Catch up on the Climate Resilient Streets Conference

Our team was at the first ever Climate Resilient Streets Conference in London, sharing insightful discussions on how to design sustainable changes that limit the repercussions of climate change.  

Rising temperatures are causing a major decrease in biodiversity as well as several issues with the world water systems, increasing flood risks and compromising air and water quality.  

Implementing greening elements to cities and streets is one of the best ways to reduce the impact of climate change. The government has recognised the importance of making changes to our environment before it’s too late and has pledged funding to assist local authorities to prepare. 

What strategies are currently in place?

Biodiversity Net Gain

From January 2024, public and private sector developers will have to demonstrate an increase of at least 10% of biodiversity in their new developments. This is set to create new habitats for various wildlife species as well as attractive spaces for residents and visitors to swap their cars with walking or cycle trips.  

Plants and green spaces have a key role in absorbing heat and reducing pollution, which also help to clean water and air. As the need to improve air quality has become greater, our sister company, Vortex, can also support you with monitoring carbon emissions, identifying pollution hotspots and maximising public awareness. 

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) set to become mandatory

In the past year, most parts of the UK have been affected by heavy rain and severe flooding. The government is requiring developers to approach new SuDS to alleviate the risk of flooding and the impact of rainfall on properties and people. The green features which are typical of SuDs will

Climate change scientists and the urgent need for intervention

In 2019, the UK Parliament declared a state of climate emergency. With the UN saying we could have just 11 years left to limit a climate change catastrophe. Climate change: What is a climate emergency? – BBC News   

Climate scientists are increasing their presence on UK television and conferences to spread awareness on the extreme weather events that have been impacting the country in the last decade. We need to increase green areas within the built environment, and we need to do it fast if we want to have a direct impact on climate resilience. 

The Climate Resilient Streets Conference

The conference attracted local authorities and developers from across the country as well as urban planners, engineers and landscape architects.  

By speaking to stakeholders about barriers for creating climate resilient places, we found that the main concerns are related to funding and the idea of having to implement major projects with unsustainable costs.  

Project Centre has a long history of working with private and public sector clients, focusing on cost-effective interventions which overall have positively impacted communities and stakeholders. The key to some of our award-winning schemes has been our team’s ability to work collaboratively, engaging the community and councils to consider new sustainable measures. 

Our community engagement and industry innovations research helped us develop tailored solutions for boosting biodiversity and reducing flood risks, as well as exposing our clients to new funding opportunities. 

“Why partnership working is key to transforming our streets”

Our Associate Engineer for flood and water management, Joe Hitchman, presented at the conference, discussing our holistic approach to planning for SuDs in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. 

Waltham Forest experienced some severe flooding episodes, causing damages to residents and properties. The Council commissioned us to assess potential flood mitigation areas and provide landscape design and drainage services where needed.  

Through an optioneering study, our expert team identified 29 flood mitigation opportunities. By also engaging with stakeholders and the community, via face-to-face events, information boards and digital questionnaires, we shortlisted three main areas or intervention: Larkswood Park, Rolls Sport Centre and Memorial Park. 

From installing rain gardens, permeable paving and underground storage tanks, to creating wetlands and attenuation basins, our team developed a comprehensive approach to address flooding. The sustainable drainage systems in Memorial Park, Larkswood Park and the Rolls Sport Centre provide a combined flood attenuation of over 5,000m³.  

Our projects have also given residents the opportunity to increase their interaction with wildlife. Through improving local parks, as well as creating a space for socialising, contemplation and recreation. 

Our team’s targeted interventions have been cost-effective and contributed to the reduction of flooding risks. The increased biodiversity drove more species and new habitats to the area as well as the increased amenities attracted more residents and visitors. The new rain gardens were also host to a community planting day. From its numerous benefits to the environment and community, our Waltham Forest schemes have recently won the Highways Award for Winter Service and Climate Resilience.