Category: Open Green Area
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Windbreaks
Windbreaks are structures designed implemented in agricultural lands to reduce wind speed. They consist of tree belts, and they help control erosion, boost agricultural yields, and minimize evaporation by modifying wind direction and turbulence. Their effectiveness is influenced by their height, porosity, and placement relative to the wind. Benefits (+) Efficient and effective barriers to…
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Wet Retention Pond
Wet retention ponds are pools that continuously hold water and are designed with additional storage capacity to store surface runoff during heavy rainfall events. They release the stormwater at a controlled rate and improve water quality through downstream infiltration. The ponds can be integrated into public recreation areas. Benefits (+) Regulates heavy rain.(+) Multifunctional use…
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Urban Parks
Parks and forests in urban or peri-urban areas provide several environmental benefits while serving as a public space for recreation, social interaction, exercise and connection to nature. Parks could have multifunctionality by combining various uses such as sport fields or other NbS (e.g. water retention basins) Benefits (+) Provide a place for the public for…
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Underground Water Storages
Underground systems such as installations below public open spaces (sport fields) composed of modular elements where the stormwater enters a vault or a basin through a surface inlet and is temporarily stored, allowing sediments and particles to settle. If the water level reaches a certain height, it is discharges as overflow for further use for…
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Raingardens
Shallow bio-retention basins established in artificial surroundings. They are designed to collect, store, filter and treat water runoff. A variety of elements is used such as grass filter strips, water ponds, mulch areas, planting soil, plants. They are not restricted to certain climate conditions and can be combined with e.g. with rainwater harvesting measures and…
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Planted Channels and Rills
Shallow open surface water channels collect water, slow down the velocity and provide storage for silt deposited from runoff. Can be incorporated into the upper parts of a chain of NBS. Greening of the channels enhances amenity and biodiversity. Benefits (+) Capture of runoff at the beginning of a SuDS train, allowing the deposition of…
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Permeable Paving System
Green paving systems replace grey urban pavements with up to 50% vegetal soil with high drainage capacity. Several implementation designs exist such as paving bricks containing a certain share of space for vegetation growth space, or grass bricks that replace certain bricks of conventional pavements. Benefits (+) Reducing surface runoff.(+) They infiltrate, treat, and store…
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Natural Pollinator’s Modules
These areas are intended to attract pollinators and overall biodiversity by offering favourable weather conditions, such as cooler spots during hot periods and shelters for winter. They will also provide water and food sources for pollinators. Benefits (+) Emitting of pleasant aromas.(+) Indirect provider for the food such as contributing in the pollination process. Limitations…
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Infiltration Trenches
Infiltration trenches are shallow excavations filled with rubble or stone that allow water to infiltrate into the surrounding soils from the bottom and sides of the trench. The basins are flat areas planted with grass and normally dry. Benefits (+) Add aesthetic value(+) Reduction of pollutant load Limitations (-) Risk of introducing pollutants to groundwater…
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Green Paths for Cycling
Involves green pavements with special filtering properties suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. These pavements manage water runoff and are designed for use in cycle pedestrian areas. By reducing the speed of cyclists in busy pedestrian zones, these pavements help prevent small flood accumulations. Additionally, the collected water can be used to irrigate other NBS, such…