The Energy Sector will show promising change, says Christopher Seymour, Chief of Strategy and Investment at Mott MacDonald

In this candid and exclusive interview with Thirty to Net Zero, Christopher Seymour looks beyond the ‘now.’  Seymour focuses his attention on the sustainability edge that has always given Mott Macdonald leverage above existing market players. Having catered to multiple projects and governments, ensuring their analysis stimulated better output and productivity, Seymour is of the firm conviction that transformational urban planning is key. He also talks to us about the social infrastructure programs that Mott MacDonald is invested in for a better tomorrow. This interview is an eye-catching fast read for anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes view of the infrastructure industry.

Q: The world is evolving at a breakneck speed thanks to technology, which has led to an increase in varied demands for clients. Given this background, how does the concept of sustainability thrive in the world of architecture and infrastructure?

A:  Basic environmental sustainability has been part of architecture and engineering design for most of the last decade - and in some parts of the world far earlier. The focus in these earlier years was more about saving energy to reduce operating costs. However, in the last ten years, that focus has shifted firmly to the protection of our atmosphere to limit global warming. The good news is that the concept is very much alive, and the design and construction industry has proven that it is able to innovate to create solutions that deliver both the client's requirements and protect the planet. Undoubtedly, technology has assisted the pace of innovation in recent years; however, further government regulation in the way that built assets are designed and operated would drive the environmental agenda far faster.

Q: Mott Macdonald has played a key role in furthering the cause of sustainability in the MENA region. Please tell us about any key projects which have transformed cities in the Middle East exponentially.

A: As a business, we are very proud that in 2018 we became the first carbon-neutral engineering consultancy globally. This feeds into our culture, which, first and foremost, aims to help our clients limit the environmental impact of their projects and businesses across the world. We are best known as an engineering design consultancy acting at a project level. However, some of our most impactful work has been at a strategic client level, helping organisations  plan operations and capital expenditure that create a glidepath to net zero. For example, we were commissioned by Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) to deliver the first wastewater utility carbon footprinting project in the Middle East. Our analysis helped the company to cut operational emissions by 9% between 2016-2020.

Q: The Middle East has been continuously expanding its infrastructure capacity. Do you believe that sustainable social infrastructure will gain momentum in the next 5 years?

A: I believe that this momentum has already started since the majority of the social infrastructure projects have substantial sustainability criteria that they must meet. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have much to offer in this space since the private sector is becoming far more discerning about which projects it is prepared to invest in - and environmental performance is on top of the list. This drive is coming from both the funders (which are seeking maximizes their ‘green’ portfolios to remain attractive to investors) and from the service providers, which are responding to shareholder demands. These are powerful drivers coming from the private sector that are entirely aligned to government policy. This is creating a true partnership which is finally helping to remove the stigma of the past, when the PPP was viewed as being more about private sector profit than public good.

Q: Given the extensive number of initiatives on green development in the MENA region, what area or sector would you say will have the highest contribution when it comes to sustainability by 2030? 

A: Energy is, in my view, the sector that will not only deliver the greatest environmental benefit but will also see the greatest change in the coming years. The MENA region whilst known as a major producer of hydrocarbons is also at the forefront of developing renewable energy and, crucially, developing the Hydrogen economy. With plans for some of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants in both Oman and Saudi Arabia, technology development and the courage to push boundaries of traditional thinking is being recognised globally. This in turn is bringing some of the greatest minds and innovators to the region, helping to create the strong talent pool that is undoubtedly needed to deliver these ambitions.

Q: Producing smart grids, desalination of water, and more generally depend on the quality of urban planning. What are the key factors that ail sustainable urban planning?

A: This is a great question. Transformation in the way that we plan our cities I believe will be a turning point in the Net Zero journey. An increasing proportion of our ever-growing population globally will reside in cities over the next 30 to 40 years – coinciding exactly with most countries’ Net Zero horizons. Cities will therefore play a pivotal role in meeting that goal, requiring a shift in our strategies in mobility, energy, utilities, and also social infrastructure. The investment and transformation that is needed cannot be understated and I believe it will become the key driver in our industry in the future.

Q: Mott Macdonald has a growing presence in 6 countries in the MENA region. Can we expect more countries to join the MM club soon?

A: As a global consultancy Mott MacDonald focuses on those territories where we can deliver our social purpose most effectively and where we can serve our clients’ needs. This creates a diverse global footprint that includes core markets with a long-term outlook and markets that are more project-based with a medium-term outlook. In MENA we are present in seven countries, including Egypt, delivering a range of services, such as engineering design, program management, and international development work.

 It’s interesting to note that apart from your contribution to power, oil and gas and engineering, Mott Macdonald also has a presence in the Education sector. How did this come about and how do you think MM can promote sustainability through this presence? CS: Mott MacDonald has delivered both education and healthcare work over many years although this is possibly not so well known as some of our core engineerings. These social infrastructure programs, however, are crucial to promoting sustainable futures and greater prosperity for many underprivileged people in developing countries around the world. Improving education, health and livelihoods for all helps to drive inclusive growth and investment. That, in turn, widens access to modern infrastructures, such as sustainable energy and mobility solutions.

Q: What are the 3 biggest advantages Mott Macdonald currently has over all other private players in being a global leader and pioneer for sustainable solutions in the UAE?

A: For us, collaboration across the industry is needed in order to respond to the climate emergency – and that will take a range of skills and solutions. As a business, we believe that we are best placed to provide the necessary integration and coordination to ensure that climate transition is dealt with at a strategic level and has the maximum impact to meet the 2050 Net Zero ambition of the UAE. 

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to the new players who are planning on joining the sustainable architecture and construction industry in the Middle East, what would it be and why?

A: It is vital that a new entrant to this market has a culture of collaboration and comes here with an open mind. The region can benefit from the diversity of global excellence that has developed in other territories. Equally, local talent is vast, and local innovation needs to be integrated with global best practice to deliver the ambitious goals of the region.