The project aimed to introduce SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) into nearly 100 schools across the Southeast, especially those at risk of flooding by improving CSO performance, enhancing biodiversity and increasing educational awareness.

Southern Water IOW Pathfinder Project

Project Details

Sector: Education
Location: South East England
Client: Southern Water
Date: July 2023

The project aimed to introduce SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) into nearly 100 schools across the Southeast, especially those at risk of flooding by improving CSO performance, enhancing biodiversity and increasing educational awareness.

Situation

Southern Water has been working hard to identify opportunities where the urgent need to reduce surface water runoff entering the sewers can be implemented within their region. These inflows contribute to frequent flooding events and Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) spills affecting their rivers and coastal areas across the South East.

In collaboration with Sudsplanter Ltd, the project aimed to introduce SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) into nearly 100 schools across the Southeast, especially those at risk of flooding by improving CSO performance, enhancing biodiversity and increasing educational awareness.

Task

The primary objectives for the schools were to:

1. Implement SuDS to reduce flood risk and manage stormwater effectively at school sites.
2. Enhance on-site biodiversity and create green spaces for student interaction and environmental education.
3. Engage students in environmental stewardship and promote water conservation practices.

The project also aimed to educate communities and students on water responsibility, aligning with Southern Water’s “Clean Rivers and Seas” initiative.

Action

Sudsplanter Ltd undertook the following actions as part of the SuDS in Schools initiative:

• Design and Installation: Supplied over 250 SuDSPlanter® units in nearly 100 schools, strategically located to reduce CSO spills by capturing and managing rainwater runoff. This approach allowed each school to slow the flow of water into the sewers by storing, filtering, and releasing the rainwater gradually over time.
• Educational Integration: Developed STEM-aligned educational materials to teach students about water cycles, the role of SuDS, and environmental responsibility. The planters were integrated into lesson plans, often supporting hands-on activities like planting and maintenance, which were included in outdoor learning curricula such as forest school programs.
• Community Engagement: Collaborated with the Department for Education to secure funding, enabling a broader reach across schools. Provided educational signage and resources to foster student ownership and understanding of the SuDS features.
• Partnership Development: Built strong partnerships with schools, helping to establish an enduring SuDS culture among students and staff. This collaboration facilitated awareness-raising activities and highlighted the importance of sustainable water management in schools.

Result

The SuDS in Schools project has delivered substantial benefits, including:

• Reduced Flooding: By installing planters capable of handling large volumes of rainwater, flood risk on school sites decreased, reducing the likelihood of disruptions.
• Enhanced Educational Opportunities: Over 200,000 students gained direct exposure to green spaces, fostering environmental responsibility and hands-on STEM learning.
• Increased Biodiversity: The SuDSPlanter® units created green spaces that attracted pollinators and added sensory elements to the school environment, contributing to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) within urban settings.
• Award-Winning Recognition: The partnership received the “Alliance or Partnership of the Year” award at the Water Industry Awards, recognised for its scale, environmental impact, and success in incorporating sustainability into educational spaces.

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