Population growth, increasing pollution of drinking water, floodings as well as more frequent and longer periods of droughts all encourage an optimised use of rainwater in cities. Traditionally speaking, climate adaptation seeks to lower the risks posed by the consequences of climate change, including flooding caused by extreme rain events.

-Download Sustainable Urban Drainage System white paper

However, when approached holistically it can also be used to create synergies between a number of urban challenges by addressing several areas of urban development at the same time. In this respect, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) can play a key role in urban water management and contribute to building cities that are attractive for people to live in.

About the white paper
The white paper features lessons learned from different Danish stakeholders within rainwater management and SUDS, supported by state-of-the art case examples showing how it is possible to use rainwater as a resource partly to reduce the risk of flooding and partly to contribute to creating more green and liveable cities.

Find inspiration for your own SUDS projects
The content of this white paper is meant to serve as a helpful tool for international stakeholders who wish to gain insight into the many potentials of using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, get an overview of how solutions have been implemented in Denmark and around the world, or who are looking for Danish partners to collaborate with on projects in their own country.

Cases in the white paper

- Engaging and Mobilising the Local Community in Creating a Climate City (Middelfart Municipality, Middelfart Wastewater Utility, Realdania, Bascon, Orbicon, GHB Landscape Architects and ADEPT)
- Copenhagen Cloudburst Management Plan (City of Copenhagen)
- Separating Rainwater from Wastewater in Existing Living Areas (Aarhus Vand and EnviDan)
- Simulation of Sustainable Stormwater Infiltration Strategies in Odense (The Foundation for Development of Technology in the Danish Water Sector - VTU, ALECTIA, VCS Denmark, Municipality of Odense, Aarhus University, GEUS)
- Green Roofs Allow Global Healthcare Company to Handle Rainwater Locally (Henning Larsen Architects, SLA, Byggros A/S, Skaelskoer Anlaegsgartnere A/S)
- Climate Street Absorbs Rainwater (Frederiksberg Utility, Frederiksberg Municipality, NCC, IBF and University of Copenhagen)
- Retention and Filtration of Rainwater at Hospital (Wavin A/S)
- Restoring the Village Pond to Prevent Flooding and Increase Biodiversity (Amphi Consult, Aarhus Municipality, Danish Technological Institute, GHB Landscape Architects and Mangor & Nagel Architects)
- Water Brings Life To Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl)
- It’s Raining Frogs – Stormwater Solution Improves Biodiversity (University of Copenhagen, COWI A/S, HedeDanmark (Skælskoer Anlaegsgartnere), LiAn Landscape Design, Alleroed Municipality, Copenhagen Municipality, Albertslund Municipality and Aarhus Municipality)
- Treating Rainwater Runoff from Industrial Area (Bonnerup Consult, HydroSystems and Kolding Spildevand)
- Treating Rainwater Through Curb-Extensions (Orbicon)
- Treatment Of Road-Runoff With Dual Porosity Filtration (DPF) (Watercare, University of Copenhagen)
- Rainwater Reuse Systems of Green Rooftops Serve Dual Purpose (Genvand)
- Sports Center Uses Climate Adaption as Stepping-Stone for New Recreational Facilities (Gladsaxe Municipality, Nordvand, Bisgaard Landscape, Grontmij, WATER PLUS, Realdania, The Danish Foundation for Culture and Sports Facilities and the Danish Nature Agency)
- The Climate Resilient School (Danish Technological Institute, Aalborg University, DHI, Gundsoe Entreprenoer Forretning, Thing og Brandt Landskaber, IBF, NCC, Roads, ACO Nordic, Wavin, Nykilde, Amphi Consult, KLS Grafiske Hus, Municipality of Roskilde and Roskilde Utility)
- Copenhagen’s First Climate Resilient Neighbourhood (City of Copenhagen and HOFOR (Greater Copenhagen Utility). Strategic design advisors for the master plan of the area: Tredje Natur. Advisors for Taasinge Plads: GHB Landscape Architects and Orbicon. Advisors for Bryggervangen & Skt. Kjelds Plads: SLA and ALECTIA)
- Cost-Efficient Climate Adaptation and Wetland Restoration (NIRAS A/S, Greve Solroed Utility Company, Municipality of Greve, Municipality of Solroed)
- Functionality and Aesthetics Don’t Compete at Novo Nordisk Nature Park (Henning Larsen Architects, SLA A/S, SKAG and Orbicon)

-Read more about climate adaption