ARCADIS (EURONEXT: ARCAD), an international consulting and engineering company, today announced that two of its experts were part of a team that was honored with a Project of the Year award by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) for Weapons Systems and Platforms.

Dr. Ram Hashmonay and Dr. Robert Kagann, who work in ARCADIS’ Durham, NC, office, contributed to the development of a comprehensive emission-characterization program for military aircraft operating in normal environmental conditions at a given location. Emissions were measured in relation to several factors such as engine power setting, sampling configuration, and measurement technique.

“Dr. Kagann and I are very proud to contribute to this award-winning project,” said Dr. Hashmonay. “The team of experts that DoD assembled is top notch and it was an honor to work with them.”

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by DoD for our work on this important program,” said Dr. Kagann. “Dr. Hashmonay and I consider it a privilege to represent ARCADIS and to be a part of the team.”

The team concluded that the growing demand for jet air service for war fighting and transport of cargo and soldiers is increasing emissions, which deteriorate local and regional air quality and visibility. Aircraft fuel and emissions contain mixtures of gas and particle pollutants that can harm human health and the environment.

The lack of a standard methodology had hindered efforts to accurately measure military aircraft emissions. Through the efforts of the team, led by SERDP’s Dr. Meng-Dawn Cheng, cutting-edge measurement techniques and instruments are now available for military aircraft emissions. The aircraft emissions data reduce any uncertainties that were previously associated with existing emission estimates, support regulatory decision making, and assist in the design of cost-effective, air pollution control strategies.

SERDP is DoD’s environmental science and technology program, executed in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, with participation by numerous other federal and non-federal organizations. To address the highest priority issues confronting the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, SERDP focuses on cross-service requirements and pursues high-risk/high-payoff solutions to DoD’s most challenging environmental problems. The development and application of innovative environmental technologies support the long-term sustainability of DoD’s training and testing ranges as well as significantly reduce current and future environmental liabilities.

ARCADIS is an international company providing consultancy, engineering and management services in infrastructure, environment and buildings, to enhance mobility, sustainability and quality of life. ARCADIS develops, designs, implements, maintains and operates projects for companies and governments. With more than 14,000 employees and more than $2 billion in gross revenue, the company has an extensive international network that is supported by strong local market positions.