We established cutting-edge principles and methods for the development of an ecologically sustainable national road network throughout EU member states.
Summary
Our research and development team led a consortium of European ecologists and eco-engineers brought together to develop new ways of addressing the environmental responsibilities of road authorities.
Project partners included BuWA, VTI and MTA Centre for Ecological Research.
Solution
The project involved an extensive literature review, progressive case studies, experimental field work and structured expert surveys.
Research centred on a focus group of eight reference countries, namely Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Norway and Austria.
Challenge
The project examined three issues the original COST 341 Handbook failed to address, namely:
- a consistent approach to Environmental Impact Assessment and Appropriate Assessment
- methods of procurement of road projects and mitigation measures
- strategies for the maintenance of roads and mitigation measures
Services provided:
- Environmental engineering consultancy
- Ecology