Climate change has led to an increase in extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and stormwater, which pose significant risks to urban areas.

In 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, Bærum Municipality in Norway was hit by intense rainfall, causing extensive damage. These events highlighted the municipality’s need to upgrade its approach to stormwater management, especially in densely built-up areas where existing infrastructure could not handle such high volumes of water.

Bærum recognized the urgency of developing a more comprehensive strategy for climate adaptation and water management. The municipality required innovative solutions that could both address the immediate challenges of heavy rainfall and contribute to long-term resilience, integrating climate adaptation into urban development.

To address these challenges, Envidan led the development of the InnoVann project, an innovative partnership aimed at revolutionizing how municipalities plan and implement stormwater management in the face of climate change.

The InnoVann solution combines advanced tools and new methodologies to enable municipalities to manage extreme rainfall more effectively and sustainably. The core of the solution is a tool called SCALGO Live, which is widely used by Nordic municipalities. This tool allows users to simulate the impact of various flood prevention measures across different scenarios. It helps municipalities visualize and assess the risks associated with heavy rainfall and plan climate adaptation measures accordingly.

The InnoVann concept is designed to allow stormwater management to be integrated into urban development projects—both large and small—at all stages, whether private or public. By doing so, municipalities can tackle stormwater issues not as isolated events but rather as part of the broader urban planning process. This integration allows for a more efficient and cost-effective approach, as stormwater management actions are taken in conjunction with other urban projects. The tool also helps identify opportunities to implement landscape changes that can mitigate flooding, offering both short-term and long-term improvements to stormwater management.

Additionally, the InnoVann project includes the development of new workflows that guide municipalities in applying the tool. These processes ensure that stormwater management is not overlooked and is addressed proactively within all departments, fostering a culture of climate awareness and collaborative problem-solving.

The InnoVann solution, developed in 2023, has now been implemented in Bærum Municipality, and is already showing potential for significant impact. The tool provides the municipality with an invaluable resource for addressing the risks of flooding, significantly reducing the financial burden on both the local government and its residents following extreme rainfall events. Envidan is currently working with Bærum to develop stormwater management plans for several catchment areas, which will further enhance the municipality’s preparedness for future climate challenges.

The InnoVann project serves as a prime example of how public-private partnerships can drive innovative solutions to society’s most pressing challenges, such as climate adaptation. By integrating climate adaptation into everyday urban projects, municipalities can reduce both costs and environmental impacts, creating a more sustainable and resilient future. In addition to the financial benefits, the project contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint of climate adaptation efforts.

Moreover, the development of new workflows within the municipality has strengthened Bærum’s ability to manage stormwater more effectively. The collaboration across departments ensures that stormwater management is not siloed but is instead viewed as a holistic issue that requires coordinated action at all levels. This collaborative approach increases the municipality’s capacity to address future climate events in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

The InnoVann project has provided Bærum Municipality with a comprehensive, data-driven tool that empowers decision-makers to take proactive steps in climate adaptation. The project’s success illustrates the value of integrating stormwater management into urban planning and offers a model for other municipalities worldwide looking to enhance their resilience to climate change.