Policy in flow: navigating Water Directives 

Water is essential to climate resilience, food security and biodiversity. We understand how these systems interact — and how policy can drive better outcomes. Our team combines deep knowledge of the Water Framework Directive with hands-on expertise in water quality, quantity and groundwater.

Our team brings deep knowledge of the Water Framework Directive, paired with hands-on expertise in water quality, quantity and groundwater. We supported the European Commission’s integrated assessments of River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) across Europe, evaluating how well they align with the Directive. In the UK, we reviewed the latest RBMPs for England and Northern Ireland on behalf of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP).
 
We also assessed the implementation of the Drinking Water Directive, developed the impact assessment of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and developed the fitness check to comprehensively evaluate the four Directives on integrated water management – Water Framework, Floods, Groundwater and Environmental Quality Standards directives –, helping shape policy that protects both people and ecosystems.

Chemicals policies that protect and progress

Chemicals play a vital role in modern life and are key to driving innovation and sustainability. But with tens of thousands of substances in use, effective regulation is essential to maximise benefits and minimise risks.

Our team works at the forefront of chemical policy - shaping new regulations, identifying emerging substances of concern, and building the evidence base for safer alternatives. We have developed studies to help shape and amend new or existing legislation in the UK and the EU, such as the revision of EU REACH, and we have helped define concepts like essential use, mixture assessment, and key performance indicators. 

Furthermore, we have supported policy makers in the development of guidance for the implementation of legislation, such as the Best Available Techniques guidance for upstream hydrocarbon exploration and production, or the implementation of the REACH restriction on microplastics.

We support policy makers and industry in the development of strategies and decision-making that leads to smarter, safer chemical management.

Sustainability and circular economy policies

The circular economy challenges the traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ model by keeping materials in use for longer and designing out waste and pollution from the start. It focuses on recovering and regenerating products, materials and systems at the end of their service life.

We help turn circular thinking into practical policy. We deliver strategic advice and evidence-based insights to governments at every level, from local to international. Our work includes full policy evaluations, tailored frameworks and clear, measurable recommendations that support implementation and track progress.

We bring deep experience across the entire policy cycle, using trusted methodologies such as the EU Better Regulation Toolbox and the UK’s Green and Magenta Books. Our team has led regulatory impact assessments, stakeholder consultations, cost-benefit analyses and more across areas including waste, water, industrial emissions and chemical risk.

We also collaborate with WSP’s Responsible Consumption and Production team, drawing on expertise in resource efficiency, life cycle assessment and sustainable systems design.

Environmental economics

Environmental economics helps us understand the trade-offs between action and inaction, putting a value on nature, risk and resilience. It brings together insights from science, policy, law and finance to support better decisions for people and the planet. We combine knowledge of (often diverse) drivers for societal change, law and industry needs, science and engineering, to help develop better solutions and quantify impacts.

We analyse complex data, quantify uncertainties and apply advanced analytical techniques to assess the costs and benefits of environmental policy options. Our work spans everything from short-term market-sensitive issues like carbon pricing to long-term challenges such as renewable energy investment and nuclear waste management. We have particular expertise in the complex economics of water and chemicals, and a strong track record of delivering practical, real-world solutions across a range of sectors and environmental domains.

Air quality policies

Clean air is vital for human health and the environment. But pollution from industry, energy, heating, agriculture and transport continues to degrade air quality, now the second leading global risk factor for death.

We have spent decades helping shape air quality policy in the UK and across Europe. Our team has delivered regulatory impact assessments, developed long-term emissions databases, and supported the implementation of key directives, including the UK implementation of the Ambient Air Quality Directive and National Emissions Ceilings Directive. WSP has also developed a database on abatement potential and costs covering the key air pollutants and the main emitting sectors, for Defra for over 15 years. 

As part of our work, we have led research into radionuclide resuspension and the air quality impacts of low-carbon fuels. 

We bring deep technical expertise and a strong track record of turning evidence into action, supporting smarter, cleaner air policy at every stage. 

Soil policies

Soil is the foundation of life. It provides water, nutrients and stability for ecosystems, food systems and communities. But across Europe, most soils are now degraded and threatened by pollution, poor land use and neglect. 

We are helping to shape the future of soil policy. Our team supports the development and delivery of strategies that aim to restore soil health and resilience by 2050, such as the impact assessment for the Soil Monitoring Law and the implementation of the Soil Strategy for 2030. We combine deep policy knowledge with technical expertise in soil science and sustainable land management. 

Our work includes impact assessments, strategy design and practical advice on issues such as contaminated land, soil sealing, land take, and the reuse of excavated soil. We help turn ambition into action, protecting the ground we all depend on.