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Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools: A Smart Solution for Flooding and Climate Challenges

Updated: 30th April, 2025

Created: 2nd April, 2025

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Gareth Webber CEng MICE

Partner at Barker Associates | Head of Structural & Civil Engineering

Gareth Webber CEng MICE

Gareth Webber CEng MICE

Partner at Barker Associates | Head of Structural & Civil Engineering

Gareth joined Barker in 2024, based in our Essex head office.

He is a Chartered Civil Engineer with more than 20-years’ experience in Civil Engineering solutions & has lead both Civil & Structural Engineering teams on projects from conception to project delivery, with values exceeding a billion pounds both nationally and internationally.

He holds a deep understanding of Infrastructure Engineering, focused on a value led design ethos to complex situations, which has allowed the positive integration of infrastructure into coordinated design masterplans across all sectors.

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in Schools: A Smart Solution for Flooding and Climate Challenges

As climate change brings more frequent and intense rainfall, many schools are facing increasing drainage problems. Without a proper drainage system, schools risk flooding, property damage, and even health issues. That’s where Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) come in. These systems offer a smart, environmentally friendly way to manage stormwater while also improving the school environment for students and staff. Here’s why SuDS should be on your radar for future school projects.

 

Why Drainage Is Crucial for Schools

Imagine a heavy rainfall that overwhelms your school’s drainage system. The result? Flooding in low-lying areas leads to water damage to buildings, playgrounds, and classrooms. Without a reliable system in place, you might also face health risks from mould and contaminated water. So, a proper drainage system isn’t just nice to have – it’s a must for keeping your school safe and functional.

An effective drainage system quickly gets rid of excess water, without causing problems for your site’s design. With climate change pushing rainfall to more extreme levels, it’s even more important to plan for drainage that can handle the unexpected.

 

How Climate Change Affects Drainage Systems

Climate change is shaking up weather patterns in ways that make drainage harder to manage. Here’s how:

  1. More Rainfall: With increased rainfall and more frequent storms, existing drainage systems can get overwhelmed, leading to floods. As these events become more common, they’ll put pressure on your school’s infrastructure.
  2. River Flow Changes: Less predictable rainfall means water levels can fluctuate, leading to higher concentrations of pollutants in rivers and streams, which affects water quality and local ecosystems.
  3. More Extreme Weather: Storms are getting stronger and more frequent. This can lead to increased pollution in rivers, especially during heavy rainfall.
  4. Impervious Surfaces: Urban areas are full of surfaces like roads, pavements, and buildings that prevent water from soaking into the ground. When rainwater can’t seep in, it ends up running off into drains, putting more strain on your school’s drainage system.
  5. Rising Sea Levels: For schools near coastal areas, rising sea levels could cause flooding and increase the risk of drainage problems.

So, how do we fix this? Simple: plan for drainage that can handle more water, reduce environmental impact, and use systems that mimic nature.

 

How SuDS Can Help Your School

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a forward-thinking solution to all these drainage issues. SuDS works by managing stormwater in a natural, sustainable way. Instead of just letting the water rush into drains, SuDS slow down the flow and helps filter water, reducing runoff and improving water quality. Here’s why they’re a great fit for schools:

SuDS rain garden design
  1. Flood Risk Reduction: SuDS captures and slows down rainwater, preventing it from overwhelming your school’s drainage system and causing flooding. This is especially important for schools in flood-prone areas.
  2. Educational Value: SuDS are a great opportunity to teach students about water management and climate change. Students can see firsthand how stormwater is managed and how they can help protect the environment.
  3. Community Engagement: SuDS projects can bring the community together, helping parents, local authorities, and environmental groups work on a common goal: creating a more sustainable school environment.
  4. Added Value: SuDS don’t just prevent flooding – they can make your school look and feel better. Features like rain gardens, wildlife habitats, and seating areas can add green spaces that are both functional and enjoyable.
  5. Improved Wellbeing: Green spaces created by SuDS can improve the mental and physical health of both staff and students. Access to natural areas has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

SuDS Features You Can Consider

There are several types of SuDS that could work well at your school:

  • Water Butts: These large containers collect rainwater from roofs, which can be used for gardening or other outdoor activities. This helps reduce runoff and makes water usage more sustainable.
  • Filter Drains: These are trenches filled with stone that collect runoff from hard surfaces like playgrounds and paths. They filter the water before redirecting it to other parts of the site, which helps reduce pollution.
  • Rain Gardens: These gardens are designed to absorb rainwater from roofs and other surfaces. They’re perfect for creating green spaces while managing stormwater at the same time.
  • Rain Chains: These decorative systems can replace traditional downpipes, guiding rainwater to SuDS features like rain gardens and filtering systems, all while adding an aesthetic touch.

 

Why SuDS Are Worth Considering

SuDS is a great long-term investment for your school. Not only will they help you manage the growing challenges of climate change, but they also provide educational and environmental benefits that can enhance the overall school experience. Whether you’re looking to reduce flood risk, create green spaces, or get your students involved in sustainability projects, SuDS are a win-win.

If you’re thinking about future work for your school, now’s the time to consider SuDS. They can help you stay ahead of climate challenges and create a safer, more sustainable environment for everyone.

Interested in learning more or getting started on a SuDS project? Get in touch – we’d love to help you plan your next steps.

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