COWI in the U.K., along with other industry leaders and research institutions, has joined the Wood Thilsted Joint Industry Project (JIP) to explore and redefine a nature-inclusive approach to wind farms.
This collaboration will explore creating offshore wind farms that positively impact natural ecosystems throughout their lifecycle.

“COWI’s motto of ‘together, we shape a sustainable and livable world’ emphasizes three main areas of sustainability, namely biodiversity enhancement, carbon emissions reduction, and creating social value. Although renewable energy projects are in the long-term less damaging to the planet, they do have an environmental impact,” said Alistair Kean, COWI’s director of sustainability.
“We feel it is our duty to design offshore facilities to have as much biodiversity benefit as possible. We know that windfarms do create additional habitat for a wide range of species, the question is how to do this in a way that maximizes biodiversity and helps to promote wider ecological recovery in our coastal waters. After 200 years of human-induced wildlife decline in our seas, it is time to start designing projects that regenerate lost habitats over a wider area.”
The project will explore nature inclusivity at every phase of wind-farm development, from initial planning and construction to decommissioning, considering the full scope of a wind farm – from offshore turbines to onshore substations. By integrating environmental design and operational practices, the project seeks to make positive contributions to biodiversity, supporting marine and coastal ecosystems throughout a project’s lifespan.
“As well as the race to net zero, there’s an equally pressing need for nature recovery and ecosystem restoration,” said Danny Bonnett, Wood Thilsted’s director of sustainability and chair of the project. “It’s no longer enough to merely minimize harm; we must move toward creating measurable, positive impacts on biodiversity and natural systems. This project is a crucial step toward integrating regenerative principles into offshore wind-farm design.”
Leading players from across the offshore wind value chain and engineering have expressed interest in joining the JIP as founding members.
“It’s inspiring to see this level of commitment from key industry stakeholders who recognize the dual imperative of protecting nature while advancing renewable energy,” Bonnett said.
The strength of this initiative lies in collective insight and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Tackling the twin challenges of climate and nature loss is a generational challenge that demands a globally coordinated response.
More info www.cowi.com | www.woodthilsted.com