“Nature works as an ecosystem, but we work as silos” – Roshini Mistry, Environmental Scientist at AtkinsRealis
Nature thrives through interconnected systems – with forests, wetlands, and rivers seamlessly collaborating to manage water flow, filter pollutants, and support biodiversity. Our approach to managing water falls short, fragmented instead by isolated policies, infrastructure gaps, and uncoordinated efforts between industries.
At a recent roundtable, surface water management experts, Wavin, brought together a number of the brightest young minds in the environment and water sector to tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry: how do we change the way surface water is managed within cities?
The event, held at the prestigious Sky Garden, focused on practical solutions: the need for integrated green-grey infrastructure, wider public awareness, and stronger policies to promote the widespread adoption of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). Here, James Hunt, Technical Lead for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin discusses the hope and optimism discussed at Wavin’s recent roundtable with Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management’s (CIWEM) Early Careers Network and the solutions born out of collaboration.
Integrating Grey and Green
At the heart of effective water management lies the integration of green and grey infrastructure. Traditionally, grey infrastructure—such as underground pipes, sewers, and retention tanks—has been the backbone of urban water management. However, with the increased strain of population growth and more frequent extreme weather events, a more comprehensive solution is required.
This is where SuDS, which focuses on green, nature-based solutions like rain gardens, and tree pits, can play its role. These “green” systems help to slow water flow, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding, all while enhancing biodiversity and creating more pleasant urban spaces. The synergy of grey and green systems offers the best of both worlds: the robustness of engineered solutions alongside the benefits of natural water management.
By embracing a hybrid strategy, we can build the resilient cities needed to manage water more sustainably, fostering healthier environments for our residents – but how do we get there?
Partnering for Progress
One of the biggest barriers to achieving these integrated solutions is the siloed nature of urban planning. Different sectors—water management, city planning, transport, and environmental conservation—often work independently, each focused on their own priorities and outputs. As a result, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration are missed, and innovative solutions like SuDS, which have multi-faceted benefits, are only viewed and valued in one light.
This was a key theme at Wavin’s latest roundtable with CIWEM’s Early Careers Network, where those at the start of their career discussed how the water industry can tackle these issues head on. A recurring message from the youngest generation of scientists, engineers and ecologists was the need to break down these silos and adopt a multidisciplinary approach. Collaboration across industries is crucial to creating integrated, sustainable water systems, and events like Wavin’s are examples of how the industry can change.
Learning lessons is also a critical part of this. Whether it’s from studying the successes of SuDS projects within cities or public engagement with the UK’s sewage crisis, there’s much to learn from examining the industry as a whole. For example, the growing public awareness and outrage over sewage pollution has been key in shaping policy and translating concern into concrete action. Through engaging the public, early and often, and framing SuDS as part of the broader fight against climate change, a crucial consensus for action can be built.
Regulation: A Blocker or Enabler?
The implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act, requiring all large new developments to be equipped with SuDS, marks a significant milestone for the industry. While for many it is seen as a potential game changer, there is growing concern around delays in its implementation and whether it will be enough to drive the necessary change.
In Wales and Scotland, where mandatory SuDS regulations have already been implemented, valuable insights can be gained from their differing approaches. While it is clear more robust regulation that mandate SuDS is necessary, all hope should not be pinned on this. Policy alone isn’t enough, public demand for nature-based solutions, and holistic approaches are critical for the accelerated adoption of SuDS across the country.
Building a Resilient Future Together
The future of urban water management depends on collaboration and shared responsibility. From local authorities to developers, water companies to residents, everyone has a role to play in creating resilient cities. By learning from other industries, adopting best practices, and embracing a hybrid approach to infrastructure, we can make meaningful strides towards sustainable urban environments.
At Wavin, we are committed to driving this change. Through partnerships with organisations like the CIWEM, we are working to create actionable strategies that break down silos and build holistic water management solutions for the future. By working together, we can ensure our cities not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.
For more information on how Wavin is supporting the development of sustainable urban communities, visit: Urban Climate Resilience Solutions | Wavin