Resilience

Summary highlights of our performance in 2024

This was a transformational year for Resilience, as we made significant progress in scaling operations in key growth markets including the US, UK, Germany and the Netherlands. We’ve seen strong revenue, a step up in profitability, and organic growth across energy transition, water optimization and PFAS remediation. Collaborative wins with other GBAs have strengthened our ability to deliver integrated, cross-disciplinary solutions that meet client demand. 

Bringing the Resilience perspective

The projects we work on – complex projects that call for our deep expertise – increasingly require an integration of digital capabilities, advanced analytics, and advisory services, helping clients meet evolving demands, navigate regulatory frameworks and develop effective decarbonization roadmaps. We are working closely with the other GBAs to integrate Resilience solutions within our projects and proposals. For example, in the Zuidasdok program – one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Netherlands – we are working with Mobility and Places to support sustainable urban development. This includes permitting and planning expertise, ecological assessments, and integrating green infrastructure to enhance urban livability​ and create a more resilient and connected neighborhood.

Energy security and transition 

Driven by the accelerating demand for energy, paired with investment in grid modernization, generation capacity, and operational efficiency, this area saw rapid growth in 2024. Arcadis is at the forefront of supporting clients in transforming energy systems to ensure affordability, security and equitable access. Our expertise spans the entire value chain, including advisory services; grid expansion and modernization; transmission, distribution and storage (TDS); decarbonization; and the integration of renewable energy.  

Our strong portfolio in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK sets a foundation for further growth, particularly in the US, where we are building a multi-disciplinary team of energy experts. In the UK, we are helping the National Grid with advisory services to navigate the complexities of energy transition and expansion. In the Netherlands, we are partnering with PostNL to investigate whether their 29 postal distribution centers can double as energy hubs. 

We had a strong year in Germany, where we continue to support transformative projects like the Rhein-Main-Link and Fulda-Main powerline expansions that are critical to meeting Europe’s renewable energy targets. Our growth plans in this area are underpinned by the Arcadis Energy Transition Academy, which continues to equip our people and clients with foundational and technical knowledge. Through the Academy, we’re upskilling Arcadians in areas such as TDS, offshore wind, and industrial decarbonization. 

Water management and optimization

In 2024, we expanded our work with clients – including local governments, pharmaceutical companies and data center owners – to optimize consumption and improve operational efficiency.  

In Southern California, we implemented an AI-powered predictive modeling system that integrates machine learning with an advanced water quality model to monitor harmful byproducts of disinfection. This enabled prediction of potential spikes, allowing for real time adjustments. Also in the US, we partnered with a major utility to design and implement a comprehensive Lead and Copper Rule compliance program. Aimed at proactively identifying and replacing lead service lines, this initiative entails extensive water quality and lead testing in schools and childcare facilities. Using our Lead Insights end-to-end solution, we were able to improve communications, transparency and documentation.  

OpEx-focused solutions are another key client need, and we have expanded our role in asset management. For example, we helped a leading global snack producer lower water consumption. Our industrial water experts, in partnership with Places' advanced industry team, designed a Zero Liquid Discharge treatment system, solidifying Arcadis as a reliable partner for water efficiency and wastewater solutions. 

In the UK, we secured multiple framework contracts with key water utilities as part of the AMP8 (Asset Management Period) program, including partnerships with South West Water and United Utilities to deliver new capital investment programs and upgrade water infrastructure to be more sustainable, resilient and efficient. With the AMP8 cycle running from 2025-2030, these wins provide excellent long-term visibility for the future.

Globally, we are addressing water scarcity through innovative reuse strategies, such as a ‘One Water’ approach which integrates circular water systems and advanced desalination, building on our leading position in Engineering News Record’s 2024 rankings. Our digital solutions, such as Water Finder, a digital twin platform, are helping clients optimize asset performance, extend infrastructure lifespans and achieve cost savings of up to 30%. In New Jersey, we are supporting a large water utility where over 60% of its assets will be over 100 years old by 2030. Digital products allow for efficient identification, evaluation and design of asset replacement and renewal. Arcadis’ Asset Generator is key, allowing for rapid prototyping and design of replacement water storage and pumping facilities.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential and can help identify lead service lines or leaks, enabling clients to fix the problem efficiently, minimize disruption and enhance predictive maintenance. While there are regulatory hurdles, we have the knowledge to address these and have already been hired by several clients to integrate AI into their systems and infrastructure management strategies. 

Flood management

With climate change impacts increasing, flood resilience is vital. In the US, we are incorporating flood-proofing measures into San Francisco's pier restoration plans, ensuring resilience against coastal flooding while revitalizing the waterfront. And in the Netherlands, we are providing operations and maintenance services for five storm surge barriers – including the largest in the world - bolstering the country's flood defences against sea level rise. 

In the UK, we’re collaborating with Places to maintain and restore canal infrastructure for the Canal & River Trust. And in China, we’re spearheading a new initiative to enhance biodiversity, water management and flood resilience in Fuding City – including via a nature-based intervention: mangrove restoration. 

Market dynamics and opportunities

Across industries, public and private sector organizations are prioritizing resilience in infrastructure and assets. This includes optimizing operational efficiency, meeting regulatory requirements and adapting to a changing environment.

Economic and regulatory drivers

As the world faces an escalating climate crisis, we are seeing a focus on future-proofing assets, infrastructure and operations as a priority, as clients seek to address vulnerabilities across cities, economies and industries. Increasingly, companies and organizations are responding to climate events and disruptions as a strategic risk, incorporating factors into their decision-making such as rising insurance costs and coverage, asset resilience, and extreme weather preparedness. 

The regulatory landscape is driving companies to address specific issues related to their assets, such as PFAS contamination (see box-out). In the US, the EPA’s strengthened Lead and Copper Rule requires significant upgrades to water systems to ensure safe drinking water – an area where Arcadis can offer compliance solutions. 

Regulatory frameworks such as the EU Green Deal and the US Inflation Reduction Act are further shaping investment priorities, especially in the energy sector. In Europe, reliability and efficiency will mean doubling annual grid investments to €584 billion by 2030, with public funds alone insufficient. Private sector participation is crucial to bridge the gap. Similarly, in the US, rising demand from data centers and transport electrification is accelerating the need for grid enhancements to guarantee a stable and secure energy supply. These frameworks create opportunities for sustainable growth and emphasize the need for public and private sector collaboration around resilient infrastructure. 

Trends in energy security and transition

Concerns around energy security and affordability are intensifying, driving governments and business to rethink their energy strategies, prioritizing decarbonization and more resilient strategies. Transmission, Distribution and Storage is an area where significant investment is being made. A secure, reliable and less carbon-intensive electricity supply is vital for economic growth and the transition to net zero.

Resilience is integral to Arcadis – it’s at the core of who we are, and a major driving force in how we help clients and communities thrive. We are uniquely positioned to help future-proof critical infrastructure, accelerate decarbonization, and deliver smart, sustainable solutions that address today’s needs.

   Heather Polinksy, GBA President, Resilience

Arcadis is well positioned to support this, with expertise in solar and wind energy, energy storage solutions, urban energy systems, and energy infrastructure and strategy. Innovations in energy storage and hydrogen infrastructure will drive opportunities, particularly as countries seek to balance renewable intermittency with stable power supply.

Capacity expansion projects, such as those in Germany, are part of a broader push to create resilient, interconnected grids capable of handling increased demand from electric vehicles, industry electrification and renewable energy​. Investments in TDS infrastructure are expected to exceed USD 300 billion by 2030, with significant growth anticipated in Europe and North America. By integrating strategic advisory expertise with advanced technical solutions, we are enabling clients to modernize energy systems, expand capacity, and accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. 

Optimizing aging assets and infrastructure

Water systems are under increasing pressure, and 70% of water utilities are operating with systems more than 50 years old. Meanwhile, aging energy grids are increasingly under strain due to rapid urbanization, electrification and renewable energy demands. The scale and cost of upgrades can be challenging, as can the operational complexities of managing aging pipelines and treatment facilities. These dynamics make the use and management of water a major consideration for many clients, creating opportunities for Arcadis.