From threat to opportunity – revaluating storm water management in urban areas

Storm water has long been considered an obstacle with negative effects on movement and health in urban areas. But an increased focus on sustainability has led us to revaluate the role of storm water. The report “From threat to opportunity – revaluating storm water management in urban areas” investigates how sustainable storm water management can contribute to the creation of liveable cities.

There are various approaches to managing excess water originating from rain and snowfall. It traditionally includes drainage of water through infrastructure such as sewers, but increasingly sophisticated sustainable approaches with various “Blue-Green Infrastructure” measures are needed.  Without effective storm water management, it could cause flooding affecting the lives of the citizens living, working and moving through urban areas, and prevent the movement of goods and information. Sustainable storm water management combines conventional “hard” engineering with “soft” landscaping – to create Blue-Green infrastructure that uses storm water as an asset for green cities.

To ensure sustainable quality of life in liveable and attractive cities, we need to utilize many different ideas and perspectives on storm water management from storm water professionals as well as citizens. The Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) approach is of importance in securing a sustainable future and generating multiple benefits in the environmental, ecological, social and cultural spheres.