Sustainable urban Drainage Systems in the UAE: Creating positive change through design

For property planners, developers, architects, local municipalities and others involved in urban development across the UAE and Gulf region, sustainability is arguably the biggest single opportunity and challenge for now and the future.

It underpins legislative and regulatory requirements, visions and strategies, as well as collective moral obligations for those involved in helping shape the future landscape and fabric of the region.

And whilst the future of the desert may be green, making the vision a reality depends on water. Or more accurately - successful sustainable water management.

Modern technological approaches such as Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are crucial for building a region that not only meets legislative and regulatory requirements, but that will enable future generations to thrive and prosper.

Why sustainability matters

Sustainability in general terms is right at the heart of numerous Gulf region visions, strategies and plans, such as UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Centennial 2071,  as well as regulations and legislation including Estidama, GSAS/QSAS and the Dubai Green Building Regulations.

UAE Vision 2021

“The UAE Government wants to ensure sustainable development while preserving the environment, and to achieve a perfect balance between economic and social development

 

To do that, the UAE Vision 2021 National Agenda focuses on improving the quality of air, preserving water resources, increasing the contribution of clean energy and implementing green growth plans.”

Planning for the future to ensure happiness and prosperity for generations to come is a fundamental element of the UAE’s philosophy and a significant driving force for the region.

The sustainability challenge

It’s little wonder that sustainability is such a critical issue for the UAE and Gulf region. Rapid population growth in Dubai from 20 thousand inhabitants in 1950 to a projected 2 million in 2020 (per Dubai 2020 Masterplan) shows the scale of the issue.

EcoMENA  points out that despite being one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, United Arab Emirates is one of the largest consumers of water per capita globally – with per capita water consumption at 550 litres per day.

Not only that, but the effects of mass urban development and climate change can mean flood risk and the numerous associated problems In short, solutions are required to protect the region from the effects of too little – or too much water.

Regional municipalities increasingly require planners and developers to demonstrate how a more sustainable approach to water drainage is to be incorporated into development proposals, before municipality approvals are granted.

This is where SuDS come in.

How SuDS can help create sustainable urban development

Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) provide a means to harvest and use all accessible water sources – including storm water, air conditioner condensate and irrigation run-off. By limiting the rate of surface water discharge (and reducing flooding), they reduce water wastage and create an opportunity for sustainable living and more resilient urban developments.

SuDS can help all those involved in urban development meet legislative and regulatory obligations, whilst helping communities reap the benefits of a sustainable water solution.

What are SuDS

At Polypipe, our extensive range of drainage, rainwater systems and water management systems including SuDS technology such as Polystorm and Permavoid help create resilient, sustainable cities.

Polystorm is designed for use in lightly trafficked and non-trafficked areas, and can help developers create space for managing water within the built environment. Its geocelluar design can create a strong, flexible tank below parks, roads (or other hard surfaces) to store water channelled from buildings and surface drains.

It means that instead of surface and storm water running off directly into the sewer system as water waste (and potentially flooding sewer systems), it’s captured and diverted to be reused to help sustain the local environment.

Polystorm SuDS from Polypipe

Permavoid is a shallow geocellular water conservation system aimed at managing surface water at source, as close to where it falls as possible.

It can be used directly below porous paving and drain asphalt surfaces as a source control technique, or below impermeable top surfaces in conjunction with a water treatment system such as Permachannel. It’s ideal for pavement structures and projects requiring shallow soakaway, attenuation or detention such as contaminated ground and in areas with high water tables.

Not only do the SuDS from Polypipe help reduce and harness surface storm water, thereby reducing flood risk, they also reduce the amount of irrigation water that’s needed to keep local green spaces watered, as the collected water is reused at source.  

Would SuDS help your project meet your regulatory and sustainability obligations?

Having operated in the Middle East for over 50 years, Polypipe is well-versed in regional practices, requirements and regulations, as well as helping property developers and planners identify innovative sustainable water management solutions to meet their regulatory and sustainability obligations. Get in touch to find out how Polypipe can help your project.

Contact us today to discuss the transformative solutions for your project:

Tel: +971 (0) 4 518 3000

Email: middleeast@polypipe.com