In January 2017, BAM Nuttall appointed Sweco as designers to support the British Antarctic Survey's £100M Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP). This investment by the UK government is the most significant in polar science since the 1980s and will help the UK maintain its position at the forefront of environmental research. Within the AIMP, facilities at Rothera, Antarctica will be substantially modernised, including the construction of a new Operations Building and the upgrade of existing buildings and infrastructure.
Given the sensitivity of the Antarctic landscape and BAS’ leading position in climate, biodiversity and ocean research, sustainability was identified as a key performance indicator for the project. A crucial objective within the overarching AIMP Sustainability Strategy is the minimisation of whole life carbon associated with all projects, including the application of PAS 2080 Carbon Management in Infrastructure.
To view a video showing the highlights from our second year (2020) in Antarctica and the completion of the wharf at Rothera, click here.