What are Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)?
You may have heard of SuDS or Sustainable Drainage Systems as a term used in urban and semi-urban building projects, or even in the sustainability criteria for accessing public funding for developments. If you are unsure of what the term means and how you can follow SuDS principles in your new project, PlaySmart is here for you!
As well as offering our expertise and advice from our 20 years of experience, PlaySmart provides multiple surface drainage products to suit your site’s environmental requirements.
What are SuDS?
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are a water management strategy that uses a combination of natural and man-made materials to mimic natural drainage. Developers implement these to minimise flood risks and water pollution that occur in urbanised areas that over-use impermeable surfaces.
Smart surface choice is a key element of SuDS. Effective water management depends on limiting environmental risks by moving water back into an approximation of its natural patterns. Permeable surfaces allow rainwater to move efficiently into groundwater reservoirs that would be inaccessible under concrete or stone slabs. Additionally, material choice is important as some plastics and rubbers found in playground tiles or paving can leach microplastics and toxins into the soil as water flows through, harming ecosystems.
SuDS Compliant SmartPave
SmartPave is a rubber aggregate surface suitable for pathways, footpaths, cycle paths, and rural trails, and our resin-bound gravel is even suitable for driveways. When installed on a suitable base, SmartPave is fully porous, making it our leading SuDS-compliant surface solution.
The bound aggregate mixture forms a firm surface while allowing water to flow through it into the ground below to continue natural circulation into the local ecosystem. SmartPave uses a moisture-curing polyurethane binder without toxins or harmful chemicals, therefore, it does not introduce pollutants into the groundwater as it drains through the surface.
Sustainable Surface Drainage Solutions
PlaySmart provides a variety of permeable surfaces designed to limit puddling, flooding, and surface runoff. As well as offering improved water infiltration when compared to traditional tarmac or concrete flooring, Corkeen is a sustainable option for any development project.
Corkeen is a carbon negative surfacing material with a carbon budget of -10kg CO₂e/m² at 40mm thickness. This means the cork material is extremely eco-friendly in addition to having a naturally good drainage capacity that minimises risks of surface water that can cause hazards on walkways or playground areas. This is because it utilises a dual-layer system of quick absorption into the base layer and a highly stable uniquely textured surface layer.
Incorporating Nature into Development
Surfacing is not the only solution that goes into creating SuDS. Grass, plant, and tree root systems are key to removing surface groundwater once it has drained into the soil. Keeping local vegetation in good health and growing new plants in bare areas goes a long way to reducing the over-accumulation of water as well as bringing colour and life into your outdoor environment.
JungleMulch is a very popular choice of surface for treelines that does not inhibit root growth while still creating a stable surface for people to use. The flexible rubber mulch allows for some root movement while also protecting the roots from animals and footfall from people.
Planting grass seed, hedges, and trees in key areas of your site can help to reduce your ground’s muddiness and avoid any problems with standing water from over-saturated soil. PlaySmart’s recent housing project at Eaves Green utilised both impermeable SuDS-compliant surfacing and strategic vegetation to improve the longevity and health of both the development and the local ecosystem.
Looking for a Sustainable Drainage System for your Project?
Your required SuDS solution will depend on your site’s needs in terms of the natural permeability of your soil, any inclines or hills on your site, and existing vegetation cover. Talk with our expert team by booking a call using the form on our contact page. We will be happy to discuss your options and help you create your ideal garden, park, playground, or landscape.
