On 25 November 2025, the UK government approved the plan by Heathrow Airport to move ahead with a third runway, part of a wider £33 billion expansion package aimed at “unlocking growth, connectivity, trade and tourism” for Britain. The Guardian+2GOV.UK+2

At Intersect Global, we recognise the clear business rationale behind this decision. But we also believe strongly in responsible, sustainable business, so we must acknowledge the serious environmental trade-offs and why this new runway may represent a dilemma for the future.

Why It Looks Good for Business

• Boosting Connectivity, Trade & Jobs

With expanded capacity, Heathrow can dramatically increase the number of flights, routes, and passenger throughput — connecting UK businesses to global markets faster and more directly. This opens up new opportunities for trade, partnerships, global expansion, and international mobility. GOV.UK+2Heathrow Airport+2

Proponents also point to significant job creation — from construction through to long-term airport and service roles as well as broader economic ripple effects for logistics, tourism, hospitality, exports/imports, and related supply-chains. GOV.UK+2Heathrow Airport+2

• Infrastructure Modernisation & Business Efficiency

A modernised airport infrastructure with additional runway capacity stands to reduce delays, improve schedule reliability, and increase efficiency for airlines and freight. That translates into better service reliability for business travellers, suppliers, international customers and smoother global operations. Heathrow Airport+2The Guardian+2

• Strengthening the UK’s Global Position

As a global hub, an expanded Heathrow could help the UK strengthen its position as a business and commerce hub. For businesses working internationally including those in tech, services, and trade, improved connectivity makes doing business with the UK more attractive.

For many organisations, this translates to potential growth, increased access to talent, easier supply-chain and client travel, and enhanced global competitiveness.

Why It’s Problematic — Especially for the Environment

• Significant Increase in CO₂ Emissions & Air Pollution

A third runway is projected to dramatically increase flights with estimates suggesting annual emissions could rise by around 4.4 million tonnes of CO₂. CIEH+2The Independent+2

This increase undermines efforts to meet the UK’s legally binding climate targets and conflicts with broader commitments on emissions reduction and net-zero goals. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2

• Noise, Air Quality & Local Community Impact

Expansion will not only increase carbon emissions, it will also significantly worsen noise pollution and lower air quality for communities around Heathrow. Aircraft noise could affect hundreds of thousands more people, while more flights and associated traffic will worsen air pollution. The Guardian+2Labour Hub+2

Local residents face potential displacement, increased health risks, and a decline in quality of life, all in the name of growth. Labour Hub+2The Independent+2

• Risk to Climate Commitments & Nature

Several environmental groups and climate-policy experts warn that expanding airport capacity while demand for air travel grows threatens to derail the UK’s net-zero and climate-target ambitions. euronews+2Politico+2

Moreover, relying on future technologies — such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to offset environmental damage remains uncertain. Critics highlight that SAF production and use are currently limited, and may not deliver the promised carbon reductions at scale. CIEH+2Politico+2

The Conflict: Business Growth vs Environmental Responsibility

For companies like Intersect Global and for businesses more widely, increased connectivity and growth potential are appealing and sometimes necessary. Yet, that opportunity comes at a real cost to our climate, communities, and future sustainability.

This expansion forces organisations and stakeholders to confront a difficult question: “Can economic ambition and global competitiveness justify pushing our environmental limits?”

In a world where climate change and environmental degradation are increasingly urgent, the answer may not be straightforward, especially when alternative strategies (sustainable logistics, remote collaboration, regional airport investment, greener travel technologies) exist but receive less attention.

How Business Can Respond — With Responsibility

At Intersect Global, we believe that growth and sustainability don’t have to be opposites. Here’s how businesses can approach the situation with integrity:

• Advocate for greener aviation — support sustainable policies, invest in SAF, back environmental regulation around aviation growth.
• Balance travel with remote-first strategies — use technology to reduce unnecessary flights, reserving air travel for critical engagements.
• Support transparency and community impact assessments — know how expansion affects local communities, and push for mitigation where possible.
• Promote sustainable business travel practices — carbon offsetting, train-first itineraries, carbon-conscious scheduling.
• Engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) — partner with environmental initiatives, invest in renewables or carbon reduction across operations.

Our View: Growth Must Be Balanced With Responsibility

We recognise the economic logic of expanding Heathrow: more capacity, better connectivity, job creation, global business access.

But we urge decision-makers and business leaders to treat this not as a zero-sum trade but as a challenge to embed sustainability and responsibility into every part of business strategy.

Because long-term business success depends on long-term environmental stability.

Why Quantity Surveyors Must Prioritise Their Wellbeing

At Intersect Global, we work closely with Quantity Surveyors at every stage of their careers—from Assistant QS to Commercial Director. One thing we see consistently across the profession is the pressure to deliver: tight deadlines, complex commercial requirements, intense reporting cycles and stakeholder demands that never stop.

This is why National Self-Care Week is so important for our industry. It’s a reminder that while the work QSs do is critical, your wellbeing is equally essential to long-term professional success.

This year’s theme, “Choosing Self-Care for Life”, couldn’t be more relevant. Sustainable commercial leadership starts with sustainable personal practices.

The Reality of Being a QS: High Responsibility, High Pressure

Quantity Surveyors operate at the centre of cost, risk, change, commercial strategy and contractual compliance. The workload can be intense:

• Monthly CVRs and forecasting cycles
• Contract administration obligations
• Compensation events, variations & change management
• Stakeholder expectations from clients, subcontractors and internal leadership
• Long project cycles with continual commercial oversight
• High levels of financial accountability
• The pressure to be accurate—and fast

These demands make QSs more susceptible to stress, burnout, overworking and poor work–life balance.

National Self-Care Week is a chance to pause and re-evaluate the habits that protect your wellbeing and performance.

Self-Care for QSs: Practical Habits That Actually Work

1. Protect Your Focus and Downtime

The QS workload is often reactive. Inbox overload is real. Building boundaries—switching off after hours where feasible—prevents burnout and improves decision-making.

2. Take Breaks During Reporting Cycles

Month-end and period-end are high-pressure periods. Short breaks help maintain accuracy and reduce errors when you’re deep in CVRs or final accounts.

3. Move Your Body, Especially on Office-Heavy Days

A lot of QS work is desk-based. Even a 10-minute walk resets concentration levels and boosts problem-solving clarity.

4. Speak Up About Workload Early

Commercial teams are lean. When pressures build, raising concerns early isn’t negativity—it’s professionalism. It prevents missed deadlines and protects both you and the project.

5. Ask for Support or Mentorship

Many QSs work towards APC, internal promotions, or stepping into leadership roles. Seeking guidance is a strength that accelerates growth and reduces stress.

6. Use Your Annual Leave Properly

Rested QSs are sharper, more analytical and more commercially aware. Your performance improves significantly when you take genuine downtime.

How Employers Can Support QS Wellbeing

Healthy commercial teams perform better. Employers play a vital role by:

• Balancing workloads during peak reporting cycles
• Offering clear APC support
• Encouraging structured development pathways
• Promoting realistic deadlines
• Providing mental-health resources
• Creating open, approachable management culture

When QS’s feel supported, accuracy goes up, risk reduces, and commercial outcomes improve.

Intersect Global’s Commitment to the Quantity Surveying Profession

At Intersect Global, we understand the unique pressures faced by Quantity Surveyors. We support your career holistically, not just by matching you to roles, but by helping you build long-term, sustainable success.

National Self-Care Week is a powerful reminder:

You can’t deliver commercially outstanding projects if you’re running on empty.
Wellbeing isn’t optional; it’s part of being an effective commercial professional.

This week, we encourage every QS, from graduate to commercial lead—to choose at least one self-care habit to carry forward. A thriving QS is a high-performing QS, and that benefits projects, teams and careers across the industry.

As the month of October invites us to pause, reflect and celebrate, we at Intersect Global recognise that Black History Month is more than a moment, it is a movement. This month is a dedicated time to honour the resilience, creativity and leadership of Black individuals and communities across the UK and beyond. In the words of the UK theme for 2025 “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”. University of London
At Intersect Global, we believe in turning that sentiment into action.

What this means for us:

• We celebrate the countless contributions of Black professionals, leaders, clients and candidates within our network and beyond.
• We commit to listening, learning and evolving as an inclusive organisation — one where everyone’s voice can be heard, valued and elevated.
• We embed purpose into our work by ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusive practices aren’t just a checklist for October, but threads in every project, partnership and placement.
• We embrace the idea that representation matters not only who we place, but how we foster talent, promote opportunity and support career journeys of all backgrounds.

How we’ll mark the month:

• Internal conversations and resources around cultural history, inclusive leadership and how we can all be allies and advocates in our day-to-day.
• Leveraging our position as a global recruitment partner to spotlight best practice: applying inclusion not just in hiring, but in cultivating workplace environments that allow everyone to thrive.

This is our invitation: join us in celebrating the myriad achievements of Black communities  and in reflecting on how we individually and organisationally can contribute to a future where equity isn’t optional, but expected.

To our colleagues, clients, candidates and partners: thank you for your contribution. Together, let’s stand firm in power and pride, not just this month, but all year round.

At Intersect Global, we’re committed to making sustainability part of everything we do. That includes not only how we deliver projects, but also how we manage our digital presence. Recently, we ran our website through Ecograder, an independent tool that measures the environmental impact of websites by assessing performance, efficiency, user experience, and hosting. Here’s what we learned and how we plan to improve.

Our Results

• Ecograder Score: 73 / 100
• Emissions per Page Load: 0.66 grams CO₂
• Better than 55% of all URLs crawled
• Digital Carbon Rating: E (on a scale of A–E)
• Green Hosting: 100 / 100 – our hosting provider is powered by renewable energy

Even at a modest traffic level (1,000 page views), our homepage generates 660 grams of CO₂, roughly the same as driving a petrol car about 2 miles.

Where We’re Performing Well

Green Hosting: Our hosting provider scores 100/100, meaning our servers are powered entirely by renewable energy. Hosting alone can account for up to 30% of a website’s emissions, so this is an excellent foundation.

Accessibility & UX Design: The site scores well (97/100 for accessibility and 92/100 for search optimisation), ensuring users can quickly find information and interact efficiently.

Page Weight Efficiency: At 1.95 MB, our homepage is 12% smaller than the average web page — a positive step towards reducing unnecessary digital load.

Where We Can Improve

• Page Weight Optimisation (67/100):
  • Further compressing images
  • Removing unused code and third-party scripts
• UX Design (69/100):
  • Improving page rendering
  • Reducing server requests
  • Enhancing caching for static assets
• Digital Carbon Rating (E):
  • While our total emissions per page load are relatively low, our rating suggests there’s more to do in terms of optimisation.

Why It Matters

The internet is responsible for around 3.7% of global greenhouse gas emissions — roughly equivalent to the airline industry. Every page view has a carbon cost, and as our business grows, so does our responsibility to keep that footprint as small as possible.

By improving site performance, not only do we reduce emissions, we also:

• Deliver a faster, smoother experience for users
• Lower hosting and bandwidth costs
• Improve SEO and page conversions

Next Steps for Intersect Global

Based on this report, we’ll be taking action in three areas:

1. Optimisation Further compressing media files, cutting unused JavaScript, and reducing third-party code.
2. User Experience Enhancing page rendering and caching to lower the energy required by end-user devices.
3. Transparency & Reporting – Running regular Ecograder checks and publishing updates as part of our sustainability journey.

Our Commitment

This Ecograder report gives us a valuable benchmark. While our score of 73/100 shows we’re already ahead of many websites, the E rating reminds us there’s still much work to do. By continuing to refine our digital presence, we’re making sure that sustainability runs through every part of Intersect Global  from our projects to our pixels.

At Intersect Global, we believe that inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. That’s why this year’s National Inclusion Week (15-21 September 2025), with the theme “Now Is the Time”, resonates so strongly with us. It’s a call to action: to move beyond intention and make inclusion real in everything we do.

Why Now Matters

We live in times that are challenging in many ways — economic pressures, social change, and shifting norms are putting inclusion efforts under the spotlight. It would be easy to delay meaningful action, but delays perpetuate disadvantage. “Now Is the Time” challenges us to:

• Speak honestly about the obstacles people face
• Measure impact, not just activity
• Embed inclusion into our systems, policies, and ways of working
• Make sure the benefits of diversity are felt by everyone

We see inclusion as more than a policy — it’s part of our culture, our purpose, and our promise to our people, our partners, and our clients.

What Inclusion Looks Like at Intersect Global

At Intersect Global, we’ve been on this journey for some time. Here are some of the things we currently do, and what we’re working on:

• Inclusive Recruitment & Hiring: We strive for fair and transparent recruitment processes. We use anonymised CVs where possible, avoid relying on irrelevant criteria, and ensure interviews are structured to reduce bias.
• Continuous Learning & Awareness: Training on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and cultural competence are part of our development agenda. We encourage employee-led discussions and sharing of lived experience.
• Flexible Work & Accommodations: Recognising that people’s lives and needs vary, we support flexible working, make reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities, and aim to provide accessibly designed work environments.
• Diverse Voices in Decision-Making: We work to ensure that under-represented groups are included in leadership, project teams, and that their voices feed into our policies and ways of working.
• Review & Feedback Loops: We regularly collect feedback from staff, track diversity & inclusion metrics, and use what we learn to improve practices. For us inclusion isn’t static — it evolves.

How You Can Join In

Anyone reading this, whether you’re part of Intersect Global, a partner, or just interested in inclusion, can take meaningful steps this week:

• Reflect on your own experiences: when have you felt included or excluded? What small changes could make a difference?
• If you’re in a position to lead, speak up: ask your team for input, and try small adjustments that help people feel they belong.
• Be curious: learn about people whose backgrounds or experiences differ from your own; listen more than you speak.
• Advocate for inclusion: whether in meetings, recruitment decisions, or day-to-day interactions, look for ways to lift others.
• Hold us all accountable: let’s make sure inclusion becomes a core measure of success, not just a check-box.

Looking Ahead

National Inclusion Week is just one week — but what we do in that week should ripple out beyond it. At Intersect Global, “Now Is the Time” isn’t just a tagline for September; it’s how we aim to work every day. We commit to ongoing learning, to listening more deeply, and to making structural changes where needed.

If inclusion matters to you too, join us this week in action, in conversation, and in commitment. Because when people feel they belong, everything changes: performance improves, innovation thrives, and we all move forward together.

About Intersect Global

Intersect Global specialises in executive search across commercial and technical civil engineering. Our commitment to inclusion shapes the way we hire, support, and partner for us, inclusion isn’t separate from work, it’s central to it.

10 September 2025

Each year on 10 September, communities worldwide come together for World Suicide Prevention Day—a powerful reminder that when we act with courage, empathy, and unity, lives can be saved. Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization, this day has become a global rallying point to spotlight the prevention of suicide and the value of every life World Health OrganizationWikipedia.

Our 2025 Theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

The triennial theme for 2024–2026—“Changing the Narrative on Suicide”—asks us to shift from silence, misunderstanding, and stigma toward openness, empathy, and meaningful support World Health OrganizationIASP+1.

What does this mean in practice?

1. Speak Openly and Compassionately – Use clear, compassionate language. Listening without judgment and acknowledging lived experiences can transform isolation into connection.
2. Challenge Public Perceptions – We must dismantle myths—such as the notion that talking about suicide increases risk—and promote mental health as everyone’s business World Health OrganizationIsrael Pharm.
3. Drive Systemic Change – Encouraging policymakers and institutions to prioritize suicide prevention through national strategies, improved access to care, and evidence-based interventions is essential World Health OrganizationIASPMates in Mind.

Intersect Global’s Role and Voice

As an organisation rooted in global empathy and action, Intersect Global stands committed to shifting this narrative—through awareness, advocacy, and accessible support.

• Awareness & Education: We use storytelling, webinars, and digital campaigns to foster open conversation and reduce stigma.
• Community Building: Through local partnerships worldwide, we create safe spaces, online and offline—for people to share, connect, and support each other.
• Policy Advocacy: We advocate for integrated mental health and suicide prevention initiatives to be embedded in public health systems globally.

Spotlight on nationwide Efforts

• Samaritans (UK & Ireland) emphasize one compelling message: “If you think someone might be suicidal, take action, interrupt their thoughts, and show them you care.” Their 2025 campaign, co-designed with people who have lived experience, underscores the impact of small, compassionate interventions Samaritans.
• On a local level, Ireland’s HSE has consistently encouraged public participation through training like “Let’s Talk About Suicide”, empowering individuals with the skills to identify and support those at risk The Sun.

How You Can Join the Conversation

Whether you’re an individual, organisation, or policymaker, there’s a role for you:

• Listen and Reach Out: A genuine check-in, an attentive ear, or simple empathy can interrupt despair.
• Talk About It: Use language that is open and non-judgmental. Encourage tough conversations.
• Share Resources: Spread awareness of mental health services and helplines—like Samaritans, Lifeline, 988, etc.
• Advocate and Act: Support policies that invest in mental health, support decriminalization of suicide, and enhance access to care.

Our Shared Vision

At Intersect Global, we envision a world where:

• Everyone feels heard and valued—where compassionate conversation transforms the darkest moments into light.
• Support is accessible and inclusive—with mental health care embedded in communities, schools, and workplaces.
• Prevention is proactive—where policies, education, and community action come together to safeguard life.

Remember: this isn’t just about one day. World Suicide Prevention Day is a catalyst, a reminder that every day, across every corner of the world, we have the power to change the narrative and save lives.

For many of us, summer is a welcome chance to pause, recharge, and step away from the everyday pressures of work. But after a well-earned break, getting back into the office or onto site can feel daunting. At Intersect Global, we know that transition well and we’ve put together some practical ways to make the return to work smoother, more productive, and even enjoyable.

1. Ease Yourself In

Don’t feel pressured to achieve everything in your first week back. Start with the essentials: clear your inbox, prioritise key tasks, and focus on regaining momentum. Breaking larger projects into smaller, achievable goals helps build confidence and keeps you on track.

2. Reconnect With Your Team

Summer often means staggered holidays, so take time to catch up with colleagues and share updates. A quick coffee or team catch-up helps rebuild collaboration and creates a positive environment to tackle upcoming challenges together.

3. Bring Back Some Holiday Balance

That relaxed mindset you enjoyed on holiday doesn’t need to disappear. Try carrying some of those habits into your workday, whether it’s taking a proper lunch break, going for a short walk, or making time for activities outside work. Work-life balance isn’t just good for wellbeing, it fuels long-term productivity.

4. Refresh Your Perspective

Coming back with a clear head is the perfect chance to review how you work. Are there processes you could improve? New skills you’d like to develop? A post-summer return is a great time to reset goals and bring fresh energy to projects.

5. Plan Your Next Break

It might sound counterintuitive, but looking forward to your next holiday can actually boost motivation. Having time off in the diary helps you pace yourself and maintain focus throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Returning to work after summer doesn’t have to mean losing that sense of energy and perspective you gained while away. With the right mindset and a few small adjustments you can step back into your role feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to take on new challenges.

At Intersect Global, we support professionals across construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure to find roles where they can thrive. If you’re considering your next move this autumn, our team would be happy to help.

As passionate advocates for environmental sustainability, Intersect Global is proud to observe National Marine Week—a dedicated time to celebrate and protect the world’s incredible marine ecosystems.

Marine environments are vital to the health of our planet. They support a diverse array of species, regulate climate, and provide essential resources for communities worldwide. However, these vital ecosystems face numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. It’s more important than ever that we take action to safeguard our oceans for future generations.

At Intersect Global, we believe in raising awareness and fostering responsible practices to protect our marine environments. Throughout National Marine Week, we encourage individuals, organisations, and policymakers to get involved—whether that’s through reducing plastic waste, supporting sustainable fishing, or participating in local conservation initiatives.

We are committed to promoting innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to preserve our oceans. To learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute, visit us at www.intersectglobal.co.uk.

Join us in celebrating the beauty and importance of our oceans. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our marine ecosystems thrive for generations to come.

#NationalMarineWeek #MarineProtection #SustainableOceans #IntersectGlobal

With London Pride lighting up the capital just a few weekends ago, and Brighton Pride on the horizon, we felt it was the perfect moment to reflect on the meaning of Pride Month and what it represents, not just for the LGBTQ+ community, but for all of us who believe in fairness, respect, and inclusion.

At Intersect Global, we believe that every individual deserves to feel safe, respected, and celebrated, regardless of who they are or who they love.

This Pride Month, we stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion within the infrastructure, engineering, and construction industries.

In sectors traditionally viewed as less diverse, representation truly matters. We’re proud to work with clients, candidates, and partners who value inclusive environments—where everyone can thrive based on talent, not labels.

Whether it’s a Quantity Surveyor breaking stereotypes or a Project Manager bringing their authentic self to site each day, we want to celebrate those shaping the built environment while being proud of who they are.

Why Pride Still Matters in 2025:

• Visibility combats stigma – The more we see diversity in leadership, teams, and site culture, the more we create space for others to be themselves.
• Inclusion drives innovation – Teams that embrace different perspectives perform better, problem-solve faster, and deliver stronger results.
• Workplace safety includes psychological safety – Everyone deserves a workplace where they can speak openly without fear of discrimination.

As recruiters, we know how important culture is when matching talent with opportunity. That’s why we continue to champion clients and candidates who foster safe, welcoming workplaces for all.

What We’re Doing:

Promoting inclusive job opportunities
Supporting equal opportunity hiring practices
Continuing internal conversations about allyship and bias
Sharing voices from across the sector to amplify underrepresented stories

Pride isn’t just a celebration, it’s a reminder that https://www.intersectglobal.co.uk progress is ongoing. Together, let’s build a more inclusive industry, one placement, project, and person at a time.

Happy Pride 
The Team at Intersect Global