With demand for new build housing increasing, Michael Davies from AG explains how new legislation will add leverage for architects to benefit from specifying SuDS
SuDS represent a collection of strategies, management practices, structures, and design solutions that drain surface water-reducing flood risk – efficiently and sustainably from development sites. Flooding 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 architects, developers and housebuilders are facing tighter planning controls than ever before. 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 while simultaneously improving water quality as well as presenting an opportunity to add value to a project – making them a key tool in every architect’s toolbox.
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 architects under an intense spotlight – facing unprecedented pressure to introduce more sustainable elements into their designs.
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 possible 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 architects to seriously consider the role of SuDS in their next project.
The advantages of SuDS
Products like AG’s Xflo Permeable Paving solution, can enhance the landscape and encourage local biodiversity, playing a key part in sustainable drainage systems. The product is designed to remove surface water rapidly and safely at a rate of over 50 times the expected rainfall of a se100-year storm.
This new focus on SuDS can be used to an architect’s advantage, with a well-designed SuDS system likely to speed up the approval process – delighting builders and homeowners alike. As well as improving the aesthetics of a development, creating a better and more desirable place to settle, quality SuDS which incorporate open spaces – such as ponds – can increase land value and house prices as much as 10% – providing a new opportunity to increase capital.
SuDS are becoming more prevalent in the construction sector, which is perhaps no surprise. As it stands, Wales is the only country in the United Kingdom with legislation in place that requires all planning applications to include SuDS. However, this month, a new approach to sustainable drainage has been announced by the UK government, following pressure from the industry to act now and implement schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
Schedule 3 of the Act established a process to ensure that any new development includes high quality SuDS. The legislation will, according to the government, “reduce the risk of surface water flooding, pollution and help alleviate the pressures on our traditional drainage and sewerage systems.”
Consequently, architects are beginning 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.
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 while 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 architects 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.
Manufacturers are keen to support architects, builders and developers in the development process, allowing them 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.
Michael Davies is technical manager at AG