GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
SMART , SCALABLE SUDS : STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
Climate change and urbanisation are pushing our drainage networks to the edge of their capabilities – and beyond . A combination of a preference for impermeable surfaces , population growth and more intense rainfall events ( owing to climate change ) has left our sewer networks struggling to cope . The result ? More frequent surface water flooding , overwhelmed wastewater treatment works and harmful combined sewer overflow ( CSO ) discharges into rivers and seas .
Innovation for Better Flood Resilience But there is a smart , scalable solution : Sustainable Drainage Systems ( SuDS ). When implemented at scale , discrete SuDS interventions add up to an effect that is more than the sum of their parts , providing a transformative positive impact on urban water management capabilities – without the cost and long-term disruption of overhauling existing sewer infrastructure .
The solution isn ’ t just about expanding capacity , it ’ s about working smarter , and using nature-based systems to deliver wider benefits as well as solve the immediate issue of easily overwhelmed sewers . SuDS offer a way to manage water sustainably , easing the burden on traditional sewer systems while simultaneously delivering improved environmental and social outcomes .
Scalable , Sustainable and Effective When deployed strategically at scale , small SuDS interventions – such as permeable paving , raingardens , bioswales , green roofs and tree pits – can deliver huge benefits .
These features help slow , store and filter stormwater at source , preventing it from overwhelming drainage networks . The advantages include :
• Reduced flood risk : small SuDS absorb and attenuate stormwater before it reaches sewers , reducing surface water flooding .
• Improved water quality : SuDS filter out pollutants , preventing contaminants from washing into rivers and watercourses .
• Quick , low-disruption installation : unlike major drainage infrastructure projects , SuDS can be installed rapidly with minimal disruption to local communities .
• Enhanced urban biodiversity : green SuDS features provide vital habitats for pollinators and other wildlife , improving ecological health .
• Better public spaces : green SuDS create more attractive , cooler and quieter streetscapes , improving urban liveability .
Proven Performance , Engineered for Success The effectiveness of SuDS is no longer theoretical , it ’ s proven . Independently tested systems , developed by hydraulic engineering specialists , demonstrate that SuDS can handle significant stormwater volumes while maintaining efficiency over time .
For example , our SuDSPOD product has been undergoing testing by EUGINE ( Enhancing Urban Green Infrastructure via kNowledge
Exchange ) – a collaborative project between The University of Sheffield and Severn Trent Water – and the interim results have highlighted SuDSPod as a highly effective attenuation solution for managing stormwater at the downpipe level .
The trial demonstrated that the SuDSPod provides significant peak flow attenuation , reducing peak inflow by up to 5.9 l / min for a 46.5 m ² catchment during an M10-240 rainfall event . The system maintained consistent performance over the four-month trial period , with no reported maintenance issues . Additionally , its robust hydraulic model has been validated against real-world data , confirming its ability to predict and manage water flow effectively .
These findings position the SuDSPod as a reliable , scalable and lowmaintenance solution for sustainable urban drainage , making it an attractive option for widespread deployment where there is a need for pressure to be taken off the existing sewer network to reduce surfacewater flooding and CSO discharges .
SuDS are not just a ‘ nice-to-have ’, they are a necessity for futureproofing urban infrastructure against climate change . To find out more about the proven capabilities of our SuDSPOD , and other discrete SuDS solutions suitable for deploying at scale , contact us today .
Contact us today to learn more Hello @ GreenBlue . com
Greenblue . com
44 www . landud . co . uk Follow us @ ludmagazine