SuDS – the key to future-proofing housing

Recent shifts in national leadership have undoubtedly highlighted the contentious nature of discussions surrounding housebuilding. With Labour pledging 1.5 million new homes over the next four years, along with the prospect of the 300,000 new homes needed annually, specifiers are understandably feeling the pressure to deliver.

The reintroduction of housing targets is a key statement of intent. But if our new developments are to be resilient to increases in extreme weather, the industry must urgently rethink its relationship with water. Here, Martin Lambley, Senior Product Manager for Urban Climate Resilience at Wavin, explains how future-proofing housing for the changing climate is critical.

Rethinking our understanding of water management

More than 80% of wastewater in the UK generated by towns and cities today flows back into the environment without being treated or reused. 1 This ‘take, make, consume, and waste’ model is not only wasteful, but is also unsustainable when we consider today’s more volatile weather patterns.

These increases in extreme weather conditions, combined with the hard landscaping associated with urban locations, is testing legacy drainage and sewer systems and leading to damaging surface-level flooding. It’s no surprise that the recent report from the London Climate Resilience Review found climate change could impact the capital’s GDP by 2-3% every year by the 2050s, with costs increasing further into the second half of the century.

The re-introduction of ambitious housebuilding targets by the new government means that it really is time for the industry to repair its relationship with water, and start using it as a resource, rather than funnelling it out of town as fast as possible.

Super SuDS

1 The London Climate Resilience Review | London City Hall

With the increase in demand, and an urgency to factor in urban climate resilience, specifiers must look to the innovative solutions available today when developing the housing communities of the future.

The UK has traditionally used drainage models designed to quickly remove excess rainwater, disregarding the natural water cycle and representing a missed opportunity in the potential of water reuse and recycling. However, today’s innovative technology aligns more closely with natural processes - with sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) effectively mimicking the natural water cycle, by releasing excess rainwater into the ground at a controlled rate.

By combining both natural solutions, like ponds, soakaways and swales, with powerful purpose-built ones, like attenuation tanks, an optimum approach to water management is achieved. Products like Wavin’s AquaCell NG, provides critical flood resilience, while also ensuring that housing developments remain in-line with sustainability legislation.

Made up of 100% recycled and recyclable plastics, AquaCell NG guarantees robustness and longevity. Manufactured with ease of installation in mind, housebuilders can also benefit from push-fit functionality, as well as its unique stackable design. This ensures that, not only are sites kept clutter free, but that crucially less deliveries are required - reducing carbon emissions and disruptions to communities. Meaning SuDS are easier than ever to implement in new and existing developments.

The time to act is now

The growing demand for new homes requires urgent attention to sustainable water management, and specifiers must prioritise innovative solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience.

By taking action now, the industry can strike a crucial balance between expanding housing supply and promoting sustainability.

For more information, visit: https://promo.wavin.com/en-gb/aquacell