SuDS through street works project

Project highlights

We've developed a market-based approach to incentivise street works to install sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) for flood mitigation.

Challenge: Managing stormwater in a changing climate

There is a real and present risk of flooding for heavy rainstorms, with more than 320,000 properties at high risk in London alone. This risk is increasing due to growth, climate change and the increasing loss of permeable green spaces. 

Solution: Incentivising SuDS Installation

This project has developed a world-first market-based approach. We've worked with utility companies and highways agencies to identify a mechanism to incentivise installing sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), for example rain gardens during street works. This method is used instead of simply replacing the original surface after excavations. 

SuDS are designed to mimic natural water processes. They slow the flow of rainwater which reduces flood risk and the impact of pollution.  

This innovative framework has: 

• provided a cost-effective flood mitigation
• reduced roadwork disruptions
• transformed urban spaces into greener, more biodiverse environments
• improved the climate resilience of neighbourhoods and streets.