Abstract
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are today widely considered to be a more progressive and environmentally sensitive approach to Flood Risk Management (FRM). However, this paper argues that the sustainability of SuDS should not be so simply presumed. Devices will depend upon correct behaviour from those local to them in order to function properly over time, and for Green Infrastructure SuDS to flourish and deliver their promised multiple benefits. This paper looks to the potential value in using Social Practice Theory as a lens for understanding current behaviours around SuDS devices, and for assessing possible strategies for encouraging positive behaviour amongst affected communities. It concludes in arguing that involving local people as much as possible in the co-design of systems and then working to maintain involvement and awareness will be the most cost-effective means by which SuDS might be made to live up to the sustainability they are celebrated for.
Highlights
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are today generally regarded as a more progressive approach to Flood Risk Management (FRM), Green Infrastructure forms of which promising to improve water quality and create more ‘liveable’ urban environments with improved aesthetics, air quality and biodiversity
It firstly details the levels of engagement people local to SuDS had in their development, and considers levels of understanding, appreciation and corresponding behaviour
This paper has argued that SuDS can be an effective approach to dealing with flood events and can potentially bring with them a whole range of further multiple benefits
Summary
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are today generally regarded as a more progressive approach to Flood Risk Management (FRM), Green Infrastructure forms of which promising to improve water quality and create more ‘liveable’ urban environments with improved aesthetics, air quality and biodiversity. A small but growing number of authors have published work around public attitudes to SuDS systems, producing mixed findings concerning preferences around structural and sustainable FRM, aesthetics and perceived safety levels around open green and blue spaces. This paper builds upon published research using a number of qualitative case studies from 2013-2016 in England and Portland, Oregon USA It firstly details the levels of engagement people local to SuDS had in their development, and considers levels of understanding, appreciation and corresponding behaviour. It outlines and employs Social Practice Theory as a framing device for understanding the formation and reproduction of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ practices and behaviours, considering how these might develop and alter under various conditions and with different interventions It assesses how longer-term engagement, consultation and co-development of SuDS solutions might help to engender more awareness, acceptance, appreciation and so positive practices. The paper concludes in arguing that the wider social and ecosystem service benefits arising from the collaborative development and maintenance of SuDS would be to the benefit of society and the economy as a whole
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