Coventry University has pioneered research in Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that has revolutionised the way infrastructure and ecology can combine, and guided sector expertise resulting in landscape transformation.
Issue
Urbanisation and climate change are producing insecure, degraded ecosystems as flooding and pollution are increasing worldwide.
Approach
Since 2000, SuDS research at Coventry University has aimed to discover and improve measures that facilitate rainfall soaking into the ground, rather than running off and generating flooding. Once the water is below ground, work has investigated ways to remove pollutants, deactivating toxins in-situ by microbiological processes.
Researchers have worked extensively with industry to bring new knowledge to SuDS and integrate these techniques into drainage designs.
Impact
Research has resulted in tangible impacts on companies working with Coventry University through product development and downstream environmental benefits.
A major project has been the development of permeable pavements, with the UK Committee on Climate Change stating that during 2009-13 “an estimated 5,100,000m2 of permeable paving was installed in England”.
Coventry University research has informed a number of other projects including gas migration prevention technology, protecting from landfill gases and enabling regeneration of difficult environments, and placing retrofit green roofs on existing infrastructure.
More information
Institution: Coventry University
Researchers: Dr Steve Coupe, Professor Sue Charlesworth, Professor Alan Newman, Dr Liz Trenchard, Dr Luis Sañudo Fontaneda, Dr Craig Lashford, Dr Fredrick Mbanas