Andrew Leah, General Manager at Duraproducts
Effective water management through the installation of drainage systems and units is becoming increasingly critical for the future due to accelerating climate change. Disrupted water cycles and extreme weather, particularly flooding, are intensifying meaning construction engineers require a solution which can quickly and efficiently directing rainwater away from key urban areas. This not only prevents water damage to properties and infrastructure but can also control how the water enters important systems, like sewers.
A material focus
However, traditional water management solutions can be heavily reliant on materials such as concrete, presenting significant environmental challenges. The energy-intensive production of concrete, coupled with its limited recyclability, substantially contributes to embodied carbon emissions in road construction projects. Besides this, the rigid nature of concrete structures is failing to adapt to unpredictable weather events associated with climate change, leading to weakened protection and increased damage.
In contrast, water management solutions made from recycled and recyclable polymer offer a practical alternative. Their energy footprint is significantly lower, from local material acquisition to installation and eventual recovery and reuse. The lightweight, modular design enables efficient manual installation, removing reliance on heavy machinery and the unnecessary use of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the durability of recycled polymer units out-performs traditional alternatives in the face of extreme weather events.
A circular approach is gaining traction in the wider road construction sector, with Saudi Arabia’s world-first plastic road trial serving as a prime example. There, recycled polymer materials effectively replaced traditional asphalt, significantly reducing the high energy consumption and carbon emissions associated with its production. Proving polymer’s effectiveness in a large-scale scenario, the pilot project pushed the long-overdue discussion on standardised processes for green road construction.
As water resources are being stretched to their limits and the harsh weather events increasingly frequent, the whole lifecycle of water management solutions must be considered to create truly energy-efficient and effective solutions that mitigate climate impacts but also reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
Framework support
Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) have become important tools for accurately measuring the environmental footprint of construction projects, offering a comprehensive analysis of their cradle-to-grave impact. Embraced by planners, designers, and contractors, LCAs enable the comparison of materials and processes while also setting performance benchmarks and guiding the development of ‘green’ building codes. By integrating LCAs into decision-making, the industry accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices, driving more environmentally responsible construction. LCAs can play a crucial role in construction by providing a comprehensive evaluation of water consumption, depletion and availability, making them essential for both water scarcity and flooding. LCAs can help optimise water use, reduce environmental impact, and enhance resilience against flooding. With climate change intensifying extreme weather conditions leading to an increase in both scarcity and flooding, LCAs can provide the data and insights necessary to create more sustainable and water-conscious built environments.
Much like LCAs, there is a rising demand for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which include Environmental Impact Assessments and Environmental Management Plans. Serving as key indicators of responsible environmental practices, EPDs are gaining traction not only for identifying potential environmental challenges but also for facilitating meaningful discussions with stakeholders to address these concerns. This growing demand underscores their role in enhancing transparency and credibility across the industry. While initial scepticism may arise regarding simplified models and assumptions, the standardized insights provided by EPDs far outweigh such concerns. EPDs can provide transparent, third-party verified data on the environmental impact of construction materials including their water consumption and contribution to flood resilience. By assessing product’s water footprint and hydrological impact, EPDs help inform construction professionals’ decisions that support water conservation and flood mitigation strategies. EPDs can also be beneficial for identifying opportunities for water reuse and recycling in material production and building operations. By incorporating EPDs into building planning, the construction industry can reduce water consumption, improve flood resilience, and support long-term water sustainability. EPDs can be utilised to serve as an essential tool for building a more water-conscious and resilient future.
As technology continues to evolve and data becomes more accessible, the accuracy and reliability of both LCAs and EPDs will see significant improvements, reinforcing their essential role for industry professionals committed to achieving environmental transparency in their projects. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data tracking will enhance the precision of environmental impact assessments, increasing the accuracy of the insights into resources and sustainability performance.
As access to high-quality environmental data expands, LCAs and EPDs will become even more indispensable tools for architects, engineers, and developers striving to enhance sustainability, reduce carbon footprints, optimize resource efficiency, and promote responsible construction practices. Ultimately, this progress will drive the widespread adoption of eco-friendly materials, circular economy principles, and innovative green building solutions, shaping a more sustainable future for the construction industry.
Future outlook
Duraproducts, a pioneer in sustainable construction since 2003, has witnessed a surge in demand for its eco-friendly solutions and offers a variety of sustainable and efficient water management solutions. Manufactured from hydraulically efficient polymer materials, Duraproducts’ combined kerbing and drainage solutions effectively protect surfaces with large useable volumes. To ensure large areas can be drained quickly and safely the units feature multiple inputs along the kerb line.
To reduce the challenges of climate change, the widespread transition to innovative, energy-efficient water management solutions is on the horizon. For those involved in building and design – contractors, architects, and designers – this presents a significant opportunity. Consciously selecting sustainable drainage materials, particularly those incorporating recycled polymers, not only demonstrates a commitment to the environment but also plays a critical role in making urban landscapes climate change resilient.
Duraproducts fosters circularity by creating environmentally friendly products that play an active role in reducing climate change. For more, visit https://www.duraproducts.co.uk/