Market Briefing – December 2009 issue

- Energy from waste hits the mainstream. A diversifying energy-from-waste market is expected to see healthy growth in coming years. However, a series of planning, financial and technical complexities continue to create challenges for consultancies and clients alike. Geraint Roberts reports

- RSK tackles recession with fair play and sound quality. RSK is a long-established name in UK environmental consultancy. Erin Gill speaks with chairman Alan Ryder and deputy chairman Peter Witherington about focusing on core strengths and treating staff respectfully during recession

- Busy times for Australia’s environmental consultants. Demand for environmental advisory services in Australia has proved resilient in the face of global recession, thanks to large energy and mining projects, strong public finances and growing public awareness of climate change impacts and water scarcity. Rob Bell reports

- Consultancy bears brunt of depressed green jobs market. The recession has taken the wind out of the sails of the UK environmental services sector, but certain areas of the ‘green collar’ jobs market are proving resilient. Liz Trew presents the findings of Environment Analyst’s first career and salary survey for environmental professionals, conducted jointly with leading sustainability recruitment specialist Allen & York.

- Benchmarking corporate ‘green’ performance. Real data about corporate environmental performance is thinner on the ground than many outside the ‘green’ business community generally assume. Erin Gill speaks with Richard Mattison of Trucost about filling gaping data gaps

- Waiting for stronger growth in nuclear sector enviro demand. A significant number of environmental consultancies serve the UK nuclear sector, with decommissioning work having led in recent years to some growth. Erin Gill asks whether nuclear new build promises a gold rush for environmental consultants

- Consultancy share prices show some improved performance. Recent updates across the consultancy sector – Hyder, Scott Wilson, RPS & WSP – have been positive, confirming in-line or better trading conditions, says David Brockton of Arbuthnot Securities