SuDS and surface water - the 'retro' trend for green recovery

In this webinar, the importance of retrofit SuDS and good practice in achieving them was explored. 

Retrofit projects are gaining traction. Since CIRIA’s guidance on ‘Retrofitting to manage surface water’ (C713F, 2012), there have been many new initiatives, evidenced in part by those submitted to the susdrain SuDS Awards.

Wavin’s blog from December 2022 discusses the opportunities and challenges faced.

As we in the UK recover from COVID and consider improving our environment, we can share our experiences and lessons learned with others.

Ofwat, in collaboration with Defra, the Environment Agency, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, and the Consumer Council for Water, has supported water companies to deliver a more resilient, greener and healthier future. As part of this, Severn Trent Water is investing £76 million in Mansfield on a range of nature-based solutions to protect communities from flooding.   

Now that SuDS will soon be required in all new development, we must not forget that existing infrastructure also needs attention for flood risk management as well as for the multiple benefits that can be achieved.

At this webinar we heard about:
• the importance of retrofit surface water management
• retrofitting nature-based solutions in Mansfield.
• the need for community engagement in retrofit projects
• surface water management in Ukraine and how the lessons learned in UK can help