EA: How can sustainability assessment frameworks such as BREEAM Infrastructure help ensure that economic, social, and biodiversity considerations are embedded into urban mobility projects right from the earliest planning stages?

BREEAM Infrastructure makes sure sustainability is built into transport hubs from the very start. At concept design, stakeholder consultation is required, so accessibility, inclusivity and safe connections between modes are designed in early. Tools like ecological baseline studies, biodiversity metrics and life cycle costing are embedded in the process, and teams are encouraged to weigh social, economic and natural considerations together. The result is that sustainability is built into the project brief itself, rather than being added as an afterthought when changes are harder and have less impact.

 

EA: In your view, what role should major transport hubs play in enabling a truly sustainable mobility system, and how can certification frameworks help measure and drive that impact?
Transport hubs are anchors of the wider mobility system. They connect different modes and shape how people move and experience public transport. A well-designed transport hub can encourage mode shift to active travel and mass transit, reducing carbon and congestion, while also delivering social benefits like community access, retail opportunities and safe public spaces.

BREEAM Infrastructure makes sure sustainability is embedded from the concept stage. For hubs, this includes stakeholder consultation on accessibility and inclusivity, transport planning and sustainable measures, and ecological baselines with biodiversity enhancement That means a hub is assessed not just for operational efficiency, but also for climate resilience, community benefit and long-term value. Independent certification then provides assurance that the hub truly supports a sustainable mobility system.

 

EA: “The last mile” is often the most challenging yet crucial aspect of inclusive mobility—how can project teams ensure that last-mile connectivity is integrated into sustainable urban planning in a meaningful way?

Yes, the last mile is crucial aspect and if the last mile doesn’t work, the whole system feels broken. That’s the point where people decide whether to use sustainable modes or travel by car.

BREEAM makes sure project teams demonstrate they’ve thought about it—through requirements on transport networks, active travel provision and inclusive access. That way, safe pedestrian routes, cycle storage or connections to public transport are treated as core infrastructure that determines whether mobility is truly inclusive.

 

EA: What do you see as the biggest opportunities for applying innovative technologies and sustainability assessment tools to accelerate and deliver more resilient, people-focused transport infrastructure?

I see the opportunity in bringing together digital innovation and sustainability frameworks. BIM, Digital Twins, GIS tools, along with accessibility indexes and biodiversity metrics allow us to measure impacts with a level of accuracy and transparency

BREEAM then provides the structure to capture, verify and reward those innovations. For example, projects can be recognised for using BIM technology not just in design but on site—things like model-based working with BIM kiosks in work areas. That improves project management, coordination and transparency, and ultimately helps deliver sustainable outcomes more efficiently. Another example we’ve seen is a comprehensive digital tracking of sustainability metrics in a Dutch-style roundabout design that prioritise pedestrian and cyclist safety.

BREEAM Infrastructure uses innovation credits to recognise and reward such practices, encouraging their uptake across the industry.

 

BIM kiosks in work areas for better project management: https://breeam.com/web/bre-group/case-studies/bybanen-d14-rail-wins-breeam-infrastructure-very-good

 

Dutch-style roundabouts:

https://breeam.com/web/bre-group/case-studies/breeam-infrastructure-sheffield-tcf1-urban-regeneration