GROUNDWORKS 57


BREAKING BARRIERS TO SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE


In the face of escalating urban fl ooding challenges across the UK, Richard Eddy of Polypipe Building Products looks how to break down the barriers to introducing sustainable drainage systems in housebuilding projects.


W


ith the UK’s sewerage infrastructure straining under the pressures of ageing and the


intensifi ed rainfall due to climate change, the urgency for innovative and effective drainage solutions has never been greater. Put simply, Sustainable rainage Systems (SuS prevent urban fl ooding by lessening the amount of rainwater that rushes into sewers when it pours while also cleaning the water naturally, removing contaminants. They do this by using natural methods to deal with rainfall, holding onto the water and letting it soak into the earth or releasing it gradually  instead of just funnelling rainwater into sewers and rivers like traditional drainage does. This method not only eases the burden on our sewer infrastructure but also helps to boost city greenery and wildlife by integrating features like green roofs, rain gardens and porous paths. These elements not only have aesthetic and environmental benefi ts, but also help to cool cities down, offsetting the heat island effect where built-up areas are signifi cantly warmer than their surroundings.


ll of this means that SuS could not only play a critical role in managing urban fl ood risks, but in ensuring that water is handled in a way that benefi ts the environment too.


OVERCOMING BARRIERS


espite the fact that SuS has been available for decades  and is a proven approach to mitigating fl ood risks by managing rainwater at its source  their adoption within new build developments has been surprisingly slow. This is despite the fact that Ofwat’s Code for Adoption guidance, which was introduced in 2021, was aimed specifi cally to bolster


the uptake of SuS in new construction projects. This raises questions around the barriers to widespread adoption. One signifi cant barrier to broader SuS implementation lies in the housebuilding communitys apprehension, and knowledge gap. isgivings range from concerns over the complexity of SuS installation, to a lack of defi nitive clarity surrounding the defi nition and requirements of their integration into projects. Such hurdles are further compounded by a notable gap in the availability of information and resources aimed at explaining SuS for builders and developers.


The forthcoming enforcement of Schedule 3 of the Flood and ater anagement ct 2010 in ngland, which mandates the incorporation of SuS in all new residential developments larger than


100 m2


, represents a watershed moment. This legislative shift, already in effect in ales since 201, signals an urgent need for the housebuilding sector to adapt swiftly. et, the introduction of this mandate also highlights the importance of recognising the unique characteristics of each development site to ensure the successful implementation of SuS. Tailoring sustainable drainage solutions to specifi c site conditions  taking into account factors like soil type, topography and the existing infrastructure  is essential for maximising their effectiveness. The early integration of SuS planning and design stages into development projects not only facilitates compliance but also enhances the long-term resilience and sustainability of urban areas against increasing fl ooding risks.


ONE SIGNIFICANT BARRIER TO BROADER SUDS IMPLEMENTATION LIES IN THE HOUSEBUILDING COMMUNITY’S APPREHENSION AND KNOWLEDGE GAP


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