The British climate has long been a topic of both complaint and fascination. While the stereotypical image of the UK is one of persistent drizzle and overcast skies, statistical insights reveal a more nuanced picture. Despite common gripes about continuous rain, there is evidence to suggest that the UK enjoys a fair share of sunshine. However, the pressing reality of climate change is reshaping these perceptions. Recent shifts in weather patterns suggest a trend towards wetter conditions across the nation. This developing climate necessitates a re-evaluation of how we manage rainwater, particularly through the employment of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in both urban and rural settings.
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Recent meteorological data from the Met Office underscore the severity of these changes. England has experienced unprecedented rainfall, marking the 18 months leading up to March 2024 as the wettest period since record-keeping began in 1836. The UK as a whole has witnessed its fourth wettest period on record. This upsurge in precipitation is coupled with rising temperatures, as winters have become warmer by an average of 1°C and 15% wetter over the past century. Such statistics highlight the urgent need to adapt water management strategies to address the increasing unpredictability and frequency of extreme weather events associated with climate change.
In light of these climatic shifts, the implementation of SuDS has become a critical component of modern construction projects. These systems are now mandatory for most new developments in England, aligning with established regulations in Wales and Scotland under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. This legislation mandates that SuDS must receive approval from local SuDS Approval Bodies (SABs), guided by engineering consultancies such as Ciria. Traditional methods of stormwater management, often dependent on large, subterranean tanks, are increasingly considered inadequate. These conventional systems are not only costly and environmentally burdensome but also misaligned with the principles of sustainable development, particularly on brownfield sites that present complex drainage challenges.
Innovative approaches to stormwater attenuation are gaining traction, focusing on managing water at its source. This method is exemplified by systems integrated into the construction subbase of car parks or beneath buildings. Such strategies align with the four established pillars of SuDS: water quantity and quality management, amenity enhancement, and biodiversity support. In addition, a fifth pillar—sustainability—should be recognised as crucial, ensuring that these systems bolster climate resilience. A notable advancement in this area is the development of subbase water attenuation systems like Formavoid. These systems employ plastic trays filled with aggregate to create a drainage layer close to the surface, reducing the need for extensive excavation and material transport, thus adhering to sustainable practices.
A practical application of this innovative approach is seen at North Manchester General Hospital, where a Formavoid system was installed beneath a multistorey car park. This system, with a capacity of holding up to 300m³ of rainwater, circumvented the need for intricate engineering solutions to navigate existing utility pipes and cables. The project significantly reduced soil displacement and material transport, exemplifying the efficiency and sustainability of at-source attenuation solutions.
Looking towards the future, the construction and engineering sectors must continue to embrace novel water management strategies to counter the challenges posed by climate change. At-source systems, which are versatile and can be expanded in tandem with site developments, offer a promising, scalable solution. These systems can seamlessly integrate with capture-and-treat models, utilising natural processes to manage water quality without the reliance on large interceptor tanks. The move towards super-thin attenuation systems is a necessary evolution in SuDS design, driven by the realities of climate change and the imperative for sustainable development. By rethinking our approach to stormwater management, we can fortify our urban and rural environments, ensuring they remain resilient and adaptable in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
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