Storm water management and urban regeneration in Malmö
Full Solution
Urban flood prevention via green infrastructure, Ecocity Augustenborg
Source: City of Malmö
Augustenborg experienced socio-economic decline and floods from overflowing drainage. This collaborative solution aimed to retrofit the area with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems as part of a broader regeneration project, thereby creating a more sustainable neighborhood and benefiting biodiversity. The main goal was to handle 70% of storm water from roofs and sealed areas, thus eliminating combined sewer overflow by lowering the total volume of storm water and reducing the peak flow rates.
Last update: 09 Mar 2021
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Context
Challenges addressed
A lack of awareness and doubts about the value of SuDS created resistance by city planners and water engineers. Apathy and language barriers in the public prevented widespread participation and support. The challenge was thus to develop a functional system that did not damage existing infrastructures and was acceptable to residents. During implementation, technical issues such as algal blooms and finding space to implement SuDS presented challenges. Health and safety issues also had to be solved, as many SuDS were located next to schools and/or elderly populations.
Location
Malmö, Sweden
North Europe
Process
Summary of the process
The partnerships which were forged between the multiple stakeholders involved in the solution served to secure the technical expertise and funding mechanisms necessary for implementation (building block 1). Their involvement in the ‘smart planning process’ also lead to the integration of multiple interests and helped to maximize the co-benefits delivered through the project (building block 2), which included flood risk reduction as well as the delivery of a range of socio-economic benefits. A key factor for success within the project was the engagement of stakeholders, which was aided by targeted awareness raising activities (building block 3).
Building Blocks
Partnering for success: securing expertise and funding
A partnership between the Malmö housing company, Malmö water and city planners was a critical ingredient in the implementation of this project. Technical expertise was required from each of these partners to ensure appropriate design, and funding of the project was also collaboratively provided. Further components of this successful partnership included stakeholder engagement, the presence of sophisticated technical expertise, and a high level policy directive in support of experimentation. Understanding of the local ecosystems was not critical, but project designers had to possess a very detailed understanding of the frequency and severity of local floods.
Enabling factors
Without the partnership between the Malmö water company, housing authority, and others, the funding for this project would not have been sufficient. Significant incentive to fund experimentation and implementation was provided by national and sub-national legislation, while the Green Roof initiative was financed through the EU LIFE programme.
Lesson learned
It is key to clearly define the terms of a partnership (both short term and long-term roles) and appoint responsibilities before implementation in order to avoid later confusion and conflict. In the case of ecosystem-based approaches like SuDS in Malmö, it is also key to secure sufficient financing before the project starts to cover the entire duration of the project, including for maintenance and monitoring activities after implementation is completed. Highlighting the potential benefits which will be produced by the project for individual finance providers can be a useful tool in securing funding and increasing support.
Maximizing co-benefits through smart planning
While the core purpose of the project was to address flooding related to an over-utilized combined sewage system, the neighbourhood of Augustenborg was also in a state of socioeconomic decline prior to the urban regeneration project. Thus, the generation of socio-economic benefits became central to the project’s goals, such as improving the livability and aesthetics of the neighborhood, alongside biodiversity objectives. Furthermore, the project is part of a larger regeneration initiative within the neighbourhood of Augustenborg, which is also nested within ambitious sustainability plans for the City of Malmö. More specifically, the ‘Eco-city Augustenborg’ initiative aimed to transform Augustenborg into a socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable settlement. Ultimately, the work has represented a significant transformation of the neighborhood, and has become emblematic of a more pervasive shift towards sustainability. It has also resulted in the development of several businesses in the area of water innovation. Media coverage and public relations value are viewed as being additional benefs to the city and its residents.
Enabling factors
Forward thinking during the inception and planning phases drew attention to the range of benefits which could potentially be fostered. It was key to first identify these benefits, then engage with local residents, planners, engineers, decision-makers and other stakeholders to develop an integrated approach to ensure their delivery. Ultimately, the SuDS was designed to provide amenity and recreation values to local residents, while also delivering on the primary objective of flood prevention.
Lesson learned
Integrating stakeholders into the planning process drew attention to potential foregone recreational uses which would have resulted from the planned measures (i.e. large open fields which were previously used for sports were to be used for retention ponds). These aspects were taken into account following public consultation and ultimately resulted in the creation of new spaces for communal activities and recreation, rather than removing them. The consultation process also resulted in a local innovator designing part of the system and developing a growth business in water innovation, which has since spawned other businesses as well. Furthermore, by providing these added values, the SuDS system wound up ultimately being more cost efficient than a traditional grey infrastructure approach. By regenerating the neighborhood, however, a potential undesired side effect was the increase in property values – which may serve to exclude lower income groups from being able to afford the raised cost
Engaging stakeholders to raise awareness and support
An extensive and iterative process of stakeholder engagement was initiated during the design and execution of this project. The process involved a ‘rolling programme’ of consultation with local residents, representatives from the local school, practitioners, city staff and many others in order to build awareness about the SuDS retrofit, its benefits and costs, and to obtain public perspectives on the desired design. This included regular meetings, community workshops, and informal gatherings at sports and cultural events. The approach became increasingly open and consultative, with approximately one fifth of the tenants in the area having participated in dialogue meetings about the project. Amongst other topics, safety issues related to open water areas (e.g. retention pools) were discussed with residents as well as the potential loss of particular recreational opportunities in the area. In many cases, comments and concerns from stakeholders were taken into account and addressed in redesigned SuDS plans.
Enabling factors
Venues for stakeholder exchange and approaches to engaging community members were a component of this project from the initial inception phase onwards. Integrating such considerations into what could be perceived as a controversial project is important for gaining and maintaining community support and avoiding potential opposition.
Lesson learned
Providing stakeholders with a forum to express concerns, clarify questions and be involved in the process can be very valuable in gaining public support. Involvement of the residents in the design phase meant that there was little opposition to the project, and resulted in sense of ownership, empowerment and raised awareness among the residents. However, maintaining enthusiasm and engagement from the community outside of structured stakeholder consultation processes proved to be challenging.
Impacts
The project has created a resilient flood protection system and has revitalized the surrounding neighbourhood. In total, 6km of canals and water channels and ten retention ponds were created to collect rainwater in natural ditches and reservoirs before directing it into a conventional sewer system. The rainwater from roofs, roads and car parks is channelled through visible trenches, ditches, ponds and wetlands, leading to an estimated 90% of the storm water being led into the open storm-water system. In addition, the total annual runoff volume is reduced by about 20% compared to the conventional system. These landscape features are integrated into the townscape within 30 courtyard areas, which also provide recreational green spaces for the area’s residents. As a result of the initiative, there have not been any floods in the area since the open stormwater system was installed. The project also targeted biodiversity conservation and has made significant contributions in this regard.
Beneficiaries
The residents benefit from reduced flood risk and increased recreational values. Invertebrates, aquatic plants and birds profit from the newly created wetland habitats. Others attempting to implement SuDS can learn from Augustenborg’s experience.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 13 – Climate action
