Greening coastal infrastructure through eco-engineering (C820)

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Over the past two decades, academics worldwide have been researching and trialling innovative methods of adapting typical engineered coastal assets to boost biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. There is rapidly growing use of eco-engineering techniques by practitioners and policymakers worldwide. Research on and practical applications of ecological enhancement using eco-engineering techniques to ‘green the grey’ has now matured sufficiently for this first CIRIA practitioner-led guidance to be created.

The overall aim of this publication is to demonstrate the multifunctional value and impact of ecological enhancements in hard coastal engineering projects using eco-engineering techniques. This high-level guidance clarifies its role as part of an asset management strategy from an engineering, asset management and biodiversity perspective. Importantly, since the first CIRIA briefing on this topic in 2014, the academic and practice community has been clear that these eco-engineering approaches for greening of hard grey engineering assets are only recommended where no other more natural, nature-based solutions to coastal flood and erosion risk are considered socially or economically feasible.

The guide is primarily targeted at asset owners, engineers, coastal ecologists and other stakeholders involved in the design, construction, management, planning, regulation and operation of coastal infrastructure (eg Shoreline Management Plans in England and Wales and Coastal Change Adaptation Plans in Scotland), geomorphological and eco-engineering experts and practitioners involved with improving biodiversity. In addition, parts of the guide also aim to be of interest to politicians, local authorities and academia.

While the focus of the guide is on UK-based eco-engineering schemes, the information may also be applicable to similar coastal environments across European coastlines and some examples outside the UK are also provided.

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ISBN: 978-0-86017-967-2
Author: Roca, M, Heredge, J, Proença, B, Rato, L D, De Sutter, R, Hick, E, Flikweert, J, Challinor, S, Naylor, L A, Matthewson, T
Number of pages: 220
Publisher: CIRIA
Date of Publication: July 2025