-capital approach in the UK water sector. We will do this by agreeing priority metrics that can form a clear line of sight golden thread from strategic purpose and direction through to investment planning. •          Working within regulatory frameworks  As part of this network’s activities, we will engage with regulators to work towards recognition of a multi-capitals approach as a way of demonstrating and maximising public value within the water sector and to support alignment and exploration with other organisations and sectors to achieve further benefits. #purpose, #purposedrive, #multicapitals, #4capitals, #5capitals, #6capitals, #sustainability, #sustainabledevelopment, #watersector, #ukwir, #britishwater

ESG Course coming up Details 👇 below

Last year, the water sector in England and Wales delivered the most capital investment ever in a single year. Based on new figures from the economic regulator Ofwat, water companies in England and Wales delivered £9.2bn of capital investment in 2023-24. This is up nearly a fifth (18.8%) on the previous year, and more than double the annual levels in the years immediately before the sector was privatised in 1989. These levels of investment have been made possible by the funding model that we have in the water sector in England and Wales, which avoids customers having to either wait for, or not receive, these levels of investment. This is because the water sector in England and Wales has a model that can best be described as ‘build now, pay later’. This means that once they get approval from regulators, water companies can get on and invest in building and upgrading infrastructure, like our sewers and pipes, and installing new cutting-edge technology that will help to deliver environmental improvements. While the water sector has delivered substantial levels of private investment since 1989, even more is needed to meet the challenges and pressures created by climate change, population growth and environmental standards demanded by customers.

UK and Welsh governments announce plans for major reforms in the water sector The UK and Welsh governments are set to implement significant legal changes in the water sector aimed at driving necessary investment and holding industry executives accountable. This move is complemented by the launch of an Independent Commission into the water sector, marking what is being touted as the most comprehensive review since the sector’s privatisation. According to the government, the new Commission represents a crucial step in reinforcing the regulatory mechanisms governing water services to ensure they attract necessary investments. These investments are pivotal for the clean-up of waterways, expedited infrastructure improvements and the restoration of public trust in the sector. The announcement follows closely on the heels of the International Investment Summit, where the prime minister emphasised the essential role of regulation in fostering growth and investment across the UK. The Commission will deliver its recommendations next year, addressing ingrained issues within the water sector. By focusing on restoring aquatic ecosystems and supporting economic growth, the government said the upcoming proposals will lay the groundwork for further legislation aimed at securing long-term investments and enhancing water resource management – critical goals given the nation’s projected need for an additional 5bn litres of water daily by 2050. The Commission’s recommendations will be submitted to the relevant government officials, setting the stage for subsequent policy actions. The objectives include setting clear environmental and economic goals, streamlining regulation, and enhancing consumer protection. Furthermore, it aims to provide a stable regulatory framework that attracts investment and fosters resilient infrastructure. Sir Jon Cunliffe, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, will chair the Commission. The government said his extensive expertise in economics and regulation underscores its commitment to serious reform. ➡ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d227J4ut 🔗 ⬅ Full Article includes comments from: Rt Hon Steve Reed OBE MP- Secretary of state for the environment Huw Irranca-Davies- Welsh deputy first minister Jon Phillips- Global Infrastructure Investor Association- chief executive Gail Davies-Walsh- Afonydd Cymru CEO Richard Benwell- Wildlife and Countryside Link CEO Jamie Cook- Angling Trust CEO Mark Lloyd- The Rivers Trust CEO Nicci Russell (she/her) Hon FCIWEM FIWater- Waterwise CEO Joan Edwards OBE- The Wildlife Trusts director of policy and public affairs

Scottish Water announce £5bn-£9bn transformative investment plan... Scottish Water has launched its largest procurement initiative, Delivery Vehicle 4 (DV4), a transformative programme to enhance Scotland’s water and wastewater infrastructure. With a value of £5bn-£9bn, DV4 covers 2027-2033, with a potential six-year extension. This advanced partnering model emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, replacing the 12-year-old DV1 framework. DV4 will oversee complex asset investments and high-value construction projects, contributing to financial sustainability, service excellence, and net-zero goals. The programme is expected to support 4000 jobs and create 1500 opportunities for young people, fostering economic growth and delivering social value. SMEs and micro-specialists will benefit through regional frameworks and collaborative networks, driving local engagement. The initiative aligns with Scottish Water’s commitment to efficiency and environmental stewardship, bringing significant benefits to communities and the economy. A market engagement day has already drawn substantial interest, signaling robust industry enthusiasm for this landmark endeavor. #water #infrastructure #sustainability #investment #DV4 #Scotland

Earlier today, together with Chief Executive Chris McLay and Councillor Warren Maher (Chair of the Strategy and Policy Committee), I spoke to Waikato Regional Council's submission on the Fast Track Approval Bill, being heard by the Environment Select Committee. Many people speaking to the select committee serve communities to improve their quality of life, to support regional economies, and to ensure the longevity of the environment that we all enjoy. To do this effectively we need an understandable, implementable and defensible statutory framework. WRC supports the intention to provide a simplified consenting pathway for significant projects, and I acknowledge the economic productivity outcomes being sought by the Bill. We want the Waikato to continue its significant contribution to the country, but we are mindful that this must occur within a frame of responsible environmental management. In essence we support a fast-track process which ensures the right projects are enabled in the right places and in a manner that does not create unintended consequences or legacy impact for our ratepayers, communities and our environment. Our submission provides recommendations to improve workability, clarity and certainty for those using and providing input to the fast-track approvals process. Here are some of our recommendations: 🔹 Cost-recovery provisions need to be extended to include all reasonable costs incurred by councils in participating in fast-track processes. As stewards of ratepayer investment our council is focused on who covers the costs of the new process. 🔹 Final decisions on approvals, including setting consent conditions, should be made by the expert panel. This has worked well in the previous fast track consent process. 🔹 We want certainty that comments from local authorities be effectively considered. 🔹 That the Bill requires a more balanced consideration of economic and environmental matters and that prohibited activities (in a resource management planning document) be listed as ineligible activities. 🔹 That the Bill requires consideration of a project’s potential impacts on council assets such as drainage and flood protection schemes and that any upgrades to these schemes required following approvals under the Bill are funded by the applicant. We believe there's potential for the Bill to achieve the economic outcomes it seeks. But in its current form there are some potentially unintended consequences and unfunded mandates. We think improvements can be made to ensure efficiency of process and management of the impacts can occur. Regional councils play a significant role in providing expert advice on fast-track applications. We believe voices of local authorities should be strongly considered in the development of the Bill, particularly given the reduction in councils’ responsibilities in exercising their own plans and policies which are developed in conjunction with, and funded entirely by, our communities.

Ontario’s Regulation 588/17 requires municipalities to integrate natural assets into their asset management plans—a significant step forward for infrastructure planning and sustainability in Canada. At Green Analytics, we’re committed to helping municipalities turn this mandate into an opportunity to enhance environmental and economic outcomes. Natural assets like parks, forests, and water bodies are more than just environmental features—they’re key components of resilient infrastructure, supporting stormwater management, climate adaptation, and community well-being. Our team specializes in identifying, valuing, and integrating these assets into practical, sustainable management strategies. To learn more about how Green Analytics incorporates natural assets into asset management plans, check out our blog: https://lnkd.in/dyxnnNwf #NaturalAssetManagement #OntarioMunicipalities #SustainablePlanning #GreenInfrastructure #Regulation58817 #GreenAnalytics #ResilientCommunities

Just reading the new #PlanningReformWorkingPaper on Development and #NatureRecovery. Many will be nervous about relaxing the Habitats Regs to ease constraints on development but taking a more strategic, outcome-based approach makes sense...IF it addresses the weaknesses of the blunt instrument that is #NutrientNeutrality: - Focused on positive improvements to nature and the water environment rather than just avoiding further harm. - Developing place-based Delivery Plans (linked to protected site strategies and LNRSs etc) rather tying individual developments to individual mitigations. - Creating a Nature Restoration Fund funded by developers and used locally to deliver the plan. Hopefully the funds will also be place-based, rather than held nationally, and create an important new funding source for taking forward LNRS priorities and actions. - BNG obligations to remain, to encourage more nature friendly development on site before exploring off-site options. (I assume obligations on water companies to upgrade water recycling centres will remain and become part of the Delivery Plan.) These reforms could significantly unlock investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water quality. Water Resources East 's #NorfolkWaterStrategyProgramme (NWSP) has all but given up on tapping into nutrient neutrality funding because of the high evidential bar on individual NbS schemes and need to secure in-perpetuity benefits. As a result NN credits in Norfolk are being generated by taking land out of production and upgrading septic tanks (hopefully some water efficiency and SuDS retrofit schemes too, to reduce flows to WRCs). A strategic, funded, outcome-focused approach - which is exactly what the NWSP enables - could scale-up investment in NbS very successfully by recognising not every NbS scheme will be perfect, nor has to last forever; it's the aggregate impact of the NbS portfolio over time in a catchment that's important. If benefits tail off or the landowner wants to use the land for something else after a while, then other schemes can be brought forward and added to the portfolio. The costs and risks of this could be pooled strategically, through our #NorfolkWaterFund. And if future income from developers could be relied on, then it could open up early investment through #GreenFinance. These are my own, early thoughts - interested in what others think!