Introducing SuDSPod: GreenBlue Urban’s Revolutionary Solution for Sustainable Stormwater Management
GreenBlue Urban is proud to announce the launch of SuDSPod, a groundbreaking and cost-effective solution that addresses many challenges associated with stormwater management. SuDSPod offers an innovative approach to on-plot attenuation, delivering unparalleled performance while tackling issues such as peak flow rates from roofs, complex designs, and combined sewer overflow (CSO) overspills. Traditional stormwater management […]
SUDS Mitigation: An Holistic Approach to Water Quality and Biodiversity
The preservation of water quality and the protection of biodiversity are two critical aspects of modern urban development. As our towns and cities expand, as new housing and commercial developments emerge, the strain on natural resources and ecosystems becomes more pronounced. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) offer an innovative and effective way to address both […]
Why is integrated landscape and drainage perceived as expensive?
It’s not an easy one; the land is in short supply, as they’re not making it anymore. Land designated for development is in even more short supply – local authorities are not allowing development on land in many areas which could alleviate the pressures in the building process. But why should they? Much of our […]
Harmony in the Concrete Jungle: The Principles of SuDS
As our towns and cities continue to expand and face the challenges of climate change, integrating the four principles of sustainable urban drainage becomes imperative for managing water efficiently and responsibly. With UK legislation changing the way for a greener, more resilient urban environment it is ever more imperative to have a full understanding of […]
Why is Soil Volume So Important?
Those that have listened to our CPDs and read previous blogs will know the term, Right Tree, Right Place, Right way there are many important factors when considering maximum tree canopy in urban areas, especially when space is limited. Previously we have highlighted the importance of healthy uncompacted aerated soil, being that in poor-quality soil areas […]
Biodiversity Net Gain: what does success look like?
In recent years, concerns over biodiversity loss have intensified, leading to the development of innovative strategies to protect and restore our natural heritage. In this blog we highlight a recent podcast whereby we introduce; Julia Baker and Tanith Cook of Mott Macdonald, where we explore what Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is, how it works, and […]
Building Blue-Green Communities
In an era where environmental challenges and urbanisation are at the forefront, creating future-proofed designs that integrate sustainable practices is crucial. To achieve this, it is essential to break down silo mentalities and foster strong connections with local communities through active public engagement. This blog explores the significance of reputation and engagement in driving sustainable […]
Essential Must Know’s When Assessing Tree Pits
As quantity surveyors play a crucial role in cost management and project success, their knowledge extends beyond traditional construction elements. When it comes to assessing tree pits, understanding certain key aspects becomes essential to achieve cost savings while ensuring the long-term success and health of the trees. This blog explores three vital considerations that quantity […]
Tackling floods, coastal erosion, and urban surface water management
Floods, coastal erosion, and urban surface water management pose significant challenges to communities worldwide. As climate change intensifies, these issues become even more critical. This was why GreenBlue Urban was delighted to exhibit at this year’s Flood & Coast event held at the Telford International Centre, attracting a myriad of industry-wide speakers, fellow exhibitors, and […]
Unveiling Ladybrook Nurseries; Exploring, Training and Collaboration
On Thursday, 15th June 2023, industry professionals gathered at Ladybrook Nurseries in Bramhall Cheshire, for a day filled with valuable insights and interactive sessions focused on achieving award-winning landscape schemes. Planners, designers, developers, and contractors came together to explore the keys to success in delivering multi-functional projects with measurable environmental benefits. The event featured renowned […]
On the Road to Cleaner Air With Green Infrastructure
Clean Air Day, the UK’s largest campaign on air pollution, is taking place on Thursday 15th June 2023. This article marks the occasion by focusing on links between air quality and green infrastructure. The largest source of unclean air in the UK is the transport sector, with the highest levels of pollutants found alongside busy […]
Celebrating the 100th annual Bike Week
On your bike! 5-11 June is the 100th annual Bike Week marking a century of celebrating everyday cycling for everyone. GreenBlue Urban office is located in the beautiful High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known for its charming oast houses but lacking in 21st-century cycling infrastructure. This leaves cyclists to brave the winding and often […]
Schedule 3 – Time to Make a Change
You can imagine our delight when the Government finally announced that it will be mandatory to include Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in virtually all new housing developments from 2024. The Flood and Water Management Act was brought into law in 2010 but the Government decided not to implement its Schedule 3 which would have made […]
Trees, Planning And Development In Scotland
Stirling is known as the city saved by wolves’ legend has it –but now also a place where a pivotal debate on trees, planning and development took place. The last week’s event was organised by the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) and was held on the beautiful grounds of the University of Stirling’s campus. […]
Partner Collaboration – Tree Planting Workshop
Barcham Trees, GreenBlue Urban and Treeconomics hosted a “Tree Planting Workshop Event” at the Exeter Science Park on 11th May, attended by a wide range of tree-related stakeholders. The choice of the event site was partly that it is where Treeconomics are based, but also a site where good and poor tree planting is displayed […]
What sustainability and resilience opportunities are we still missing?
How many of us have said “If only I could turn the clock back” at some point in our lives? Most of us, we guess, and this is often because, over time, we become aware of things that if we knew then, what we know now, would have done things differently. This is typical human […]
Creating climate resilient urban treescapes
What can we learn from our experiences of heat waves and what are the implications for creating and managing heat-resilient treescapes for the future? These were the questions posed at this week’s event organised by the Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) which took place online and in person in Birmingham. It was jointly delivered […]
Perception v Collaboration – a Multi-Disciplinary Approach
While perception and collaboration are separate views, they can be related in certain contexts. For example, individuals with different perceptions may need to collaborate to achieve a common goal. In this case, successful green infrastructure, and collaboration can help to overcome differences in perception by adopting open communication and allowing all stakeholders to share their […]
Reasons to Choose the Only Fully Integrated Tree Pit Solution
Blue-green infrastructure has a critical role in making a change toward climate change adaptation. The multiple benefits in the form of ecosystem services that BGI provides are key to the climate change resilience of our UK towns and cities. GreenBlue Urban has been supporting Developers, Specifiers and Contractors for decades – helping to save time […]
Climate Change Adaption – The Need for Change
“Climate change is definitely with us and we need action and we need it urgently” and “we could say we have seen a lost decade on climate adaptation and action absolutely cannot be delayed further”. These are the words of a Chair of the Climate Committee which published its latest progress report to parliament on […]
GreenBlue – Made in Britain!
The current impacts of climate change are profusely clear, affecting millions of people worldwide, especially the vulnerable. As the crisis worsens governments need to plan and now is the time to adapt. The multi-functional benefits of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) within our communities, towns and cities include economic, social, cultural, and environmental. Therefore, should be renamed […]
How Will the New Active Travel Assessment Impact England?
Will this lead to tree-lined cycling and walking routes? Active Travel England, the recently formed government’s executive agency responsible for making walking, wheeling, and cycling the preferred choice for everyone to get around in England, has finally published local authority active travel capability ratings. It follows on from the government’s vision for cycling and walking […]
FutureBuild 2023 – We took a Stand!
Futurebuild 2023 opened its doors last week to all working within the built environment, striving for a sustainable future. Thousands of attendees visited the event at Excel London, experiencing ground-breaking innovations, inspiring sponsored theatres, and interactive zones. Welcoming thought leaders, innovators, and disruptors who are all seeking to reach a shared goal of net zero. […]
Will Levelling Up transform Britain?
Levelling Up is a flagship policy that the Conservative government introduced in 2019 which through two rounds of funding distributed £4.8 billion. On the 18th of January 2023, the UK government published a list of 111 successful bids in receipt of Levelling up Round 2 funding. This follows from the last year’s announcement of 105 […]
Guest Blog: The value of non-woodland trees
Kieron Doick – Head, Urban Forest Research Group, Forest Research Were you aware that around 20% of the trees in the UK are outside of woodland? That’s not a new statistic and maybe it’s slightly out by now (after all it is from 2017). But – personally – I’m somewhat glad that it is […]
