SUSTAINABILITY
PAVING FOR CHANGE - THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF SUDS
Reducing flood risk is increasingly important in the face of climate change and is something that all builders need to be aware of when planning their projects. Which means merchants need to be aware of its importance too.
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looding and flash flooding have been all too prevalent over the last few years in the UK and mitigating flood risk is becoming even more important, as is water conservation, meaning developers and housebuilders are facing tighter planning controls than ever before.
That’s according to Michael Davies, Technical Manager from paving specialist AG, who adds: “This has led to many domestic and commercial projects calling for new and innovative ways to manage water runoff that arises from developments and drainage.” Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) can contribute to both of these necessary needs whilst simultaneously improving water quality as well as presenting an opportunity for housebuilders to add value to their project– making them a key tool in every builder’s toolbox.
Davies says: “Since 1961, the number of three consecutive days of rainfall (API 3) has risen 50%. This, coupled with the fact that we are building more than ever, has led to an increase in water-stressed areas where the conservation of water is a critical challenge. This has put housebuilders and developers under an intense spotlight - facing unprecedented pressure to introduce more sustainable ways of working.” He points out that there is often little warning when it comes to surface water flooding and although weather forecasting is improving all the time, it is not always impossible to forecast intense rain.” The severe flooding seen over the last few years has no doubt influenced people’s perception of climate control and subsequently, we are seeing the government raise SuDS higher up in their agenda – forcing developers and builders to seriously consider the role of SuDS in their next build.”
Davies says that this new focus on SuDS can be used to a merchant’s advantage, with a well-designed SuDS system likely to speed up the approval process. “As well as massively improving the aesthetics of a development, creating a better and more desirable place to
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settle, quality SuDS which incorporate open spaces such as ponds can increase land value and house prices as much as 10% - providing builders a new opportunity to increase capital.”
Recent legislation means that all planning applications need to include SuDS, leading to developers having to set aside more land for green areas, increasing the landscaping and the number of trees taking carbon out of the atmosphere – therefore resulting in a more positive environmental impact. Davies says: “At AG, we aim to enhance landscapes and encourage local biodiversity. Our Xflo Permeable Paving Solution plays a key part in sustainable drainage systems and is designed to remove surface water rapidly and safely at a rate of over fifty times the expected rainfall of a one-hundred-year storm.” The harnessed water can then slowly infiltrate through the system and back into the ground with pollutants removed, or in line with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles, be attenuated for recycling for both domestic and commercial use (or diverted to create natural wildlife ponds). Either way, the surface water is controlled as it flows through the system.
The range comes in over 15 colours as well a variety of styles and aesthetics and is extremely hardwearing – making it the ideal choice for access roads, driveways, or paths. Davies adds: “There is no doubt that SuDS are here to stay. After all, we must continue to be able to control and mitigate flood risk – improving water quality whilst significantly contributing to the UK’s carbon-neutral goal. Right across the construction sector, we should focus on incorporating them into schemes from the beginning right through to the end. However, it is also important for builders and developers to know that SuDS is not a case of one-size-fits-all. Therefore, careful consideration should take place to determine the most appropriate system for each project.
“At AG we are keen to support housebuilders and developers in the development process, allowing us to properly implement SuDS from conception through to completion. We are seeing a wide range of projects starting to specify SuDS solutions, and with legislation continuing to change, we predict SuDS being an even greater driving force, paving the route to sustainability within the industry.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2022
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