Climate resilient cities
We build better, climate-resilient cities
As our cities grow and face the impacts of climate change, our solutions need to be smarter and more connected to solve the five big challenges of climate resilience: floods, droughts, heat stress, groundwater depletion and surface water contamination. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re working closely with urban planners, architects, engineers and many others.
Our perspective
Tackling the five challenges of climate change in cities for the construction sector is an urgent necessity. Climate change poses major challenges for the construction sector, especially in urban areas. To create climate-resilient cities, we need to focus on sustainable solutions for water management, heat control and green areas.
Reuse of rainwater
Future solutions for rainwater management need to go beyond efficient drainage. It is essential to store and reuse water during dry periods, contributing to greener and more resilient cities. Although rainwater tanks are often mandatory, they are empty 95% of the time. By implementing smart technology, we can reuse available water for greenery conservation and recharge groundwater to prevent depletion. This also reduces the burden on sewer systems.
Prevent sewer overflows
To prevent sewage overflows during heavy rainfall, digital tools and sensors can be used for predictive maintenance. Equipping street drains with filter options helps prevent blockages, while smart monitoring systems ensure that cleaning only takes place when it is really necessary. These measures not only protect the sewer system, but also save costs and resources for cities.
Trees? Of course!
Trees play a crucial role in creating climate-resilient cities. They provide shade, reduce heat stress, improve air quality and contribute to biodiversity. To protect trees in urban environments, so-called TreeTanks can be installed that ensure a better air and water supply. In addition, the use of permeable paving and the creation of green corridors can contribute to a better urban ecology.
By integrating these measures into construction projects, the sector can make a significant contribution to more sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
The people who make it possible
Sustainability pioneers, like Sacha Stolp, Director of Innovation of the Future-Proof Assets Program in Amsterdam, are leading the fight for more climate-proof cities. One neighborhood at a time. City by city.
Wavin spoke to Sacha: “We need to future-proof our assets and create new standards. In this process, I ask the question: How do I build solutions that will last – despite things like urbanization, resource scarcity, climate change, digitalization? It’s all within my depreciation time! I make things for 30 years and in 30 years it will be 2050! Then we will have arrived in a completely new world where we are climate-adaptive, circular, carbon neutral, future-proof, smart.”
The puzzle of water management: solutions for urban flooding
Imagine a complex puzzle, with climate change and urbanization as the corner pieces. These elements put pressure on existing water infrastructure and increase the risk of flooding, with emotional and financial consequences for our communities. We have developed innovative water management systems – smart pieces that fit perfectly into the gaps in our urban puzzle. Together they form a powerful whole of flood prevention, with which we work step by step towards a resilient, water-resistant city.