Interview: our involvement with GI - Matt Bradley

Name:

Matt Bradley

Job title:

WMS Project Specification Specialist

What is your involvement with GI at Polypipe?

Working with engineers, architects, landscape architects and their clients helping design blue/green roofs and podium decks. Presenting Polypipe CPD workshops to provide education about how Permavoid is the ideal solution for GI.

Tell us more about GI and what it means to you:

At a business level, it means a whole new way of thinking when designing with our geocellular products. It’s bringing me closer to people at a much higher level due to my involvement with GI projects. GI is everybody’s responsibility at design stage and we all have a part to play. When developing a GI strategy, It’s important to have early involvement with manufacturers. GI is extremely rewarding and I’m contributing to new and innovative designs that helps promote a better future for everyone.

What does GI mean to our customers?

It opens up a completely new way of thinking when designing new developments. Climate change is one of the main considerations now at early planning stages and it takes into account improving air and water quality, reducing flood risk, sustainable drainage design and heat amelioration. Designers are now looking at health by implementing amenity to promote an active life style which improves mental and psychological well-being. Wildlife and habitats are being considered by increasing areas for them to develop. GI promotes stronger societies as it encourages community engagement and social interaction. Retro fitting will also become more common as designers look at land regeneration and increasing environmental qualities and aesthetics. Finally, it will promote economic growth and investment and create jobs. Land and property values will also increase for the client.

What can people expect to see more of after our launch of GI?

Engineers, architects, landscape architects can now think outside the box and potentially their comfort zone. Designing innovative and ground breaking solutions to store water to reuse on site. I can see designers pioneering GI and resilient cities for future generations as research and development from manufacturers allows them to visualise and realise their designs.

Which do you feel is the most important multi-functional benefit?

GI investments boost the economy, enhance community health and safety and provides recreation and wildlife. GI aims to enhance nature's ability to deliver multiple valuable ecosystem goods and services, potentially providing a wide range of environmental, social, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity benefits.