Last year, 2024, was meant to be a threshold moment for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), with the long-awaited implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 in England poised to transform how new developments manage surface water. The year began with optimism, fuelled by rising awareness of (and urgency around) climate resilience, plus a government commitment to reducing urban flooding risks.
However, the reality fell a bit short of expectations, with Schedule 3 implementation not yet achieved, likely owing to the challenges of translating policy into practice (with a change of government also adding to the complexity).
Does this mean that 2024 was – if you’ll excuse the pun – a wash-out? Of course not. Despite the slower than hoped-for progress with the new legislation, there was plenty of development and innovation in the sustainable drainage space, including a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which states that SuDS should be considered by all development proportionate to the scale and nature of the scheme (new paragraph 182).
At GreenBlue Urban, our 2024 was rather more notable for its progress regarding increasing the uptake of sustainable drainage systems. We have seen an increase of over 59% in the use of GreenBlue Urban stormwater management products compared to 2023, reflecting a significant rise in industry adoption and a growing commitment to sustainable water management practices.
So what of 2025? Will this be the year that SuDS becomes a more mainstream solution for urban drainage challenges? We certainly think so, based on the trend we’ve seen developing over the past few years, the conversations we’re having with customers and partners, and the anticipated evolution of the legislative landscape.
Investment driving progress
The recent S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) indicated that the construction sector has been bucking the economic trend somewhat, albeit in a slightly lopsided manner (with commercial activity outpacing housebuilding), while the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Material Supply Chain Group published a message of cautious optimism in its final statement for 2024, suggesting recovery driven by government reforms and a potential easing of economic pressures. With infrastructure investment not only a cornerstone of economic productivity, but a catalyst for long-term growth, the latest Office for National Statistics figures also point towards the sort of rising confidence that underpins economic recovery. The indications are that the UK’s construction sector is set to experience an uplift starting in 2025, supported by targeted government spending and enhanced private sector activity.
This momentum is bolstered by shifting global realities that emphasise the necessity of infrastructure investment. The twin forces of urbanisation and climate change, coupled with a rising focus on sustainability, provide a compelling context for businesses to make transformative decisions:
- planning for a growing population
The UK’s urban population continues to grow, with over 83% of the population now residing in towns and cities; this ongoing trend demands smarter, more resilient infrastructure to support housing, transport and essential services. Recent government initiatives, such as plans to build more homes in key built-up areas, underscore the urgency of addressing urban challenges. Infrastructure that integrates sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), for example, not only meets these challenges head-on but also aligns with local authorities’ ambitions to future-proof urban spaces (not to mention improving the wellbeing of communities by greening more of the streetscape).
- resilience in the face of climate change
Climate change remains a dominant force shaping infrastructure needs. With a recent Environment Agency report indicating that one in four UK properties will be at risk of flooding by the middle of the century, which represents an increase of 1.7m properties on previous estimates, robust mitigation measures will be essential. The government’s focus on reducing surface water flooding, supported by enhanced drainage systems and SuDS, is central to protecting communities and assets, as indicated by the March 2024 government response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s study on reducing the risk of surface water flooding.
- sustainability as a strategic advantage
Sustainability has shifted from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a critical business imperative; government procurement policies now mandate carbon reduction plans for major contracts, incentivising companies to embed sustainability into their operations. Businesses that adopt sustainable practices not only comply with emerging regulations but also arguably gain a competitive edge in attracting investment and customers.
Expert advice on nature-based solutions
Our commitment to supporting our customers is unwavering. In 2025 we will not only continue with our integrated, holistic approach to addressing environmental and social challenges by way of green and blue infrastructure, we will be redoubling our efforts to help stakeholders navigate their way through the possibly unfamiliar territory of nature-based drainage solutions, using true partnership working to optimally support their organisational objectives:
- Innovative solutions
We will continue innovating, to bring solutions to market that balance sustainability, climate and commercial considerations, and effect a positive impact greater than the sum of its parts.
- Customer experience
Our revamped digital experience will ensure stakeholders have seamless access to expert information and services, empowering them to make the best, most well-informed decisions. - Sustainability leadership
We’re doubling down on our green credentials, embedding circular economy principles into our practices and identifying new opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborative design services
We will be operating in an even more collaborative way, including by investing in our in-house design service, to ensure we are supporting our customers’ objectives fully: developers can benefit from smoother planning processes thanks to sustainability measures that go beyond compliance, and benefit from our advice on how to best maximise the use of plot space; local authorities are supported to mitigate flood risks while reducing disruption, resident dissatisfaction and the costs of remediation (plus other knock-on economic effects); water authorities can reduce pressure on conventional sewer systems.
A shared vision for progress in 2025
As we look to the future, our role and responsibility as a trusted partner in delivering sustainable infrastructure has never been clearer. Through collaboration, expertise and innovation we are dedicated to helping customers achieve their technical, environmental and commercial objectives. Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable future that aligns with our shared purpose and values, to the benefit of our customers, wider communities and the environment.
Let’s shape the world we want to see – one sustainable drainage project at a time.
Get in touch today to explore how our expertise and innovative SuDS solutions can help your next project make a lasting impact.
