In the face of escalating urban flooding 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.
With the UK’s sewerage infrastructure straining under the pressures of ageing and the intensified rainfall due to climate change, the urgency for innovative and effective drainage solutions has never been greater.
Put simply, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) prevent urban flooding 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 benefits, but also help to cool cities down, offsetting the ‘heat island’ effect where built-up areas are significantly warmer than their surroundings.
All of this means that SuDS could not only play a critical role in managing urban flood risks, but in ensuring that water is handled in a way that benefits the environment too.
Overcoming barriers
Despite the fact that SuDS has been available for decades – and is a proven approach to mitigating flood 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 specifically to bolster the uptake of SuDS in new construction projects. This raises questions around the barriers to widespread adoption.
One significant barrier to broader SuDS implementation lies in the housebuilding community’s apprehension, and knowledge gap. Misgivings range from concerns over the complexity of SuDS installation, to a lack of definitive clarity surrounding the definition 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 SuDS for builders and developers.
The forthcoming enforcement of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England, which mandates the incorporation of SuDS in all new residential developments larger than 100 m2, represents a watershed moment. This legislative shift, already in effect in Wales since 2019, signals an urgent need for the housebuilding sector to adapt swiftly. Yet, the introduction of this mandate also highlights the importance of recognising the unique characteristics of each development site to ensure the successful implementation of SuDS.
Tailoring sustainable drainage solutions to specific site conditions – taking into account factors like soil type, topography and the existing infrastructure – is essential for maximising their effectiveness. The early integration of SuDS 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 flooding risks.
Collaboration is key
Leading innovators in the drainage solution sector are poised to support housebuilders in addressing the complexities associated with adopting SuDS. Through a combination of educational initiatives, custom product solutions, and expert guidance, these innovators are committed to facilitating a smoother transition to sustainable drainage practices for developers. Collaboration among stakeholders, including local authorities, environmental agencies and drainage specialists, is crucial in overcoming the challenges of implementing SuDS effectively.
With ongoing urban expansion across the UK, especially in regions marked by significant growth, the drainage sector’s role in supporting housebuilders and developers becomes increasingly greater.
Sustainable drainage systems don’t merely offer a means to comply with emerging regulations but also an opportunity for developers to differentiate their projects in a competitive market. By emphasising the environmental benefits of SuDS, housebuilders can appeal to a growing demographic of environmentally conscious buyers, thereby enhancing the marketability of their developments.
Safeguarding urban environments
The adoption of SuDS into new housing projects represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, one that prioritises the wellbeing of communities and the environment. The benefits of such systems extend beyond flood mitigation, encompassing improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and the creation of more aesthetically pleasing landscapes.
The transition towards sustainable drainage is not merely a regulatory obligation but a strategic opportunity for the UK’s housebuilding industry. By embracing SuDS, developers can play a pivotal role in transforming urban landscapes into resilient, sustainable and attractive living spaces. However, those in the drainage sector need to be committed to leading this charge, offering the expertise, innovative solutions and support necessary to make sustainable urban drainage a reality for developers – and residents – across the nation.
As the UK tackles an increase in urban flooding while also being confronted with the challenges of climate change and urbanisation, exploring all avenues is critical. However, the widespread adoption of SuDS could play a key role not only in safeguarding communities, but in protecting the environment in the long term, too.
Richard Eddy is category manager of underground & utilities at Polypipe Building Products